There are plenty of reasons to live in a timber frame home as opposed to a more conventional home. Here are just a few benefits to consider if you’re looking for a new home for your family.
Timber Frame Homes are Energy Efficient
Timber frame homes are constructed using large timber beams, allowing very little temperature transfer between the interior and exterior of the building. This makes timber frame homes much easier to heat and cool than conventional homes. In addition to the simple yet efficient design of a timber frame home, many modern timber frame homes are built using structural insulation panels, or SIPs. SIPs are known for their excellent insulation capabilities, and they can be built large enough to span the space between timber beams. It is not uncommon for SIP’s to attribute up to a 60% reduction in energy costs and a 40% reduction in HVAC systems. The result is a comfortable home that can be easily cooled in the summer and heated during the winter.
Timber Frame Homes are Environmentally Friendly
Timber frame homes are made from sustainable materials, making them more environmentally friendly than conventional homes and other construction projects. Wood is a renewable resource, especially since it can be recycled and used for other construction projects and even recycled back into nature. SIP built homes also offer improved air quality and less airborne pollutants and bacteria.
Timber Frame Homes are Versatile
One of the best parts of living in a timber frame home is its versatility. A well-built timber frame home doesn’t need an interior wall to hold its shape, giving designers almost free reign to play with the available space. The beautiful look of the wood also allows for practically any decor you could want. Of course, you could go with a minimalist aesthetic if you wish; a well-built timber frame home will have its own beautiful style.
Timber Frame Homes are Easier to Build
Any confident construction crew or homeowner can install a timber frame and SIP home once the foundation is complete. Because the timber frame and panels are precision cut at the plant, they fit together quickly and easily. A typical 2500 SQ frame and shell should go up in seven working days or less.
Timber Frame Homes are Structurally Sound
Despite their ease of construction and their almost old-fashioned aesthetic, timber frame homes are incredibly structurally sound. Timber frame homes can last 20-40 times longer than traditional stick built homes. These buildings have withstood earthquakes, storms and tsunamis, and they are highly fire-resistant thanks to the natural fire resistance of of timber. The timber beams that make up the structure are also held together by joints that can withstand a massive amount of pressure, meaning that your home will last for many family generations.
Timber Frame Homes are Beautiful
We’ve talked about the beauty of timber frame homes already, but that was mostly referring to timber’s natural beauty. What we didn’t talk about is how much artistry and craftsmanship can go into such a structure. A timber frame structure gives designers and wood workers the chance to carve intricate patterns and develop some truly beautiful designs. A timber frame home can look very basic, but its very nature can allow you to have something that is truly one of a kind.