Structural system options
Your choice of build method will impact on your project’s time frame, cost and result. Here are the main systems and how they work
Versatility in terms of design, costs and package options makes timber frame a popular method for self builders.
Key benefits
There are lots of suppliers out there offering a range of package options specifically tailored for self builders.
You can be involved in as much or little of the project as you want – from simply specifying the manufacturer to supply and erect the frame through to buying a turnkey package where the company looks after everything for you, handing you the keys to your new bespoke home at the end.
Buying a package upfront means you’ll confirm costs before work starts, offering you more certainty for overall project budgeting.
The amount of work completed on site is flexible. An open timber frame will have the insulation, services, windows etc installed on site.
Alternatively, closed designs have more elements fitted in the factory.
Off-site manufacture allows groundworks and foundations to progress on site while the structural frame is being cut .
Once delivered to site, the shell can be put together very quickly.
Good energy efficiency and airtightness are easily achievable.
Main considerations
Most turnkey packages don’t include work on site before the timber frame arrives, such as groundworks and foundations.
Changing things once the shell is in place can be complicated and costly – especially if you’ve got a closed panel system.
Set in a beautiful Lincolnshire village, the Blackbourns’ tasteful family home is a cost-effective, energy efficient and spacious self build realised by Turner Timber Frames. Capitalising on an
Key benefits
SIPS are known for providing excellent thermal performance.
Off-site manufacture can help with budgeting and scheduling.
Computer-aided factory-precision to meet bespoke requirements.
You can get panels with windows and doors already fitted.
Groundworks and foundations can take place on site while the panels are being manufactured elsewhere.
Once delivered, the panels can be slotted together quickly.
Panels are lightweight, which offers design flexibility.
SIPS are an excellent option for creating open vaulted ceilings without the need for any structural beams.
The pansls an be paired with other construction methods easily.
Walls can be finished in pretty much any type of cladding you wish, able to create both traditional and contemporary looking properties.
Main considerations
Once the SIPS are craned into place, on site changes are tricky.
Foundations need to be accurately measured and constructed for the panels to slot into place perfectly.
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First-time self builders Charles and Anja Martens wanted to design and realise a unique home exactly suited to the next stage of their lives – and were keen for the process to be as straightforward as possible. The trick would be finding the right firm to help them achieve their goals.
The couple did their research carefully, and after meeting Markus Baukmeier, owner of Meisterstueckhaus, and the UK team, they made their decision. “They are small enough to care, but large enough to be a secure and reliable partner,” says Charles. “The certainty of the fixed cost for the entire package, the German reputation for precision and high quality, and the ease of dealing with a single firm for the whole process of building the house shell persuaded us that offsite manufacturing was the way forward.”