What we build
Timber frame is a very flexible method of construction and can be used efficiently and beautifully to create large open spaces. Our principal specialism is the design, construction and installation of heavy post and beam structures. These types of timber frames are generally made from Green Oak, Douglas Fir and occasionally Larch. As primary structures, they are usually exposed within the insulated building envelope which is often constructed from conventional softwood stud frame panels and can be directly glazed by reliable modern techniques that offer flexible opportunities for lots of natural light and unhindered views. We build them with traditional hand cut carpentry joints inspired by medieval carpentry, such as mortice and tenons, held together with oak pegs. The species of wood used to construct the frame will influence the connection design that often drives the timber sizes within the frame. It’s these aspects that characterize the style of the frame, its overall look and feel, from pared down to extravagant.
Oak frames can contain curved braces, crucks, cambered or cranked tie beams, jowl-head posts and tapered principal rafters. The shape of these timbers, often regional in origin, have evolved due to the timber available such as the flared root stocks for jowl posts, grown and swept stems for cruck blades, curved limbs for braces and collars or long tapering logs for posts and principal rafters. These historic timber forms are part of the visual language of this ancient craft.
Douglas Fir or Larch frames can be more efficient at spanning larger distances than oak and lend themselves to simpler, plainer post and beam structures with less variation in member sizes.
Contemporary post and beam frames
Metalwork is often used in combination with timber to form efficient structures, particularly for large span roof trusses. There is a wealth of traditional techniques developed during the industrial revolution that combine the structural efficiencies of both materials leading to elegant structural solutions that minimise redundancy in the timbers used. We often call upon these examples for inspiration and reference as well as more contemporary use of large flitch plates, modern mechanical fixings, tie rods and stitch bolts for example. Although many of us would agree these structures have a modern feel, the combination of steel and wood has a long heritage, capitalised on by innovators such as Isambard Kingdom Brunel and Camille Polonceau.
Engineered Timber Panels & Beams
We have witnessed the growing adoption of engineered timber products in UK construction over the last twenty years or so, not surprisingly in line with the rising demand for sustainable development. These products are pushing the boundaries of what timber can do in beam and panel form as positive ecologically friendly alternatives to higher carbon footprint materials such as concrete and steel. Timber and timber based products are potentially some of the most sustainable building materials on the planet. Adopting these materials is enabling the development of large efficient structures that have the potential for neutral carbon footprints, and can even be recycled as build elements, extending their service life and captured carbon further.
The TFCo have been building an increasing number of more contemporary timber buildings over the last decade or so that incorporate traditional post and beam frames with engineered timber products such as GLuLam Beams, CLT (Cross- Laminated Timber) solid timber panels and structural enclosure panels in composite elements such as LVL (laminated Veneer Lumber), I studs and joists, some of which have won prestigious awards. We have a number of case studies in our portfolio that exemplify these kinds of hybrids where TFCo have provided clients with timber based superstructures that are built and insulated entirely of wood and wood derived products. TFCo have frequently delivered the superstructure from slab to structural shell.
Ecologically Forward Construction
Following the resurgence of green oak framing and increasing mainstream interest in sustainable construction from the early 1990’s, our mission has been to explore and develop the use of a greater range of locally sourced softwood timber species that are recognised under British and European standards for structural post and beam framing; principally Douglas Fir and Larch. We have seen the commercial availability of a greater range of UK grown softwood timber species for cladding and decking increase exponentially which is a positive development. We have supported a number of UK based campaigns with Tom Barnes of Vastern Timber, such as Wood for Good, and Wood for the Trees. While the growing use of timber is extremely positive, it will require us to meet future demands by significantly increasing commercial tree planting. You can find out more about the developing situation concerning the future of our national timber supply as outlined in The National Wood Strategy For England .
Much of our research and development has been carried out working with self-build clients committed to building houses with alternative materials and forms of construction as sustainably as possible; constructing well insulated, healthy living spaces. Many of these buildings have been based on simple post and beam structures that support the floors, walls and roofs that have enabled the use of low impact natural infill materials such as straw bale, hempcrete, rammed earth, limecrete, using finishes in lime mortars, clay plasters with natural breathable insulants such as wood fibre, hemp fibre, recycled paper and even denim. These projects have afforded us the broad experience and credibility to be able to support our clients confidently in taking these materials and techniques forward in professionally constructed buildings, ensuring they meet current regulations and performance criteria. We are proud that some of these buildings have won prestigious awards.
