Lightweight Construction

A lot has been heard about earthwall and strawbale construction among environmental groups. But have you considered the simplest form of construction . which is lightweight timber framing. for your new home or building addition

Timber framing is a versatile, environmentally sustainable method of construction. Some of the advantages of lightweight timber framing are:

1. Timber is an easy material to handle and work with . framing can be easily adjusted for future alterations or additions to your home

2. Timber is readily available as a natural product from renewable resources . plantations of trees absorb carbon emissions

3. Lightweight framing is suitable as a method of construction on reactive soils, sloping sites, and in earthquake prone areas

4. Timber frame walls can be only 12cm thick . so valuable floor area is not lost by having very thick external walls

5. Timber framing is a low energy system of construction

6. Framing can be erected quickly . an owner/builder/labourer and a carpenter can build the frame of a 3 bedroom home in about one week

7. Frame buildings can be de- constructable (or relocatable) as whole buildings

8. Timber has a wide range of structural uses and appealing finishes . and it can be re-used many times

9. Lightweight framing can be used for walls, roofs and floors . and it performs very well in all climates if properly insulated

10. Timber is a stable material which does not conduct heat/cold

11. Services (power, water, etc) can be easily ducted thru frame walls, roofs and floors

12. Lightweight buildings can save on the cost of footings

Lightweight timber construction has many advantages. For further information contact Jack Metcalf, building consultant

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