Timber Frame and Modern Prefabricated Construction

Julian Owen Associates have designed houses using a variety of different construction types. Including open panel timber frame, oak, SIPs, thin joint blocks and insulated concrete formwork (ICF). We have an on-going relationship with the oak frame specialists, Carpenter Oak and Woodland but will work with a client nominated company if this is preferred.

Types of Construction

There are several types of timber construction that can be used as a substitute or improvement to traditional masonry construction:

Open panel
Panels are made in a factory from sheets of ply or similar board and sections of timber. They are then assembled on site, with insulation added and a lining such as plasterboard fitted internally.

Closed panel
Complete, whole sections of wall including service ducts, insulation and lining are prefabricated and assembled on site. This form of construction is only suitable for standard, mass-produced designs.

Oak frame
The frame is designed by a specialist and created from hundreds of individual oak posts, beams, struts and ties. Each element has a unique place in the design and must be assembled precisely on site.

SIPs. Structurally insulated panels
These consist of a rigid insulation sandwiched between two boards that are firmly bonded together, to form a strong, structural sheet. The building is assembled on site by craning the boards into place and bolting them together – a ‘flat pack’ house.

Log construction
A modern variation on the traditional log cabin, these are assembled from interlocking logs that also have to accommodate insulation to comply with current building regulations.

Photograph's shows a timber frame designed and built by our timber frame partner, Carpenter Oak & Woodland

Straw bales
It is possible to construct a building out of straw bales that complies with modern regulations and is also highly durable. Julian Owen Associates have used straw bales as part of the design for the new buildings at Stonebridge City Farm in St Anns, Nottingham. Prefabricated panels can be manufactured, to simplify construction and ensure quality control.

If you are considering using one of the above methods of construction, Julian Owen Associates Architect are happy to advise and can carry out feasibility studies to investigate the best method for your project.

Click below for factsheets in PDF format:

Open Panel Timber Frame Explained

Oak Frame Construction Explained

SIPs Explained

Kit and Modern Timber Frame Buildings By Julian Owen

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