Designing and Building Efficient Timber Frames - The Efficiency Factor

Energy efficient seems to be a touch phrase in today's building jargon. Of course, all construction today should be energy efficient and timber frames are generally designed and built to be energy efficient. However, the key word in that phrase is efficient.

An efficient design can be large or small, grand or simple, but it should embrace efficiency throughout. The efficient timber frame will begin with efficient use of space, extend to the efficient use of materials, and will be efficient to heat and cool.

During the timber frame design process, the architect or designer will ask questions about how you plan to live in your home. Will it be a retreat, will you have guests (how many and how often), will it be your primary residence? This information will allow them to help you develop plans that work...efficiently.

Choosing materials that are available locally or regionally will make your project more efficient. If your granite has to be shipped from Italy just for your project, the efficiency factor goes way down.

Site waste should be handled efficiently. In minimizing the onsite waste, you maximize the efficiency. If builders are encouraged to purchase enough materials, but not too much, the cost of the project will be kept in line. Timber frames, of course, are naturally site efficient.

Timber frames will also make the project more time efficient. With much of the work accomplished offsite, your project can move forward quickly from sub-floor to enclosed structure. This allows the site work to proceed quickly and with minimal weather delays.

So, make "the efficiency factor" an integral part of your timber frame building process. You'll be rewarded with a home that lives well.

We publish articles on building efficiently on online timber frame magazine and you can review the building process at our blog - Building A Timber Frame