Why Timber Frame ?

What is involved when I decide to go Timber frame ?

If you are deciding on a timber frame construction and want to build a new home or renovate an existing building we can provide the design guidance, planning advice and construction expertise to achieve a very efficient thermal envelope. We provide a stress free professional service working alongside you and your design team. The benefits of having the insulated foundation, timber frame, insulation and the airtightness looked after by ourselves is that it leaves the coordination of the remaining trades manageable for any self build. Advancing the project to a stage where the project management for a lot of self-builders is enjoyable and a lot of the stresses are taken care of.

What Services do we offer ?

Our service included, but not limited to:

Developing Timber frame construction drawings from your Architect/Engineers drawings. Planning drawing would be sufficient for our design stage.
Foundation & steel drawings with independent engineering certification.
Insulated foundations Designed, Installed & Certified.
An insulated timber frame structure, with air tightness and blower door testing carried out – achieving a 0.6 ach.
We offer a range of wall options to suit your needs. Our Eco220 & Passive 360 walls are standard but we also offer the 140 wall & 220 wall with alternative insulation and cladding arrangements.

Why Timber frame ?

With varying design factors like build costs, house design and energy-efficiency, it makes Timber Frame Construction the better option.

Timber framing is becoming a popular choice for builders in the bespoke and one off self builds. With faster build times, cheaper than traditional masonry construction methods as a result of reduced labour costs, hire costs and insurance overruns as a result of delay from weather and schedules.

When choosing your timber frame manufacturer Long Life Structures can offer you:

• Ecological and low energy passive homes with precision accuracy throughout
• More cost effective solution on sustainable energy efficient buildings
• Can reduce building by up to 3 months compared to traditional masonry builds
• Healthy homes with attention to indoor air quality & thermal comfort
• All Natural insulations throughout with higher heat capacity and better sound proofing
• Flexibility in design with shorter lead times – Ideal for self builds
• Bespoke homes built to suit your design and needs
• Reduced labour on site with an increased quality control for the structure

What is a Thermal Envelope ?

A thermal envelope is everything about the house that serves to shield the comfortable living space from the outdoors. It includes the wall and roof and floor assemblies, insulation, air/vapor control membranes, a-rated windows, and airtightness measures. It is our experience, technical excellence, professionalism, and integrity that make us Thermal Envelope Specialists here in Long Life Structures, an outstanding and distinctive firm.

What makes us stand out from others ?

Timber Frames are very versatile when it comes to design. The structure can be designed to meet clients’ and architects’ requirements. We have successfully designed many timber houses over the years and ensure there are very little limitations in the design process and can work up the best design to your requirements.

What timescale is involved ?

The speed that timber frame construction allows for is incomparable to many other materials used in the construction of houses here in Ireland. This method of building is considerably faster to traditional on-site methods and very suitable in this climate to get a sealed insulated envelope in considerably less time. Advantages include:
Project timelines are manageable and transparent.
It can reduce costs, reduce waste and reduce wet trades.
Mechanical and electrical services can be planned much earlier to avoid remedial works and delays.
Achieving a weatherproof building in a matter of a couple weeks, ordering of windows and arranging other trades to be on site sooner.

Do we offer additional services separate to the timber frame structure and airtightness ?

We consider ourselves to be very versatile. We can provide the foundations, timber frame structure with a variety of complex roof finishes and facades. Ventilated facades offer a range of materials and finishes to suit bespoke houses and modern extensions we are involved in. We offer both external finishes and internal finishes which will be project specific.

Are Timber Frame homes easier to heat ?

A huge advantage of the Timber frame wall systems we offer is that they are highly insulated, resulting in low heating costs. We use Cellulose, an insulation made from recycled newspapers, that is pressure-blown into the walls/ partitions and roof areas. This characteristic allows it to fit well in tight spaces between walls, structural members and ductwork.

The thermal conductivity and air permeability of the material depends strongly on bulk density, which we achieve. The insulation achieves a high specific heat capacity and the decrement delay/ Thermal buffering provides thermal comfort in both summer and winter. When we mention decrement delay we are talking about taking advantage of the fact that some materials are slower at transferring heat than others.
The cellulose fibres offer excellent acoustic properties while it’s hygroscopic properties regulate humidity, contributing to a healthy, comfortable living environment. It is also proven to give you excellent acoustic performance.

Why Choose Timber Frame ?

A range of framing options available to help you reach the desired target for your build, compliance with Part L and NZEB.

Timber framing in recent years has increased in popularity mainly due to the following reasons:

• A structure that is designed specifically which eliminates over specified engineering
• Pre-empts design issues prior to site through meticulous detailing
• Improved control over health and safety
• An environmentally responsible house which leads to a healthier home and occupants
• Speed on site is significantly reduced, but with a higher control over workmanship.
• A well-constructed and tightly sealed thermal envelope,
• Specifically designed, controlled ventilation system
• High-efficiency heating and possibly cooling systems,
  energy-efficient windows, doors, and appliances.