The shift towards using timber frames in the initial construction phase is happening because of their environmentally friendly and energy efficient benefits. The advantages for your builder are their ease of use and flexibility. And timber frames are also incredibly strong, looking beautiful when left exposed in the interior, appealing to an open plan new build layout.

There is a commercial reason too why using timber frame construction is becoming more advantageous for architects and builders. Firstly, working around steel has proved very labour intensive in recent years, and its cost as a raw material is high. It is also heavy to move. Timber frames, on the other hand, come pre-fabricated and can be craned in and slotted together on site in half a day, rather than dragging concrete through sites where there might be restricted access. This means less health and safety risks on site, and fewer delays in project completion.

You will find that the other benefit timber has over steel and concrete is its enhanced energy efficiency. Timber is ten times more effective at retaining heat than brick, meaning there is no need for extra insulation. Better thermal performance means a timber home is more airtight, and will conserve energy, reducing your heating bills. Modern timber frame also has better acoustic insulation.

The design of a timber frame can be bespoke, and owing to its strength it is suitable for large open spaces within homes. It is the fabric of choice for the future because it is a low carbon, sustainable material, and will be attractive above all for its beauty, quality and durability.

To demonstrate our commitment to the importance of green build technology, we are writing a series of articles devoted to the subject.  In essence, it is a vast topic, so each blog posted will be dealing with one aspect of green construction, and its associated advantages.

Green build refers to a building’s sustainability and its objective is to reduce the impact of a new building on the surrounding environment and the occupants who inhabit it.  The processes of green build take into account the site’s location, design, construction, maintenance and operation, renovation and demolition of that building.  So effectively, each new green build structure is accountable throughout its life cycle.  As well as the effect on the environment, the green build house must use all of its resources efficiently – becoming a zero carbon home, where waste is reduced, air quality enhanced, water, energy and solar power are saved, and sustainable and natural materials are used.

In our opinion, new technologies in the construction industry are propelling us forward as we are ready to adopt them on all our building sites and future projects.  The advantages for everyone involved greatly outweigh the disadvantages and challenge the traditional construction methods used without compromising on quality, durability and comfort.

We hope you look forward to reading our next blog, which will deal with the benefits of timber frame construction over the classical idea of steel and concrete frame structures.

I would say that the most popular reason for building a ground floor extension is to add a new and modernised bespoke kitchen space.  A lot more time is spent socialising in this space, so an extension is the perfect spot to locate a kitchen.  The previous kitchen space can be renovated and adapted as an open-plan dining or living area.  With a rear kitchen extension, French doors, or exterior folding glass doors can be fitted, so you can easily walk out onto decking and outdoor dining.

A pitched roof on a one storey rear extension means that ceiling heights can be much higher, dramatically altering the sense of space you feel when entering it.  An extension like this can make such a big difference, particularly when skylight windows are built in.  More space and light are the best benefits and improvement you can ever make to your property.  Alternatively, a roof could be pitched on both sides of a large rear extension to add interest.

To build an extension like this is very straightforward.  The actual size of this extension falls within permitted development. This means no planning permission is required.  However, a party wall agreement should be signed by your next door neighbour, giving notice and requesting permission that you’ll be carrying out building work.  And finally buildings regulation approval will also be needed so keeping in contact with Building Control is important.

Before employing a building contractor, it’s best to have some accurate architect’s drawing done, so plans and costs are kept realistic.  A good builder should be able to enhance the design plans of your architect.

Typically, for a terraced house in London, a single storey rear extension will take between 8-10 weeks to build and cost on average £30,000.