Finding the right build method

Finding the right build method

Traditional

Timber Frame

ICF

SIPS

The four main building routes

First priorities

Building your own home means different things to each and every one of us. Identifying a few key factors is a good place to start when considering a building system choice.

• How much ‘hands on action’ are you looking for?

• What level of experience do you have?

• Where are you on Energy Efficiency and MMC

• How do you want it to look?

• Where are you building and is space a constraint?

• What’s the budget?

Perhaps most commonly referred to as brick and block construction - it’s safe to say its still recognised as the most ‘traditional’ of build routes in the UK.

• Inner leaf of wall carries the load of the structure

• Insulated Cavity

• Outer Wall in Brick, Stone or weatherproofed block work

• Cavity ties and damp proof measures

Route 1: Traditional

Disadvantages...

• Speed of construction.

• Inner leaf block work prone to settlement/shrinkage cracking.

• Workmanship issues in respect of cavities

• Weather dependant

Walling Cost Say £70 -£75m2

Advantages... • Universally established &

accepted system. • Skilled labour easily available. • Materials available locally with

zero notice. • Good load bearing strength. • Acceptable energy performance • Versatile.

Route 1: Traditional Pros and Cons

Route 1: Traditional Variations on a theme

Single Skin Masonry • Can be constructed utilising

thin joint or traditional mortar.

• Fast (only one wall to build)

• Insulated on the external face

Thin Joint Systems • Faster, Easier laying of blocks could

suit DIY. • Easy to trim on site for openings and

lintels • No cement mixers • Less waste • Enhanced Insulation possibilities

through greater area of block. • Increased air tightness & acoustic

properties.

Eco – Credentials:

(Realistically) Poor

Energy Efficiency

Variable

•energy/CO2 •water •materials •surface water runoff (flooding and flood prevention) •waste •pollution •health and well-being •management •ecology

Route 1: Traditional Eco & Energy Efficiency

Route 2: Timber Frame

Timber frame is steadily increasing in popularity and it is estimated that the majority of dwellings in Scotland are built using timber frame systems.

Route 2: Timber Frame Closed Panel System

A closed panel refers to the process of building sections of structure off site in a factory and then craning the sections in to position. A weather tight structure with factory installed windows and doors can be erected in a few hours.

Route 2: Timber Frame Open Panel System

An open panel system is more commonly seen in the UK. The external boarding is fixed to the panel in the factory and delivered to site for erection with the insulation and inner face being completed on site.

Route 2: Timber Frame Pros & Cons

Disadvantages...

• Long procurement process

• Deficiency in on site fixing quality

• Probably not for effective DIY installation

• Transportation and access

• Weathering exposure prior to closure

• Combustibility of part built structure

• Critical setting out of ground works

• Storage of panels on site

Advantages... • Reduced Site skilled labour costs. • Reduced wastage • Quality Control factory

manufactured • Faster build to weather tight stage • Good energy performance . • One supplier for design ,

manufacture and erection. • Sustainable

Route 2: Timber Frame Eco-Credentials & Energy Efficiency

Eco – Credentials:

(Realistically) Mixed – It can be good but use of FSC Timber offset by insulation which isn’t usually green

Energy Efficiency

Good if workmanship is of high quality.

SIP Panels are typically made by sandwiching a polystyrene foam core between two OSB boards to create a structural panel.

• Created Offsite

• Very strong & lightweight panel.

• Standard and whole wall solutions

• Can be used in Walls, Floor & Roof applications

• Can be ‘clad’ in any desired finish.

Route 3: Structurally Insulated Panel (SIPS)

Disadvantages...

• Careful planning and design required.

• Not easy to change adapt or renovate down the line

• Airtight so need good ventilation systems

• Unforgiving to leaks & water problems

• Home Insurance providers still nervous

• Not easily considered for DIY

Advantages... • Ease & speed of assembly. • Avoids additional framing • Airtight • Good thermal and structural

properties • U Values 0.14 w/m2k • Flat surfaces with good fixing

properties • Less waste on site • Uses less raw timber

Route 3: Structurally Insulated Panel (SIPS) Walling Cost Say £75 /m2

Roof Cost say £85 /m2

Route 3: SIPS Eco-Credentials & Energy Efficiency

Eco – Credentials:

(Realistically) Mixed – It can be good but use of FSC Timber is offset by insulation which isn’t usually green.

Energy Efficiency

Very Good.

Insulated concrete form work consists of prefabricated insulated shuttering created using individual ‘Lego’ blocks which are reinforced and filled with concrete.

• Blocks can be of polystyrene or recycled wood product created offsite for on site installation.

• Insulation is permanent and is filled with concrete using a pump

• Systems can be rendered or completed with brick slips externally and receive direct finishing's internally.

• Flexible design solutions, including basements.

• Suitable for DIY

Route 4: Insulated Concrete form work (ICF)

Disadvantages... • Specialised Design • Unforgiving in terms of set out

mistakes • Airtight so need good ventilation

systems and dehumidification • Renovation or alteration not

simple • Pouring process requires good

bracing support and adequate vibration.

Advantages... • Ease & speed of assembly. • Strength • Energy Efficiency • Noise Suppression • Basement Construction • Less Waste • DIY installation feasible.

Route 4: Insulated Concrete Formwork(ICF) DIY Cost

Say £85 /m2

Route 4: ICF Eco-Credentials & Energy Efficiency

Eco – Credentials:

(Realistically) Poor – It’s all concrete and usually petrochem based insulation

Energy Efficiency

Good if workmanship is of high quality.

...and finally