Alternative house construction methods, a gorgeous timber frame home in the shape of a Yurt
Why alternative building techniques?
The alternative building is mostly understood under the denominator ‘bio-ecological building’ (also called sustainable building) and this can be done in different ways. You can also build a building with well-known building materials such as brick, sand-lime brick, or natural stone that can perfectly carry the bio-ecological label, only if no hazardous waste or chemical substances have been added.
Building with solid wood or a wood frame construction can also be a perfectly bio-ecological construction method. However, with this you have to be careful: most companies (usually readymade house builders) treat the wood with toxic chemicals against insects and mould. However, there are also a number of ‘typical’ ‘bio-ecological building methods’, which are used by far fewer builders and architects. They are not yet much more than pure niche markets, but certainly an option for the future in a world of increasingly expensive fossil fuels.
Bio-Ecological Timber Frame Construction
The term bio-ecological timber frame construction refers only to timber frame buildings with a very good energy performance (low-energy or passive houses), using wood without chemical treatment, and which are also constructed and finished using bio-ecological materials.
How is a timber frame house constructed?
The name says it all. The structure of the building consists of a skeleton of wooden beams. These beams are of limited thickness, both vertically (struts) and horizontally (rails). Together, they form frames. Wind bracing panels are placed against these frames. These absorb horizontal loads, for example in the event of severe wind gusts or earthquakes. The posts, which are positioned every 40 to 60 cm, absorb the vertical load of the roof and floors.
The frame itself is usually made of softwood. The boards inside the structure vary: plywood, OSB, chipboard, cement board, plasterboard… depending on their function. Your pipes are concealed in a technical cavity in the floor or in the wall.
Insulation:
Timber frames are ideal for extensive insulation (very interesting if you build passively, for example). You can insulate extensively without sacrificing living space. The core of the insulation is placed between the studs. But you can also add extra insulation to the outside and inside. This is not superfluous since the battens score less well in terms of thermal insulation. View: Put a timber frame house next to a traditional brick house and you will not see any difference from the outside. The finishing options are also identical. All types of finish are possible: brick, plaster, cladding boards, you name it. On the inside, you usually finish with plaster or loam.
Modern House Construction Methods. Faster, Cheaper, and healthier Building Alternatives
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