Timber framing has many benefits but none more important than its benefit to the planet. Unlike other building methods, timber framing is sustainable, eco-friendlier and more durable.
Construction continues to be a major contributor to the pollution problem in the UK. The manufacturing of steel and cement alone has a massive impact on the environment — half of the construction industry’s CO2 pollution is caused by the production of cement.
But building is a necessary human activity. After all, we’ll always need new homes, structures and commercial buildings. So how can we cut the UK’s CO2 pollution caused by construction?
By more of our buildings being built using the ancient construction method of timber framing.
Here are some timber framing benefits:
Timber Framing is Sustainable
Timber is an organic building material and it’s produced naturally. So, no huge, pollutant-pumping factory needed.
Not only that but trees increase our oxygen and reduce our CO2 levels, as trees absorb CO2 from our environment.
As trees age, their CO2 absorption levels decrease. But timber taken from sustainable forests for timber framed buildings is good news for everyone, as when older trees are felled, new trees are planted in their place.
Timber Framing is Faster
As timber frames are made in a workshop by timber frame carpenters, most of the construction time happens off-site.
The time it takes to raise the frame on-site is therefore about 30% quicker than it takes to construct a brick and block building — reducing build time, costs and emissions.
Timber Framing is Durable
Timber framing is an ancient building method and structures built this way stand strong for hundreds — even thousands — of years.
In Japan, many timber-framed buildings built more than 2000 years ago are still around. And thousands of timber-framed structures built in England between 400 and 1100 A.D are still standing strong today.
Timber framed buildings are both strong and durable, as well being utterly beautiful.
Timber Framing is Energy Efficient
Timber-framed buildings make more energy efficient places to live, as they are more air tight than other methods of construction.
As less energy escapes a timber-framed structure, homes are more cost-effective to heat in the winter and keep cool in the summer.
Timber Framing is Beautiful
Along with the environmental and energy efficiency benefits, a timber framed structure is timelessly beautiful. The character that a space built from oak creates simply can’t be produced when building with brick and block. From beautiful beams to the comfort of nature close, an oak framed building is naturally stunning, and its character only improves with age.
At Character Oak all our oak is ethically sourced and comes from sustainable, well-managed forests that are verified by the FSC or PEFC. So if you’re interested in reducing your carbon footprint by choosing an oak-framed structure, extension or garden building, email us at hello@characteroakcarpentry.co.uk or give us a call on 01625 347165to discuss your ideas.
