You’re likely to have a vision of how you want your new house to look but you’ll need a good designer to bring your ideas to life. However, a timber frame designer also focuses on making exact calculations to ensure that the building is structurally stable.

Designers of timber frame structures are trained not only to make complex calculations to ensure structural integrity, but they also understand the unique characteristics of timber, e.g.:

• How it bears loads
• How timber moves with temperature and moisture changes
• How it interacts with other building materials.

Timber frame regulations and standards

It’s worth noting that timber frame structures are subject to specific regulations and standards that differ from those for steel or concrete. Specialist designers ensure that these building regulations are met and that the structure complies with industry standards.

Another key reason why timber frame is so good for self-building is that it gives you design flexibility – take a look at some of our bespoke house designs.

The design potential of timber frame

With a timber frame you can incorporate unique internal features such as exposed timber, vaulted ceilings, and small or large open-plan living spaces.

A general designer is unlikely to have the skills to maximise the potential of timber, whereas a timber frame specialist will know how to push boundaries while maintaining safety and structural integrity.

So, whether you’re looking to build a house with a contemporary minimalist look or a rustic post-and-beam aesthetic, trained designers can tailor the timber frame in line with your vision.