Improving thermal efficiency

With conventional double cavity block construction, there is only so much insulation that you can put into a 100mm cavity (50mm with 50mm clear cavity) Where as in a 140mm open timber frame you have up to 140mm of spacing between the studs to insert maximum insulation, and still maintain a 50mm clear cavity between the frame and the outer blockwork.

Thermal comparison

Traditional  Construction - typical thermal U value 0.30W/M2K

* 19mm concrete render

* 100mm outer block work

* 50mm clear cavity

* 50mm ridged insulation

* 100mm inner block work

Typical 140mm Timber Frame - typical thermal U value 0.30W/M2K

* 19mm concrete render

* 100mm outer block work

* 50mm clear cavity

* waterproof yet breathable membrane

* 9mm structural integral ply of similar

* 140mm this open stud timber frame

* 90mm quilted insulation or similar

* 12mm plasterboard to finish

With the timber frame option, there is a further 50mm of space within the timber frame to further improve the thermal efficiency of the construction.

Improved U value to 0.16W/M2K

By fitting an additional 50mm of insulation, a thermo reflective membrane and an additional 12.5mm service void and the new U value is down to 0.16W/M2K

Further improvements can be achieved by increasing the timber frame thickness from 140mm to 180mm

Cost savings in heating

Due to insulation being contained inside the inner leaf no heat is lost in the block work. The house is extremely easy to heat and will result in huge savings in heating costs. Thus your home is warmer in winter and cooler in summer, due to its low thermal conductivity.

Dry construction

Timber frame is essentially a dry form of construction which avoids the long drying out period associated with wet construction. A standard masonry construction needs up to 1,500 gallons of water to evaporate before it is dry.