Timber Retaining Wall
The timber lattice is providing an ecologically friendly solution to retaining the considerable bank that rises to the front of the site |  |
Preparing The Site
The site is levelled in preparation for the pile foundations for the frame |  |
Timber Arrives
The Douglas Fir timber arrives at the framing yard |  |
Framing Commences
The timbers are laid out, the joints marked cut then pre-fitted |  |
Roof Framing
The roof timbers have had the joints cut and are pre-fitted before being marked and the off-set peg holes drilled |  |
Foundations Are Laid
As the timber frame is post borne above large ground floor beams, this enables the economic use of a micro pile system of foundations. As the site ground conditions were difficult, this system kept the structural costs to a minimum. |  |
Scaffolding Is Erected
The scaffolding provides safe working platforms for the carpenters during the frame raising as well as the following trades. As the site is on a steep slope, there has been a scaffolding deck provided in order for the frame elements to be assembled prior to lifting them into position with a crane. |  |
The Completed Frame Is Delivered
The frame is delivered to site as a kit of parts. All the joints have been cut and pre-fitted and in this case each timber has been planed and oiled prior to raising. |  |
Frame Raising
The timber frame elements are assembled on the scaffolding deck and pegged together. |  |
Frame Raising
The first crossframe is lifted into place by the crane. |  |
Frame Raising
The curved roof timbers are lifted into place and their joints pegged tight. |  |
Frame Raising
The oak deck joists are fitted. This part of the frame will be exposed to the weather, so durable green oak has been specfified in these areas. |  |
Closing In
The primary frame is now complete, and the site carpentry has commenced with the floor joists being fitted. |  |
Closing In
The roof has been constructed to provide a sheltered space under which to work.
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Straw Bales
The straw from a local farm arrives for the wall construction. |  |
Straw Bales
The straw bales are carefully laid to construct the walls |  |
Straw Bales
The bales are built around the window opening sub frames. |  |
Straw Bales
Attention to detail, especially the connections between the straw bales and other building elements is crucial to ensure weather tightness and thermal performance. |  |
Straw Bales
The straw bales have a natural lime based render applied, that will protect the straw with a breatheable hard finish. |  |
Lime Rendering
The first floor bales are lime rendered using modern spray equipment. |  |
Lime Rendering
The first floor has now been rendered, and timber battens are attached |  |
Membrane Attached
Following the lime render, in order to protect the straw bale walls where they are most exposed at the first floor level, a breathable membrane is attached to battens prior to timber cladding. |  |
Cladding And Glazing
The cladding is now complete, and the upper glazing to the clerestorey is being fitted. |  |
Good Weathering
The deep eaves and careful detailing will provide generous protection to the walls from the prevailing weather. |  |
Internal Work
The internal walls are insulated with sheeps wool and the double glazed units are fitted to the joinery. |  |
Interior Work
Internal partition walls are being built, and ceilings fitted. |  |
| Interior Work |  |
The Completed House
The new house is warm and light. The frame has mellowed, and the house is feeling comfortably lived-in. |  |
The Completed House
The fitted kitchen sits well within the frame layout |  |
The Completed House
The soft lime render, exposed primary frame and contemporary slot window exemplify the character of this house. |  |
The Completed House
The rear elevation shows the timber cladding to the upper storey, oak framed balcony, curved roof, slot window and lower storey rendered walls. An interesting mix of materials and forms. |  |
The Completed House
The view from the front, access is gained to the first floor through the glazed conservatory frame. Click here to see more pictures. |  |
