Visually a timber frame home can have any appearance required, from modern cedar board cladding, render panels or a brick clad structure if the planning department requires. There are no limitations.

To complement the super insulated timber frame we would also offer using our Passivhaus foundation system. This is a great advantage over typical strip foundations since the entire foundation structure is thermally separated from the ground – so no heat is lost to ground. The system also uses much less concrete than strip foundation and can be completely finished within 5 working days – and that’s from an untouched site.

Using our Passivhaus standard windows and doors is also highly recommended, these are some of the best on the market being triple glazed, with U values down to 0.79. We always use these on our own developments since the insulation quality and general build quality is stunning.

Once you have an idea of the type of house you would like, Touchwood are here ready to create an initial design for your low energy dream home.

Often clients approach us when they have obtained planning permission on their plot - we can then use the submitted plans as a starting point for the design, or other times we can assist with the planning application.

To begin the process we will have a meeting to discuss the design and go through the various options available, to create the exact home you require. When the initial idea is in place our designer will work on creating a 3D CAD model of the house which when complete we can export into Google Sketchup format allowing direct viewing on a clients’ own PC. This way clients’ can view the house in 3D at home and see exactly how the design will look. This is a great advantage, allowing plenty of time to think of modifications that may improve the design still further, modifications which are easy to implement at this stage. Typically there will be a few alterations to get the design exactly how you would like, and often further meetings as new ideas come up.

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The build methods we use open up many exciting design options - long spans creating large open spaces or curved roofs built with Glulam beams to create an inspiring contemporary house. Alternatively more traditional cottage type designs are possible, but all have the theme of minimal energy use.

When the client is happy with the design the process is signed off and the house will go into production – taking around 4-6 weeks. Our timber frame elements are then all precision cut in the factory on computer controlled machinery for perfect fit joints designed for simple and quick assembly on site. This frame along with passivhaus standard windows, doors and cladding (if required) will then be delivered to site ready for quick on site construction. Having the whole frame in one delivery minimises transport costs, eliminates the need for a crane (often not possible on small sites) and provides a perfect fit build – these are just some of the advantages we have found our system has over factory panelised frame built houses.

Typically 4-6 weeks after signing off the project the entire house will arrive on your site, with all timber pre-cut and labelled for very quick install time. The installation can be performed by our own team, or more often clients use their own contractors which we are happy to train in the process of putting the frame up.

Pre-cut timber frames simplify the whole build process and bring the build time forward considerably, saving money on site. It also brings strength and stability compared to a panelised build.

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