Timber frame house construction is attracting an increasingly diverse clientele. Design, longevity, thermal performance, a relevant response to current ecological issues and regulations…, its many advantages are now recognized and the wooden house is now establishing itself in the French landscape, particularly in the South-West.
Timber frame house construction: excellent energy performance
While regulations require buildings to consume little energy on a daily basis for heating and domestic hot water production, the wooden house stands out. This is linked to the intrinsic properties of the material and the construction techniques used.
Wood, a natural thermal insulator
Wood is a thermal insulator natural material that has low thermal conductivity. By itself, the material prevents heat from escaping from inside the house in winter, and conversely from entering the house in summer. A good way to reduce heating or air conditioning needs.
Low thermal inertia in the wooden house
The constructive mode of the wood frame house offers littleinertia. This means that the materials do not take a long time to heat up or cool down. Compared to concrete or brick, the materials of the wooden house are better adapted to temperature variations. In winter, low inertia allows the house to easily maintain a constant temperature in the home regardless of external variations. Similarly, wood being a so-called warm material, one does not feel the sensation of a cold wall.
Excellent airtightness in timber frame construction
Without good airtightness, insulation has less effect on energy consumption. This crucial performance for a high-performance building is easier to obtain in a timber-framed house than in a masonry construction, and it is easily preserved over time. Similarly, thermal bridges are less frequent.
Simple explanations will help you better understand the Benefits of wooden house insulation
Maintain hygrothermal comfort
Similarly, it is easier to manage humidity in a wooden house. The materials used, the construction method and a good ventilation provide very good humidity regulation. The latter is often synonymous with discomfort in a home, increasing the sensation of heat or cold. In addition, water vapor can degrade the materials of houses. This characteristic contributes to the wooden house offering an environment healthy interior and agreeable.
Boosting effect of the RE2020 regulation on timber-framed house construction
The current environmental regulation called RE2020, which governs the construction of new homes, came into force on January 1, 2022. Aiming to reduce thecarbon footprint buildings by 2031, it requires construction methods and materials with a low carbon footprint and a house that consumes little energy. Wood, a renewable material and bio-based, who stores carbon, meets all the requirements of the regulations. It also anticipates its developments since the regulations evolve in stages, with a next stage in 2028 which should be more demanding. Building a wooden house in the South West Today, it is getting ahead of future regulations.
To go further, read the article “ 10 reasons to build a low-carbon wooden house »
Building a wooden house: environmental awareness
Today, many are turning away from the methods commonly used in construction. Concrete is no longer attractive, and individuals are looking for more ecological alternatives. They want to invest in a healthy habitat, comfortable, warm and durable that will consume little energy. In this quest for a greener habitat, many are seduced by the wooden houses which meet all the requirements that one may have in terms of individual house.
A construction method adapted to difficult terrain
Up to 7 times lighter than a concrete house, the timber frame house It is indeed easier to install on difficult terrain. It allows for a reduction in foundation costs, making it possible to carry out the desired project without difficulty. As land with good soil suitable for construction becomes increasingly scarce, timber-frame house construction sometimes emerges as a natural and appropriate building method.
This topic is developed in the article “ Wooden house: all-terrain construction »
Timber frame house construction companies are booming
Despite a challenging environment, the turnover for timber-framed house construction in 2022 increased by 10,6% compared to 2020, explains thenational survey of wood construction. Nearly 22 homes were built in wood in 200 (individual houses and collective housing). This represents:
– 9 individual houses in the diffuse sector,
– 1 individual houses in a grouped sector
In the housing market, the share of wood construction stands at 6,2% for the year 2022, i.e.:
– 8,0% of detached houses in the diffuse sector,
– 5,0% of single-family homes in grouped sectors
– 5,3% of collective housing.
The boom in wooden extensions
It is nevertheless in the field of wooden extensions and elevations that are seeing the greatest popularity. 11 extensions-elevations were built in wood in France in 300 compared to 2022 in 10, an increase of 340%.
86% of extensions-elevations are carried out on individual houses. The West facade (Brittany, New Aquitaine and Pays-de-la-Loire) remains very dynamic with nearly 46% of extensions-elevations built in France in 2022 being carried out there.
Discover advantages of wooden extensions now offered by the manufacturer Maisons Sic.
6 questions to ask yourself before building a wooden house
1. How to build a wooden house?
Building a timber-framed house most often relies on a timber frame, mounted on a standard concrete slab. The walls are prefabricated in a workshop and then quickly assembled on site. This method reduces construction time and minimizes the impact of weather conditions. A manufacturer like Maisons SIC accompanies the project from conception to completion, respecting the RE2020 standards.
2. What type of wood is best for building a house?
The most commonly used wood species are spruce, Douglas fir, and pine, known for their strength. Douglas fir is particularly valued for its natural resistance to moisture. The wood used is generally treated against insects and fungi. The choice depends on the budget, the local climate, and the desired performance.
3. Building a wooden house: advantages and disadvantages?
Timber-framed houses offer excellent thermal performance and rapid construction. They also allow for great architectural freedom. However, they require careful planning to avoid moisture problems. Facade maintenance may need to be more frequent depending on the cladding chosen.
4. What budget is needed to build a wooden house?
The price of a timber-framed house is often between €1,400 and €2,000 per square meter. The cost varies depending on the level of finish and the type of cladding. However, the speed of construction can reduce some additional expenses. In the long run, energy savings often offset the initial investment.
5. What is the lifespan of a timber frame house?
A well-designed timber-framed house can last over 100 years. The key lies in protection against moisture and good ventilation. Examples of older timber-framed houses in Europe prove this. Current standards guarantee durability equivalent to concrete.
6. Is my land suitable for building a wooden house?
Timber-framed houses adapt to most types of terrain, even sloping sites. Their lightweight construction minimizes stress on complex soils. A soil study remains essential before any project. It allows the foundations to be adapted to the specific characteristics of the land.
The strong trend of offsite construction
The construction as a whole is changing. Today, the off-site construction, East acclaimedAs with timber-framed house construction, all the elements are prepared in a workshop and then assembled on site. This process has several advantages:
An ecological advantage to the prefabrication of wooden houses
Built in a factory, the wooden house offers better material management. Indeed, all wood waste is recovered and recycled. Transport times are also reduced, which reduces the carbon footprint of manufacturing.
Reduction of construction site nuisances
When we talk about timber frame house construction and off-site construction, we are talking about dry die, which only requires assembly on site. Clean, fast and above all quiet, this type of site is particularly suitable for very dense urban areas, where it is often difficult to park. It is also a good way to start good neighborly relations.
An improvement in quality
While construction disputes are numerous, off-site construction greatly reduces risks. Quality is generally there for the greatest customer satisfaction.
We have developed the subject of the Timber Frame House in the South West and its advantages to help you better understand this construction method.
The wooden house: a focus on comfort and design
What mainly promotes the growth of the wooden house is also word of mouth and experience. Many discover the comfort of the wooden house at friends' houses. The wooden house seduces with its charm and its longevity has proven itself. There is no doubt, those who had their houses built in wood yesterday are today the best ambassadors of these extraordinary houses.
