The enthusiasm for timber-framed houses continues to grow. However, a new trend is gaining importance: the mixing of materials. Why choose to combine wood and concrete, for example, when building a timber-framed house in the Southwest? Maisons SIC, builder of individual houses in the Southwest for over 50 years, explains.
Wood, a popular material in the Southwest
For the past ten years or so, wood has established itself as a leading material for the construction of individual houses. Its natural charm, energy efficiency, and lightness make it a preferred choice for individuals concerned about ecology and comfort.
A wooden house built in the Southwest is appealing both for its warm aesthetics and its reduced environmental impact.
Wood offers many technical advantages.
It naturally regulates the indoor temperature and offers excellent thermal and acoustic insulation.
Its low thermal inertia promotes rapid temperature increases in winter, while it retains coolness in summer. These qualities are perfectly suited to the climatic variations of the Southwest, where both mild winters and protection from intense summer heat are valued.
Choosing wood also means opting for a local and renewable material. The wood species come from sustainably managed French forests, often certified. PEFC ou FSCThey contribute to reducing the carbon footprint of construction. By naturally storing CO₂, wood helps combat climate change, a key issue in the building sector.
- Also read : : 10 reasons to build a brick house in the Southwest.
the architectural potential of wood opens the way to modern and tailor-made projects. Timber frame, natural cladding or mixed structure: wood adapts to all styles and all terrains.
This flexibility allows experienced manufacturers such as Maisons SIC, builder of individual houses in the South-West, to offer projects that are both sustainable, efficient and perfectly integrated into the regional landscape.
Wood is therefore not just a material of the future: it is already the present of more responsible construction, capable of combining comfort, aesthetics and energy efficiency.
The limitations of a 100% wood construction
While wood is increasingly appealing to homeowners, it is not without its drawbacks. A wooden house built entirely of wood in the Southwest may encounter certain technical, climatic, or regulatory limitations.
These constraints do not negate its advantages, but they encourage us to consider a more balanced approach, combining several materials.
Wood, a living material, evolves over time. It reacts to humidity, heat, and temperature variations. In certain areas of the Southwest, where winters are wet and summers very hot, this sensitivity requires special attention.
Facades, in particular, require regular maintenance to preserve the color and durability of the cladding. A house built entirely of wood must therefore be designed to minimize these effects, which can increase the cost and maintenance in the long term.
Another constraint: thermal inertiaWhile wood provides excellent insulation, it retains little heat. As a result, temperature differences between day and night can be more pronounced, especially in summer.
In a climate like that of the Southwest, it becomes wise to incorporate materials with high thermal inertia, such as concrete or brick, to stabilize the interior temperature. This combination ensures optimal comfort without compromising energy efficiency.
Finally, regulatory requirements — in particular those of the RE2020 — encourage the search for a balance between bio-based and mineral materials. The objective is to reconcile carbon reduction, structural strength and fire safety.
That's why many builders in the Southwest are now opting for hybrid structures, combining the best of wood and concrete.
These challenges do not call into question the success of wood, but they do highlight the need for a holistic approach. A well-designed house is not necessarily made entirely of wood, but rather a structure where each material finds its rightful place to guarantee performance, durability, and comfortable living.
Timber frame house construction in the Southwest: when a mix of materials is essential
In the region, the construction of wooden houses in the Southwest is evolving towards a new model: that of complementarity. Mix wood, concrete, steel or brick This allows us to get the most out of each material while respecting environmental and structural requirements. It is no longer a clash between tradition and modernity, but an intelligent alliance serving comfort and sustainability.
Wood brings its lightness, insulating properties, and positive carbon footprint. Concrete, on the other hand, offers valuable thermal inertia in the climates of southwestern France. Together, they form a high-performing duo. A timber frame on a concrete foundation, for example, guarantees greater stability and protection against ground moisture. This type of combination also improves fire resistance and extends the building's lifespan.
From an architectural standpoint, mixed-use development opens up a vast creative field.The combination of wood and metal creates modern, airy, and elegant lines. Wood cladding softened by mineral structures creates harmonious and natural contrasts. This approach appeals to both architects and individuals seeking a personalized and eco-friendly home.
But this combination cannot be improvised. It must be anticipated from the project design stage. The success of a mixed construction project relies on close coordination between the architect, engineering firm, and builder. The junctions between materials, thermal bridges, and moisture management must be carefully studied.
This is where comes in the expertise of Maisons SIC, builder of individual houses in Gironde (but also in all other departments of Nouvelle Aquitaine), which has been supporting tailor-made projects for more than 50 years.
Thanks to his mastery of mixed media techniques, Maisons SIC designs homes adapted to the climate of the Southwest and to new environmental standards. Far from being a trend, mixed-use construction is becoming a true guarantee of quality and durability for today's timber-framed houses.
Maisons SIC : the expertise of custom-built construction
The success of a timber-framed house construction in Southwest France depends on the builder's experience and technical expertise. This is precisely what we offer. Maisons SIC, builder of new homes in the Southwest, which has been supporting the projects of families wishing to build a sustainable and personalized home for more than half a century.
His expertise allows him to adapt each construction to the nature of the land, the local climate and the expectations of the owners.
Maisons SIC The company champions a bespoke approach where each material is chosen for its specific suitability. Wood ensures comfort and energy efficiency, while concrete or brick provides robustness and thermal mass. This complementary approach, considered from the initial design stage, guarantees homes that are aesthetically pleasing, sturdy, and environmentally friendly. The company also works with regional partners to prioritize local sourcing and the quality of the materials used.
Beyond the technical aspects, Maisons SIC is committed to a comprehensive approach to responsible construction. Each project is designed for to meet the requirements of RE2020, reduce the carbon footprint and offer high energy efficiency. In a region like the Southwest, where sun and humidity coexist, this balance between bio-based and mineral materials makes it possible to build healthy, sustainable and comfortable homes in all seasons.
Choose your favorite Maisons SICIt means trusting a long-established player in local construction, capable of combining tradition and innovation.
