Three methods of construction

In Britain, most buildings have been constructed using brick and block and timber frame; these two methods being the norm.

However, in recent times building culture, beliefs and values have changed. Modern Methods of Construction are being used more in the UK, leading to faster, more energy efficient buildings.

Brick and block

Brick and block buildings account for around 70% of all British buildings. It’s still thought of as an admirable method of construction, and has served the UK well.

Brick and block builds are sturdy and typically British.

Pros of brick and block:

· Typically British houses which can be built with character

· Still considered an admirable method of construction

· Often described as the most affordable form of building material – but costs can easily spiral

· Good acoustic performance as the materials are dense

· Ease of sourcing materials and tradesmen

· Build-as-you-go nature means any necessary changes can be made during the project

Cons of brick and block:

· The slowest of the three construction methods

· Weather-dependent build method

· Very labour intensive, with all work completed on site

· Takes good craftsmanship to execute well

· Additional time and costs required to increase energy efficiency

· Due to building by hand, changes may be required

· Costs can spiral, with weather-dependent builds, and onsite experienced tradesmen required

Timber frame

As one of the more traditional building methods, timber frame has been popular within the UK for many years (really since the ‘70s), accounting for around 25% of all new build homes in the UK.

Timber frame homes are an affordable way to build, which is great for builders on a budget. The relatively cheaper price of a timber frame is attractive, and is why this method is so popular.

However, there are extra costs you’ll have to incur with timber frame, such as the cost of insulation and walling. More about that below.

Pros of building with timber frame:

· An affordable way to build

· Accurate upfront costs

· Faster than brick and block, taking 8 – 12 weeks to construct

· Easily-sourced materials

· Easy-sourced tradesmen

· Good for creating open plan layouts

Cons of building with timber frame:

· Extra costs for insulation and walling – plus the time it takes to install

· Labour-intensive, with a lot more wastage on site

SIPs panels

SIPs aren’t new, they have been use in the USA for many years, but, have only been used in the UK for around 25 years.

Pros of building with SIPS:

· Up to 90% less waste on site

· Reduced U-Values

· Savings on labour

· Potentially 7x stronger than timber frame – and 3x stronger than brick and block

· Increased usable roof space – fully-insulated roofs without trusses

· All builds made to the exact requirements you specify – so your project goes exactly as planned

· Accurate upfront costs that are unlikely to change

· Lightweight – ideal for sites in city centres with access restrictions

· Faster installation

· Little reliance on weather conditions

· 60% less timber than traditional builds

· Airtight, with reduced cold bridging

· Potential lower annual energy costs

· Does not degrade or deteriorate over time when erected by experienced staff

· Fire resistant, water resistant, and mould resistant with the correct materials

· Non-toxic with the correct materials

Cons of building with SIPs:

· Precise measurements are required

· As SIPs are prefabricated off site, a lead time of around 8 weeks is required

· Higher upfront costs

· Building with SIPs requires experience

If you found this article useful, please check out the other articles on my blog. If you need assistance with a planning application, etc., please get in touch.

Any feedback is always welcome.