The Ultimate Guide to Designing a Building with Timber in 2023

Timber is a versatile material that has been used in construction for centuries. Its natural warmth and beauty make it an attractive choice for architects, contractors, and private buyers alike. In recent years, there has been a growing interest in designing buildings with timber, due to its sustainability, cost-effectiveness, and adaptability. At NORclad, we are one of the UK’s leading timber cladding specialists working with large national businesses and residential projects to provide a beautiful aesthetic with timber. This article on designing a building with timber, will explore how to choose the right timber for your project, from considerations of the site, the environment, the intended use of the building, and the budget.

Choose The Right Type of Timber

There are many types of timber available, each with its unique characteristics and properties. The choice of timber will depend on various factors, including the intended use of the building, the location, and the budget. Some popular types of timber for building construction include Douglas fir, Western red cedar, and European oak.

Douglas fir is a popular choice for structural applications, as it is strong, durable, and easy to work with. Western red cedar is often used for cladding and decking, as it is lightweight, weather-resistant, and has a beautiful grain. European oak is a hardwood that is often used for high-end joinery, as it has a rich, warm colour and a dense, durable texture.

Learn more about Canadian western red cedar in our ultimate guide >

Consider The Site and The Environment

The site and the environment are essential considerations when designing a building utilising timber. The building’s orientation, the prevailing winds, and the local climate will all affect the choice of timber, as well as the design of the building are all important aspects to take into consideration.

For example, if the building is located in a high-wind area, it may be necessary to design the building with extra bracing or choose a timber species that is better able to withstand wind loads.

Designing a building with timber in a wet area requires careful consideration too. In order to protect the timber from moisture-related damage, it is important to choose appropriate timber species that are naturally resistant to rot and decay, such as cedar, redwood, and teak. It is also important to use treated timber, which is treated with preservatives to prevent decay and insect damage. The building design should consider the orientation of the building, the roof design, and the use of materials such as timber cladding and roofing. The orientation of the building can affect how much moisture the timber is exposed to, and a steeply pitched roof can help water to run off more quickly. Timber cladding and roofing can also help to protect the timber from moisture.

Timber is a natural material that expands and contracts with changes in moisture content, which can cause warping, cracking, and decay. It is essential to plan for moisture management when designing a building with timber to ensure the building’s longevity and performance.

Learn how to design a building to withstand environmental conditions >

Use Sustainable Timber from a Reputable Supplier

Sustainability is an increasingly important consideration in construction, and timber is an excellent choice for sustainable building design. Timber is a renewable resource that can be sustainably harvested and replanted, and it has a low carbon footprint compared to other building materials such as concrete and steel.

When designing a building with timber, it is important to choose timber that has been certified by a reputable certification scheme such as the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) or the Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC). These certification schemes ensure that the timber has been harvested from well-managed forests that are socially and environmentally responsible.

Learn more about sustainable timber >

A good supplier will be able to provide expert advice on timber selection, design, and construction, as well as ensuring the timber is of high quality and sustainably sourced.

Here at NORclad, we pride ourselves on being an excellent example of a reputable supplier of timber products and solutions. With over 40 years of experience in the industry, NORclad has a wealth of knowledge and expertise in timber construction.

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Consider The Structural Design and Integrate Timber into The Design

Timber is an excellent choice for structural design, but it does have some limitations. The span and load-bearing capacity of timber are dependent on the species, the size, and the quality of the timber. When designing a building with timber, it is essential to consider the structural design to ensure that the timber is used in the most efficient and effective way possible.

This can involve using engineered timber products such as glulam beams or cross-laminated timber (CLT) panels, which offer higher strength and stiffness than traditional sawn timber. These products can also be prefabricated off-site, which can save time and reduce waste during construction.

Designing a building with timber offers many opportunities for creativity and innovation. Timber can be used to create unique and striking features, such as exposed timber beams, timber cladding, or timber-framed windows. When designing a building with timber, it is important to integrate timber into the design in a way that enhances the building’s aesthetic and functional qualities.

This can involve working closely with architects and designers to develop a timber design that meets the client’s vision and requirements. It may also involve collaborating with timber suppliers and manufacturers to source the right timber products and solutions for the project.

Sustainable Commercial and Residential Timber Cladding with NORclad

Designing a building with timber offers many benefits, including sustainability, cost-effectiveness, and versatility. However, it requires careful consideration of the site, the environment, and the intended use of the building. By following these best practices and working with a reputable supplier like NORclad, it is possible to create a beautiful and functional building that will stand the test of time.

We work with a range of customers, including architects, contractors, and private buyers, to deliver bespoke timber solutions that meet their specific requirements. We offer a wide range of timber products, including cladding, decking, flooring, and structural timber. We provide a wide range of services, including design, fabrication, and installation, to ensure that the timber is used in the most efficient and effective way possible.

Take a look at some of our best work alternatively get in touch with one of our expert team to see how we can help.