When it comes to building a home, there is a wide range of construction methods that you could choose, with a variety of pros and cons for each method.

However, picking which option is best for you and your build will often be dependent on your budget, design criteria and planning permission rules in your local area. In this blog, we explain a couple of different construction methods and what they could bring to your build.

Brick and Block

Brick and block construction is arguably one of the most popular methods of construction seen in modern traditionally built houses. Brick and block simply means the walls consist of two layers – an internal blockwork wall followed by an external wall of either brick or stone. It is usually filled or constructed with a layer of insulation between the interior and exterior walls. One benefit of brick and block is its cost, standing as arguably one of the cheapest construction types. However, it is much slower than frame construction which can be built in a much smaller time frame.

Timber Frame

Timber frame constructions refer to buildings with prefabricated external and internal stud walls, floor joists, and roof trusses that join together to form a complete structural frame of a building. This structure is then cladded in either brick, wood, or cement to protect the building from weather conditions and also act as the decoration for the external element of the home. As mentioned above, prefabricated timber frame construction can be built faster than brick and block construction and can achieve better thermal performance. However, it often cannot deliver the same level of sound insulation and is susceptible to wet and dry rot. This remains relatively low risk though, due to the timber being treated before the build. Timber builds are also associated with posing a higher fire risk compared with other construction types, however, this is not accurate as masonry and steel frame structures are of equal risk. The reason for this is that as timber burns, the other layer of wood becomes charcoal which acts as insulation against heat and prevents further burning so the internal centre of the timber is protected from damage. Nevertheless, if timber frames are not correctly erected, the risk of fire subsequently increases.

Insulated Concrete Framework

Insulated concrete framework is also known as ICF and is often considered ‘the Lego of build systems’. In short, ICF is a construction system that uses purpose-made insulated panels to hold fresh concrete that remains in place permanently even after the concrete is set, to provide insulation to the whole building structure. The benefits of ICF include being highly energy-efficient, exceeding requirements for fire protection, structurally 10x stronger than timber-framed structures, and much more. However, ICF construction is not without its drawbacks; typically, ICF walls are very thick, and whilst this can be beneficial in some situations, in compact areas that have limited space ICF construction might not be the most appropriate choice.

At Arc Design Services, we specialise in architectural design, dedicated to offering a fresh and exciting approach to every project. With this in mind, Arc Design Services can help you pick the right construction type for your project whether this is for an extension, full renovation, or building your home from scratch. Contact our experts today at Arc Design Services at www.archdesignservices.net or 0161 928 4433.