Preferred house construction methods and materials

Here are some details of the different house construction methods we can use to build your house:

Brick and block:

This is the most popular structural system and building route in the UK, accounting for around 70% of all new homes. It consists of an outer brick skin and an inner block skin held together with wall ties. Internal load-bearing walls are also made of blocks, while timber studwork is used for non-load bearing walls.

Timber frame:

Around 25% of all new homes in the UK are built using a panelised timber frame structural system. Timber frame construction is a popular choice in areas rich in timber resources such as North America and Scandinavia, and it comes with some good environmental credentials.

Steel: Steel

frame construction is a relatively new method of construction in the UK, but it is gaining popularity due to its speed of construction and flexibility in design.

Structural insulated panels (SIPs):

SIPs are a modern method of construction that are gaining popularity in the UK. They consist of a rigid foam insulation core sandwiched between two structural facings, typically oriented strand board (OSB). SIPs offer excellent thermal performance, air tightness, and speed of construction.

Insulating concrete formwork (ICF):

ICF is another modern method of construction that is gaining popularity in the UK. It involves stacking hollow foam blocks or panels, which are then filled with concrete to create a strong and thermally efficient structure. ICF offers excellent thermal performance, air tightness, and sound insulation.