Timber or block extension?

[user1487671808]

We are considering building a 10m x 4m extension and the builder has suggested a timber frame rather than a more usual brick and block.

Is this a good idea and is there a benefit to having a timber frame that I don't yet understand as it seems strange to me to use anything but bricks.

Timber frame is cheaper and quicker to put up. But are often colder.

Our house is a block and brick built late 1980's house. We built our extension the same way but we used thermal blocks for inner walls instead of regular blocks. They made a big difference, our extension hardly needs heating on in the winter as it is so cosy.

Know a neighbour in our street who built there extension as a timber frame. They keep complaining that it is cold in their extension and have to have the heating on a lot over the winter.

Thanks 8miss so as long as they're super insulated it might be worth thinking about. I thought it might have something to do with the foundations or something but that doesn't really make sense. In my head a house has to be built of bricks to be permanent, timber frames just seem a bit temporary.

We're having a Timber Frame extension built (around 8.5m X 5m). It'll comprise the insulated timber frame but bricks built around the outside. Overall, I think it's going to be a slightly more expensive way of doing things, but we're project managing the build ourselves, commissioning separate trades and doing lots of internal work ourselves (so it should all cost around £100k when a builder in London would charge around £200k). I wanted the peace of mind that timber frame would bring as they're a Which Trusted Trader and well accredited.

Maybe there are timber frames with no external brickwork but most of the ones I see are clad in brick (with the timber replacing the blocks).

Timber framed buildings have become more popular again since the 1970s. This is mainly due to architects turning to older timber framed buildings (pre 17th century) for durable design inspiration. There have been a lot of timber framed buildings on Grand Designs in the last few years, all those converted barns and stylish interiors, the wooden beams can be a great feature providing lots of character. They often need to be designed exactly to your specification which can take longer but then once they're delivered, they're quick to fit together - almost self assemble.
For more detailed information try doing a quick Google search for articles like this one

Many mass house builders use timber frames rather than blocks for new houses - you often can't tell as they will have a brick outer skin or render finish exactly the same as a block build.
They are only colder if they aren't insulated properly and this would equally apply to block built extensions.
The advantages are they are quicker onsite and which means that it can be quicker to get watertight. Easier to produce superinsulated structures however make sure you properly sort out ventilation if this is the case.
The disadvantages are that they are harder to make alterations to once you've started (although I recommend clients try to fix things before they are on site to reduce costs and delays anyway). You need to think about fixings to the wall (basins/shelves etc) and ensure noggins and correct fittings are used (the same as with internal stud partition walls) otherwise they won't have the structure to hold them.

I am considering Timber Frame too, I realise this is a few years ago but did you go with it in the end?.. We are building ourselves and I have been searching online and there seems to very good benefits. This site was very good in particular for anyone else interested: www.qtfhomes.co.uk/services-2/saving-money/

However, I would like to find out for the first-hand experience. Thanks :)