House Packages

The classifications of house packages are based on the timber frame being used. Most timber frame companies prefer an open panel system in their house packages. These are basically structural panels forming the inside load bearing leaf of the cavity wall. These panels are manufactured in factory conditions and then brought to site and fixed together to form a rigid structure. They are made from softwood timber framing over which a structural sheet material such as plywood or orientated strand board, known as the sheathing, is fixed with a vapour permeable but waterproof membrane fixed to the outside. They are delivered open on the inside, hence the name. In the open panel system-powered house packages, windows and doorframes are usually fixed on site. And the insulation is installed between the studs after the house is weathertight and the electrical and plumbing carcassing has been finished.

On the other hand, the closed panel system can be seen in the house packages, prepared by Scandinavian style timber frame companies. Close panel system gives the house packages a ready-to-use status. The best thing about this system is that the panels are delivered fully finished and insulated with the services in and the windows and doors already fixed. The advantage is obvious: the structure reduces the on-site-work quite drastically. The only disadvantage is that you have to go for this closed panel at a very early stage of the design. There is another timber frame system that has given house packages a different dimension. The aisle frame system uses massive structural timbers to provide the main load bearing support with the open panels thus free to act independently. This system acts as single skin construction where a rendered finish with timber plants is needed.

Green oak framing is also instrumental in giving house packages a new look and a new identity. This system uses a massive oak skeleton that is then infilled with urethane panels and made waterproof by a system of perimeter trims and water bars before being rendered on the outside leaving the timbers exposed. If you are opting for house packages powered by timber frame, you have to make sure that these materials are included in the package: soleplates, damp proof courses and clips, structural external/internal wall panels, floor joists and flooring, complete pre-fabricated roof, sarking boarding (available in only Scotland and closed panel systems), wall ties, brickwork lintels, vapour barrier, cavity barriers and closers Insulation, external joinery, internal 2nd fix joinery, doors, skirtings, architraves etc. As far as all groundwork and substructure materials are concerned, those aspects will be taken care of by your self-builder.