In many parts of the world, contemporary and historical, homes have been built with everything from petrified cow dung and thatch roofs to blocks of ice (igloos) and much more. In Australia and many other parts of the occident, the go-to home construction materials of choice have long been either timber frame or block (masonry) construction.
Which one is the best out of the two, and what are their benefits and drawbacks, and which is the best for building a dual occupancy home?
What Are Timber Frame and Block Construction Methods
Timber frame is a method of construction whereby the home’s “skeleton” (the framing) is done with treated pine or engineered wood. The frame is then wrapped with cladding and interior walls are erected. The exterior walls may then have a facade of brick masonry or otherwise, and the interior walls might be plasterboard (gypsum or “drywall”) or perhaps even plaster.
Block construction refers to masonry techniques whereby concrete blocks (or bricks) act as the primary load-bearing structural walls of the home. Likewise, the interior and exterior walls can feature all sorts of materials, but a bare exterior masonry wall is often preferred.
Cost and Time to Develop
Generally speaking, timber frame construction is noticeably cheaper and faster than block construction. Moreover, many builders across Australia and trade workers are familiar with timber framing and carpentry techniques, so erecting a timber frame home can be even faster and cheaper due to familiarity.
That being said, block masonry is slower and more expensive but many qualified bricklayers and other associated trades are familiar with its construction, so it isn’t “bad” by any means.
Thermal Insulation and Energy Efficiency
With high energy prices and a move towards more energy-efficient homes, perhaps the single biggest consideration is the primary building materials of your home.
In this regard, block construction is superior as it offers much greater thermal mass. The walls are much better at absorbing heat during the daytime and releasing it overnight, thus lessening the need for heating and cooling.
Timber frame construction is much harder to regulate. It can achieve excellent energy efficiency when combined with good insulation, double-glazed windows, a good roof construction, and other factors. All other things held constant, however, timber is simply less efficient.
Durability and Lifespan
A home should be built to stand the test of time, but how well it can achieve that and live out a long lifespan depends on the material of choice. Overall, block construction is far more durable and can last for far longer than timber frame. A timber-framed home can last a lifetime, surely, but for practical purposes, it’s important to also look at how resistant each method is to various conditions.
In this regard, block construction is naturally resistant to things like fire, rot, mould and moisture, and rot – all of which affect timber. Moreover, this leads to less maintenance needed for masonry.
Which Construction Method is Best for a Dual Occupancy Home?
All of what we mentioned above is a very brief and general differentiation of block masonry and timber framing construction techniques. Neither is strictly better than the other. They both offer several advantages and disadvantages. These do matter whether you’re building a single-family detached home or “doubly so” for a dual occupancy home.
Figuring out the right construction material should be done quite early on in the planning phases of the development, and it’s best to discuss your options with a qualified and experienced dual occupancy home developer such as Trevor Homes.
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