A GUIDE TO
TIMBER FRAME EXTENSIONS
Why we choose timber frame extensions for lasting quality and performance
The expansion of your home is a commitment to the future. It means a larger kitchen to host special occasions with friends, extra living space for a growing family, or new office space for a burgeoning business venture. Whatever it may be, you are investing in tomorrow.
It’s imperative then that however you choose to extend your home, it is done in a way that maximises longevity. At Studio Manifest, we believe that timber frame extensions are the pinnacle of good building and offer a lifetime of benefits. The entire system that we offer – from the natural wood studs to natural fibre insulations – is made with resilience and quality in mind.
Comparatively priced to your standard brick build, and a widely understood building practice, timber frame extensions are simple to adopt and good for the environment, a sensible financial investment, and, most importantly, contribute to better living.
Why opt for a timber frame extension?
1. Quick to build
The brick-by-brick adage doesn’t come from nowhere – it can be tedious to build with brick and block. Timber frame extensions, on the other hand, are much faster to construct. One of the most time-consuming facets of a brick build is that it cannot be laid in adverse conditions, particularly if there is frost.
The construction method cuts both time and cost because it takes fewer hours to build, keeps teams on the ground for a shorter period, and work can proceed in bad weather. Once foundations are in, a 15m2 extension can often be up in 2-3 days, compared to 2-3 weeks for brick and block. The finished structure can also be much more easily adapted later, mitigating delays caused by unexpected changes, and future-proofing your space.
2. Keeps moisture in check
With timber frames, it is possible to get a high level of moisture control which protects your home, prevents mould, and delivers better respiratory hygiene. This is of utmost importance in the UK today, where mould brought about by excess moisture, is causing havoc on our health and the state of our homes – and as we describe below, is only likely to increase as the climate crisis escalates. So, how does making your extension from timber-based systems help? It’s all about breathability.
3. Breathability
Timber-based systems are breathable. This means that they allow moisture to permeate through them rather than trapping it in your home. While great insulation is part of the solution for dampness, it can also help to trap areas of condensation when certain materials are used.
Plastic insulations can act a bit like a damp poncho, it keeps warm air in but simultaneously traps humidity. Whilst ventilation is imperative, having moisture-permeable materials can have a big impact in managing damp, and reducing harmful moisture buildup. This breathability leads to cost savings because it prevents water damage and its resulting repair.
4. More internal space
Walls made with a timber structure are thinner than masonry walls, which allows you to maximise your interior space. Timber has natural insulating properties, but additional insulation can also be added to these thinner structures which not only keeps heating costs down, but can also create as much as 10% space gain for a 15m²2 extension.
5. Stay cool and avoid overheating
Timber’s natural thermal performance helps regulate your home’s temperature year-round – keeping warmth in during winter and excess heat out in summer. This is something that plastic-based insulation doesn’t do. Using timber elements around the home can provide considerable energy savings in the long term.
Breach House
Thread House
6. Toxic resistant
Natural timber is non-toxic and helps to reduce chemical vapours named volatile organic compounds (VOCs) present inside your home. Harmful VOCs can cause symptoms as mild as skin irritations to more serious long-term bodily harm. New constructions are particularly known to build the level of VOCs in the atmosphere, so the more this can be reduced the better.
7. Fire resistant
A common concern with timber-based solutions is that they are flammable. While it’s true that as a raw material timber can be more flammable than other materials, if treated in the right way it should be comparable – if not better.
The timber we use goes through treatment to make it match the performance of synthetic building materials in terms of fire resistance. All the wood we use has been tested to meet UK Building Regulations, as well as European legislation including Eurocodes. This is one particular area where working with an architect helps to ensure that materials comply with the best standards.
8. A sustainable choice
Timber is a renewable material with many environmental benefits. Sustainable sourcing of wood is essential, however, for it to be considered truly environmentally friendly. If timber originates from sustainably managed forests then trees are only cut down when they are fully mature (40-150 years old) and overpopulated within a specified area.
Timber that is harvested sustainably not only captures carbon throughout its lifetime but also requires minimal energy for its processing, manufacturing, and transportation, especially when compared to widely used construction materials like steel, concrete, and aluminium. Additionally, the production of timber frames generates lower levels of sulfur dioxide, carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons, and particulate emissions than those associated with conventional construction materials.
9. Timeless style
Whether you want modern exposed timber accents or an aesthetic that doesn’t relate to wood at all, timber frame extensions are versatile enough to allow you to reach your visual goals. Helping you to blend into the scenery or make a statement when you want to, there are few limitations when it comes to the method – even if you want a classic brick finish.
10. Cost
While build costs between timber frame extensions are on par with brick and block builds, you may find there’s a slightly higher upfront materials cost of timber extensions. While this will not break the bank, some of the long-term disadvantages of a brick-and-mortar build might, so it’s worth careful consideration. It’s a small extra cost considering the long-term benefits and potential cost savings in maintenance and energy use.
The cost of cost-cutting
(based on 15m2 extension)
£2,000-£3,000
The ballpark excess cost of a timber frame extension.
£2000
Approximate value of time saved on site.
£590
The estimated amount saved yearly from an insulated loft.
£816
Cost of running aircon for 4 months a year.
£1200
The average cost of mould removal for an entire home
Studio Manifest Architects is a London-based specialist in Timber Frame Extensions. In fact, it is our go to method for extending your home. This is because it is not only faster and more sustainable compared to concrete and brick, but also creates larger interior spaces. Our work covers architectural design, building services and interior design. If you’d like to talk to us about how a timber frame extension can work for you, please get in touch.
FAQs
Are timber frame extensions cheaper than brick?
Timber frame extensions are often comparable in price to traditional brick-and-block construction. While timber may have a slightly higher upfront material cost, it’s faster to build and can reduce labour and weather-related delays – resulting in potential savings overall. Long-term energy efficiency and lower maintenance also offer cost benefits over time.
How long does it take to build?
Once foundations are laid, a timber frame extension can go up in as little as 2–3 days, compared to 2–3 weeks for brick and block. The prefabricated nature of timber construction also means less delays from bad weather and a quicker overall timeline.
Are timber-based extensions durable?
Yes. When properly constructed and treated, timber frame extensions are highly durable, meeting all UK building regulations. They offer excellent performance in terms of structure, moisture control, and thermal efficiency and will last just as long as traditional builds.
What about fire safety standards?
All the timber we use is treated to meet UK and European fire resistance standards. In fact, large timber sections can perform better in fire than steel, as they char slowly rather than suddenly collapsing.
Is a timber frame extension a sustainable choice?
Yes. Timber is one of the most sustainable building materials available—renewable, low in embodied carbon, and requiring less energy than steel or concrete to produce.
Can I still have a traditional look?
Definitely. Timber frame construction is extremely versatile. You can finish it with render, brick, or cladding to match your existing home or explore modern, exposed timber designs for a more contemporary look.