Deciding on house construction...Blocks, Timber etc

Arddon

We have just gotten planning permission for a new build, and the next step in the process is, if I am correct, Construction Drawings from my Architect.
Its likely this will not commence until after Xmas.

I have been wondering, at what point in the process, is it decided upon the construction of the house?

And how is this decision arrived at?
There are surely some factors to take into consideration to arrive at a decision...how are these evaluated?
Is it only after this decision that construction drawings are commenced?

I know I could just go & ask the Architect, but I would like to hear some constructive views first prior to going back to wrecking his head...:)

mike_2009

What about deciding it based on thermal performance? What heating load are you aiming for? Then you select a particular construction method based on it's ability to meet those targets. There are a lot of standards, Passive House, Near Zero Energy etc, go have a look at a few this weekend - google "NZEB open doors" and book a few near you and ask the owners. You may want to build fast (at least once onsite work starts) so factory build might be an option, otherwise what methods are your preferred builders best at? You want to match the expertise and the method while delivering a house that performs for the next 50+ years as expected. The Architect will calculate a BER but it's a theoretical aspiration, PHPP requires a proven air tightness test, usually 3 at different stages of the build.
For me I've a good idea I want timber framed and I've a few companies that factory build them lined up for the tender stage when I reach it. Anyway, there are many good methods to building - do you want to be "green" or consider a heavyweight vs lightweight construction method? You'll get more replies here I'm sure but once finished several could meet your needs and perform as well, so apart from price, does it really matter?!

Arddon

Cheers Mike...

Like yourself I am swaying towards Timber Frame for a few reasons...speed of build, accuracy of build & it lends itself to a self build...I guess I want to be sure its the correct move
What's creating uncertainty with me on TF is - noise levels between floors & noise levels between rooms...but I'm sure TF has improved & there are ways/means around this... Could you PM me the TF companies you have lined up - please - I'd be interested in seeing what they offer...

In terms of thermal performance, TF/Block/ICF etc. should all be able to meet achieve similar rating/performance?
would this be fair comment?

Your last point is interesting...without tendering the same house in different build methods, how can you get accurate pricing for each method...and to tender the house, you need construction drawings/BOQ allowing for the different methods...

mike_2009

Noise can be a factor but there are ways to deal with that using warmcell between walls and something like this for 1st floors:
http://www.cellecta.co.uk/cellecta-b...or-insulation/
I'll PM you details on TF providers
I think most of the building methods have caught up but some lend themselves more to air tightness than others. The Housebuilders Bible 11th edition (book) covers the differences nicely in a few sections. And to think a year ago I thought there was only one way to build a house, cavity wall!!
With a timber framed supplier, you send them the detailed drawings from your Architect and they convert them into their own system, twin stud etc and price accordingly. It's more down to what they include / exclude that can catch you (i.e. some include foundations, some don't!).
They should meet your energy requirements / BER at least if not PHPP if you're going that far. So, let the various builders / companies do the conversion and you can select the best once based on price, performance and other criteria....