Timber framing is at the heart of Cornwall Timber Construction
With extensive knowledge, qualifications, and hands-on experience, we pride ourselves on delivering fully managed, turnkey construction solutions throughout Cornwall. While timber framing is at the core of what we do, our service doesn’t stop there. We handle the entire process—from groundwork and structural framing to external finishes, roofing, insulation, plastering, and everything needed to hand over a complete, ready-to-use building.
Fast, Modern & Built for Today’s Standards
Timber frame construction has undergone significant changes over the past few decades. What used to have a mixed reputation is now one of the most advanced, efficient and reliable ways to build in the UK. With engineered timber, modern membranes and ventilated build-ups, timber frame offers unmatched speed, thermal performance and long-term durability.
Why Timber Frame Is Faster
One of the biggest advantages of a timber frame is speed.
The structural frame can be erected quickly, allowing us to:
Get the roof on early
Have the structure Weather-tight fast
Begin first-fix work weeks or even months earlier
Keep the project moving regardless of the weather
Because the frame seals the structure, internal trades can progress while external masonry is still being built.
Timber Frame structures with multiple options for the outer skin
Masonry
We can install a traditional blockwork outer skin with a rendered finish while maintaining a 50mm ventilated cavity between the masonry and the timber frame. This creates a non-loadbearing masonry barrier that protects the timber structure while still allowing the building to breathe.
We fix the blockwork back to the timber frame using stainless steel wall ties, screwed directly into the timber studs. These ties keep both elements working in unison while still allowing for natural movement between materials.
A major benefit of this build-up is the increase in internal floor space.
A typical traditional cavity wall uses around 100–150mm of cavity, which eats into the internal footprint.
With a timber frame system and a 50mm cavity, you can gain roughly 3–5% more internal floor area across the whole footprint of a standard-sized property.
For extensions and smaller buildings, the percentage gain can be even higher.
Because the timber frame is erected and made weather-tight first, we then have up to four months to install the external blockwork skin. This avoids delays, keeps the project on schedule, and gives clients far more flexibility with phasing and budgeting.
Cladding Options
A Wide Range of Finishes to Suit Any Design
One of the biggest advantages of timber frame construction is the flexibility in external finishes. Once the structural frame, membranes, and ventilated cavity are installed, you can choose from a wide range of cladding options—each offering its own style, maintenance level and performance benefits.
Composite Cladding
Composite cladding is a low-maintenance, long-lasting option available in a range of modern colours and textures.
Benefits include:
Extremely durable
UV stable
Doesn’t rot or warp
Minimal maintenance
Ideal for contemporary designs
uPVC Cladding
A cost-effective and maintenance-free solution.
uPVC cladding is:
Lightweight
Rot-resistant
Quick to install
Available in smooth or wood-grain finishes
Perfect for clients wanting a clean, crisp appearance with no upkeep
Natural Timber Cladding
For a warm, organic look, natural timber is a timeless choice.
We work with:
Western Red Cedar
Siberian Larch
Thermowood
Accoya
These products age beautifully and suit both modern and traditional homes. With proper detailing and ventilation, timber cladding can last for decades.
Slate Cladding
Slate is becoming increasingly popular as a modern, hard-wearing cladding choice.
It offers:
Exceptional durability
A premium contemporary appearance
Great suitability for coastal and exposed locations
Fire and weather resistance
Slate can be installed horizontally or vertically, depending on the design.
Battens & Counter-Battens
Creating a Properly Ventilated Cavity
Regardless of cladding type, the performance of the wall depends on correct ventilation. We install a full batten and counter-batten system to create a dedicated airflow zone behind the cladding.
This system ensures:
Consistent air movement behind the external finish
Moisture can escape freely
Breather membranes perform properly
The timber frame stays dry and protected
Longer lifespan of cladding and structure
Many older timber frame issues came from a lack of ventilation. The modern batten/counter-batten method ensures the building can breathe exactly as intended.
Breaking the Old Reputation
Modern Timber Frame Is Nothing Like It Used to Be
Many of the concerns people have about timber frames come from old buildings with poor detailing and outdated insulation.
Today’s timber frame systems are:
Engineered with graded C24 timber
Designed by structural engineers
Built with precision
Protected by vapour control layers and breather membranes
Constructed to strict moisture-management standards
The problems from decades ago simply don’t apply to modern systems.
The Lack of Education Around Modern Insulation
Too Many People Think More Insulation = Better
But Without Ventilation, You Trap Moisture
As insulation standards have increased, many homeowners and even some tradespeople believe they should seal every part of the building to keep heat in.
But a home must be allowed to breathe.
Without airflow:
Moisture from cooking, showering, and living gets trapped
Condensation builds up in walls and roofs
Timbers and insulation become damp
Long-term issues develop
The key is controlled ventilation, not blocking everything off.
Cold Roof vs Warm Roof – Getting It Right
Warm Roof
A warm roof places insulation above the rafters, keeping the entire structure warm.
This allows:
Better moisture control
Reduced condensation risk
Improved overall performance
Cold Roof
A cold roof has insulation between the rafters and depends on ventilation above it.
If ventilation paths are blocked—which often happens when people “over-seal” a home—moisture gets trapped.
We design both systems properly, ensuring moisture has a safe escape route and the structure stays healthy.
Insulation Options
Choosing the Right System for Performance, Breathability & Comfort
Modern timber frame construction allows for a range of insulation types, each offering different advantages depending on the design, building regulations, and client preferences. We work with the three main systems used across the industry: PIR boards, Rockwool/mineral wool, and foil-backed insulation.
PIR Insulation (Rigid Foam Boards)
PIR (Polyisocyanurate) is one of the most thermally efficient insulation materials on the market.
Ideal for achieving high U-values with minimal thickness.
Benefits:
High thermal performance (excellent R-values per mm)
Saves internal space due to reduced thickness
Lightweight and easy to install
Works well in warm roofs and framed walls
Often used when hitting strict energy targets
Best used for:
Warm roof build-ups, sheathing layers, or walls where space is limited but performance is essential.
Rockwool / Mineral Wool Insulation
Rockwool is a breathable, fire-resistant, and sound-absorbing insulation made from spun stone fibres.
It’s often the best choice for moisture management and acoustic performance in timber frame buildings.
Benefits:
Highly breathable (reduces the risk of trapped moisture)
Excellent fire resistance
Outstanding soundproofing
Fills studs fully, reducing gaps
More forgiving around services and awkward areas
Best used for:
Internal and external timber frame walls, cold roofs, floors, and areas where fire and acoustic improvements are priorities.
Foil-Backed Insulation Systems
Foil-faced insulation works by reflecting radiant heat and improving airtightness when installed correctly. These systems often combine a lightweight core with reflective foil layers on both sides.
Benefits:
Enhances thermal performance when used with air gaps
Helps improve airtightness
Lightweight and easy to fix
Can complement other insulation types
Best used for:
Over-stud layers, warm roofs, and hybrid build-ups requiring reflective performance or vapour control.
Choosing the Right Insulation
Every project is different, and the correct insulation depends on:
Required U-values
Whether the roof is warm or cold
Ventilation strategy
Moisture control needs
Acoustic requirements
Internal space constraints
Budget
We design insulation layers to work with your chosen wall build-up, vapour control strategy, and ventilation system—ensuring the building stays warm, breathable, and protected for the long term.
The Big Picture
Energy Efficient • Fast to Build • Built to Last
Modern timber frame construction offers a complete, turnkey solution that combines speed, performance, and durability. Cornwall Timber Construction delivers:
Faster build times – get your project weather-tight and ready for internal work sooner
Higher thermal performance – excellent insulation and airtightness for energy-efficient buildings
Early weather protection – safeguard the structure and internal works from the elements
Safe moisture management – ventilated walls and roof systems reduce condensation risk
Proven long-term durability – engineered timber frames built to last
Flexibility with finishes – from blockwork and render to timber, composite, slate, or uPVC cladding
This is the future of building: fast, efficient, and engineered for today’s environment.
Lifespan & Durability of External Finishes
Timber frame buildings are designed to last, but the lifespan of the external finish depends on the material, maintenance, and exposure. Typical lifespans include:
Blockwork with Render: 50+ years – low maintenance, excellent weather protection, fire resistant
Natural Timber Cladding: 20–40 years – durable, weather-resistant, occasional treatment required
Composite Cladding: 25–50 years – low maintenance, resistant to rot, warping, and UV damage
uPVC Cladding: 25–40 years – minimal upkeep, weather-resistant, fade-resistant
Slate Cladding: 75+ years – extremely durable, weatherproof, ideal for coastal sites
Proven Durability in Europe:
Many timber-framed buildings in Scandinavia and across Europe are 100–200+ years old, even in harsh climates with heavy rain and freezing temperatures. These structures demonstrate that, when designed correctly with ventilated cavities and protective membranes, timber frame is highly durable, resilient, and built to last generations.
Lifespan depends on proper installation, detailing, ventilation, and routine maintenance. Modern methods ensure your building performs efficiently and remains protected for decades.
About Us
Timber framing is our bread and butter – it’s what we do every day and love most. We specialise in sizeable, long-term projects with real visual impact, where precision and structural quality truly matter.
At Cornwall Timber Construction, timber framing is a craft: precision, care, and attention to detail form the foundation of everything we build.
We use advanced techniques and modern tools to ensure every project meets the highest standards of strength, durability, and finish. Laser levels guarantee every frame is perfectly true, square, and plumb, improving long-term performance and appearance.
For us, it’s not just about building – it’s about building properly. Every joint, fixing, and line matters. We take pride in delivering timber structures that are fully engineered, carefully detailed, and finished to the highest possible standard, providing clients with a complete turnkey solution.
Embracing Sustainability: The Future of Timber Frame Construction
Timber frame construction isn’t just fast and efficient – it’s green, responsible, and built for the future.
Lower Carbon Footprint
Timber acts as a natural carbon sink, storing CO₂ absorbed during growth. Compared to steel and concrete, timber dramatically reduces emissions:
Steel: 7–9% of global CO₂ emissions
Concrete: ~8% of global CO₂ emissions
Continuous Carbon Capture
Even after construction, the timber frame locks in carbon, helping mitigate climate change and reduce the overall environmental impact of your building.
Energy Efficient & Cost Effective
Timber requires less energy to produce and construct than steel or concrete. This means lower resource use and reduced operational costs for clients over the building’s lifetime.
Waste Reduction & Circular Economy
Our approach minimises waste on-site and during manufacturing. Timber offcuts and by-products are often recyclable or reusable, supporting a circular economy and sustainable construction practices.
Responsible Sourcing
We source timber responsibly, promoting sustainable forestry and supporting local economies. Our projects benefit both clients and communities, creating a positive environmental impact.
Leading by Example
By prioritising timber frame construction, we set a standard for environmentally conscious building. Our aim is to lead the construction industry with greener practices, improved building performance, and long-term sustainability.
At Cornwall Timber Construction, we deliver high-quality, sustainable, turnkey solutions that combine expert craftsmanship with environmental responsibility. Contact us to learn how our timber frame expertise can benefit your project while contributing to a greener, more sustainable future.
