Timber Frame Manufacturers in Norfolk
Delivering Timber Frames For Build Projects & Extensions Across East Anglia GET IN TOUCH ABOUT TIMBER FRAMESOur Timber Frame Manufacturing Process
Site visit & quote
Design
Manufacture
Deliver
We can deliver your timber frame structure directly to your project site within East Anglia. All our timber frame designs are drawn up by an expert structural engineer.
What are timber frame buildings?
Timber frames are an alternative to traditional masonry construction. They are a quick and efficient option for new builds or extensions and are extremely popular with self-builders. They are also gaining significant popularity among developers.
The timber frame system consists of using boards of timber structure which are nailed together to produce the frame of the house. The frame itself is usually built in a factory offsite and then assembled on-site.
Why Choose a Timber Frame?
- Fast lead times – timber frames are quick to manufacture and install
- They can speed up your build time – once the frame is up and the roof is on your structure will be water-tight. Bricklayers can be working on the outside whilst plumbers and electricians are working inside!
- They’re thermally efficient – wood is naturally warmer than traditional concrete blocks saving money on future energy bill
- Reduce foundation costs – a timber frame only requires 50mm cavity space for insulation (compared to 150mm for traditional block work) reducing the dimensions and material cost of your foundation
- Increased accuracy – with panels manufactured off-site to the exact dimensions, you can be confident of an accurate finish.
GNTF Timber Frames
As well as traditional timber frames, ETE is excited to now offer GNTF Timber Frames.
Designed by Gangnail (who supply the connector plates and software for our roof trusses), we can now make timber frame wall panels using the same software, connector plates and press as we make our roof trusses.
Perfect for extensions and new builds, especially for the self-build market, GNTF has a number of clear advantages:
1. Speed
Whilst you’re preparing your groundworks and getting your site to DPC level, we’ll have carried out site survey, done the design work and begun the manufacturing process. In a single delivery, you will receive both your roof truss kit and GNTF kit including wall panels. It’s possible to get an extension up that same day!
2. Cost
GNTF doesn’t require structural components like OSB and breather membrane that traditional timber frame needs. It is supplied hollow so fewer materials and less labour are involved in its production making it cheaper than traditional timber frames.
3. Stronger
Because of the way GNTF is manufactured and stitched together using Gangnail connector plates, it is far stronger than traditional timber frame panels.
4. More thermally efficient
Traditional timber frames are insulated between the timber studs. These studs present as cold spots making the overall structure less thermally efficient. GNTF can be wrapped around with insulation so it is more thermally efficient with no cold spots.
5. Reduction in waste
Insulating traditional frame structures creates waste in the form of off-cuts. Wrapping GNTF with a whole sheet of PUR board or Celotex reduces the amount of waste going into skips.
6. Flexibility of finish
Once wrapped in insulation, there are numerous ways to clad/finish your building. You can batten and counter batten over and through the insulation using long screws and fixings, with your choice of cladding on top (timber, cement board). Alternatively, you can finish with a traditional cavity and brickwork skin.
If you’d like to find out whether GNTF is suitable for your project, send over your drawings/plans and we will happily conduct a feasibility study and, if suitable, provide you with a quote.
Manufacturing your timber frame
We take care of the whole process of getting your timber frame project designed and manufactured. A structural engineer will take care of drawing up the plans and we will manufacture the timber frames on site at our Watton workshop.
Your timber frame will be delivered straight to your site across Norfolk, Suffolk, Essex and Cambridgeshire. Each panel is numbered making construction of your building really quick and easy. In fact, your house could be built in just one day!