Timber iQ October - November 2019 // Issue:46 | Page 38

FEATURES
Getting timber
frames right
By Dineo Phoshoko
Timber as a building material has a variety of applications, one of them
being timber frames. There are limitless options with what can be
achieved with timber frames from a design and construction point of view.
W
Bissett’s view, timber is an extremely strong and lightweight
building material – giving designers a myriad of options in
bringing their designs to fruition. “Whatever designs can be
achieved with the more conventional brick and concrete
materials, can usually be achieved or even enhanced with
timber,” he says.
Another factor adding to the versatility of timber is the
option to use other materials together with timber and
combining them to suit the desired end result. Bissett is of the
hen designing buildings, architects often push the
boundaries of timber frames – creating ground-
breaking designs. “The timber frame is a really
versatile means of construction and there are no restrictions on
design particular to timber frames, especially on a residential
scale,” explains Jacques Cronje, a specialist in timber
architecture from Timber Designs.
Echoing Cronje’s view is Peter Bissettt, a timber frame
constructor himself, and owner of SA Timber Homes. In
Timber frame structures must be built according to SANS 10082.
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OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2019 //
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