Timber Frame Extension Design: Expert Advice and Guidance

In this blog...

We’ve spoken about timber frame extensions before. In our earlier blog post, we put together a full guide on (almost) everything you need to know before building a wooden frame extension. 

In that guide, we revealed what a timber frame extension is, its benefits and even how timber fairs against the more commonly used brick.

But for this blog post, we’re going to be focusing on the design aspect, offering our expert advice and guidance for designing a timber frame extension.  

Blending the Timber Frame Extension With Your Home

If you close your eyes and think of a timber frame extension that has been built onto a brick house, how does it look? Are you imagining a normal looking home with an oddball wooden structure glued to the side of it? Well, that’s what you want to avoid. 

A successful timber frame extension design starts with making sure your extension looks great alongside your home. 

Countryside home with timber frame extension built at the side.

Now this doesn’t mean you have to disguise your timber-built extension to ‘look like brick’, though you can do this, you just need the house and the extension to blend well together. 

How do you blend your house with a timber frame extension? Aim for a cohesive look. To do this, carefully consider the exterior colours, existing roofline, windows, cladding and the entire exterior of your home, and design your timber extension to match. 

Insulation and Energy Efficiency 

When people ask what brick does better than timber, one answer is that brick is more able to retain heat.

This means that proper insulation is going to be a crucial factor in your timber frame extension design. And to improve energy efficiency further, start by exploring these solutions:

  • Adding renewable energy sources (solar power, etc)
  • Including energy-efficient windows 
  • Researching well-sealed construction techniques 
Door and window of small timber frame house extension.

If building an energy-efficient dwelling is important to you, see our earlier blog which details the benefits of living in an energy-efficient home

Go For an Open Plan

Wooden frame house extensions are known for their flexibility – their quick build time and simpler construction process make them an ideal solution for lots of people. 

So if ease and functionality are important to you, when your extension is set up and ready to go, you could consider an open floor plan to make it so that your timber extension keeps on giving. 

Open plan kitchen.

When people come to us with a desire to enlarge their property space and improve their home life, our expert advice would be to build an extension and adopt an open floor plan in the home. 

After all, the benefits of open-plan living are tough to beat.

  • It can improve light and air quality in your home 
  • Better family life or life with housemates 
  • Add value to your home 
  • Make entertaining at your place easier 

A timber frame extension and open-plan living go hand in hand. 

Maintaining Your Timber Frame Extension 

As well as offering our guidance for designing a timber frame extension, we’re also going to be offering expert insights on how you keep one maintained. 

Firstly, know that timber is susceptible to issues like rot and decay, so proper moisture management is vital. To keep your timber safe from moisture-related issues, create and keep good ventilation, prioritise drainage solutions and address any water leaks fast.

Side house extension made from timber frame construction.

With wooden frame house extensions, it’s a good idea to keep up a regular cleaning and inspection routine. 

To keep it clean, get rid of debris and dirt on your timber extension, though avoid abrasive cleaning products to best protect the wood.

When inspecting your extension, keep an eye out for opportunities for moisture to reach your wood, such as leaks in the roof and close vegetation, and ensure your guttering is functioning as it should. 

Embrace the Timber

Yes, timber frame extensions, and even timber houses for that matter, are gaining in popularity, but even still, if you choose to build your own timber extension, you’re part of a unique club, embracing this exciting construction method. 

open plan home interior with a wooden theme as seen by the floors and countertops.

So one more of our expert tips is to accept the timber aesthetic with open arms – complete your timber frame extension design with a rustic and natural interior vibe

Use things like exposed wooden beams and trusses in your design and aim for a general feel of warmth, creating a part of your home that is filled with character. 

Final Thoughts

What are the key design considerations for a timber frame extension? Alongside structural integrity, some key design considerations for a timber frame extension include maximising space, allowing natural light, creating a functional layout that works for you, and making a perfect link between the existing property and the extension. 

Building a wooden frame extension is easier when you can benefit from an expert’s perspective. Here at Bespoke Construction Group, we work with the best architects, tradesmen, and designers to design and build something incredible for you and your family. 

For our help with your construction project, reach out to us today. 

Looking for expert advice?

If you’re interested in any of our wide range of services, you can easily schedule a free consultation with us for no-obligation advice