ENGINEERED TIMBER

Most timber-frame buildings are made with pieces of wood. We decided to go for a more high-tech approach, using engineered timber 'I beams' (the 'I' is their shape in section). These are quite often used as floor joists but we used them for the wall studs as well.

I beams are very stable, so do not suffer from the shrinking or twisting of ordinary studs. They are light-weight, so easy to use on site. They have a very narrow centre, so as wall studs they significantly cut down on the cold-bridging (heat pathways) across the insulation that is stuffed in the walls.

Our I beams were manufactured by James Jones and Sons of Forres, the first company to produce this form of engineered timber in Britain and the only company to have FSC accreditation. See my diary of 02.02.05 for a description of my trip to their factory.

Contact James Jones and Sons on 01309 671111, www.jji-joists.com.

The I beams were supplied through Ridgeons Forest Products (of Sudbury), who offer a wide range of FSC timbers: 01787 881777, www.ridgeons.com.