Choosing a structural system
Budget, complexity of design, insulation performance, construction speed, project route: which of these critical considerations could signpost the best build method for you?
WORDS BY
EMILY BROOKS
& CHRIS BATES
Abroad range of factors goes into working out the right structural system for a bespoke home build. The balance could be tipped by a combination of considerations, or it might be a single influence that tilts the scales in favour of a particular technique. There are plenty of minutiae that might set one option ahead of the pack for your project (try a Build It Virtual Training Course or visit a Build It Live show if you want to take a deep dive into this topic).
In general, however, self builders tend to be guided by five key factors when making their structural system choice. They are: cost; design options; build route; how long the project will take; and energy efficiency. So, in this article, we’re examining each of these in turn – before going on to look at some of the most popular construction methods in-depth over the following pages.
1BUILD COSTS
The first question that tends to come up during the Great Build Systems Debate seminar at Build It Live is ‘which system is cheapest?’ The trouble is, it’s also the toughest to answer! Yes, masonry (page 90) and factorymade timber frame (page 91) are familiar, widely-used and usually the most cost-effective for a typical home built to a good standard. But every self build is bespoke, so the real trick is to find the method that offers best value for money across all of your main project goals.