ᐅ Constructing Incorrect Timber Framing

Incorrect Timber Framing Construction

An old brick house – not a timber-framed building – must be insulated according to the requirements of the building authority in compliance with the energy saving regulations; unfortunately, the original appearance will be lost in the process. We don’t like brick veneer (and the ones we somewhat like are beyond our budget), and plain plaster would simply look awful in the middle of the forest. The responsible forest ranger suggested: “Why not create a fake timber-framed house?”

The basic idea is to apply an external insulation system (styrofoam) as required, then attach appropriate “wooden boards” on top, with plaster applied in between. This way, the house would blend in with the surroundings again. Unfortunately, no one can tell us how to technically implement this, especially how to fix the wood to the external insulation system without damaging the insulation or causing thermal bridges, etc.

Does anyone have any ideas or – even better – experience with this? I look forward to your reply.

Best regards
Mara

Hello,

maraclaus schrieb:
...An old brick house – not half-timbered – must be insulated according to the requirements of the building authority in compliance with the Energy Saving Ordinance; unfortunately, the original appearance is lost in the process.

Why, since it is an existing building? What is the building authority’s justification?

maraclaus schrieb:
...
- Now the responsible local forester had the idea: "Just create a fake half-timbered house." The main idea is to apply an external thermal insulation composite system (ETICS) using polystyrene as required, then add corresponding "wooden boards" on top, and plaster between them. This way, the house would blend back into the landscape.

Certainly not a building professional, but the idea is quite helpful and feasible if ETICS is mandatory, which I doubt.

Best regards.

Hello, well, we cannot avoid insulation—it was difficult and expensive enough to preserve the little house (just to mention: the hourly rate of the construction and administrative law attorney was 400 € (about 430 USD), and we spent almost two years fearing the house would have to be demolished and that no rebuilding would ever be allowed on the property—AFTER already investing a six-figure amount!). We also have numerous conditions to meet, including insulation (which certainly makes sense with a 24cm (9.5 inch) masonry wall). Interior insulation is impractical due to the building’s dimensions—the house is small and narrow.

Of course, our local forest ranger is not a construction expert, and we are looking for an affordable and sensible solution. We quite like the forest ranger’s idea. However, as mentioned, there are difficulties with the technical implementation. The house is located in the forest, within a nature reserve; ordinary plaster, which would probably be appropriate in a typical residential area, would be a visual disaster here, and we want to avoid that. It also needs to be financially feasible.

Best regards,
Mara

maraclaus schrieb:
.... And we have several requirements; including insulation (which certainly makes sense for 240mm (9.5 inches) masonry walls).

Given this starting point, external insulation definitely makes sense, regardless of any requirements.

maraclaus schrieb:
.... Of course, our local forester is not a construction expert

He is not, but his idea is quite useful.

maraclaus schrieb:
.... But it also has to be affordable.

What high expectations do you have? The effort is manageable and can certainly be done as DIY work.

Best regards.

Hello Euro, what are my expectations? - Quite simple - it should look “old” again and blend into the landscape. If the effort is manageable and can definitely be done as a DIY project, then we are back to my original question: HOW do we implement this? So far, I haven’t found any helpful instructions online. For example, how do you fix the wood onto the thermal insulation composite system (ETICS)? Gluing definitely won’t work. Henkel offers very good adhesive advice, but they don’t have any products suitable for this... Screwing it on is probably not a good idea either, due to thermal bridging. And – how do you prevent the wood from warping? Any ideas??

Hello,

maraclaus schrieb:
....HOW do we implement this? ...

Unfortunately, I cannot provide a step-by-step manual, as I simply don’t have the time for that. If I were faced with this challenge, I would know how to approach it.
Overall, this is an unusual special case. Therefore, you are unlikely to find many instructions or guidelines. As a result, one must accept a certain residual risk, which in my opinion is manageable.
A completely uniform surface will not be achievable, since the plaster in the infill (due to volume changes) will behave differently than the applied wood cladding. For this reason, plasters with a high modulus of elasticity should be used here.
Certainly, the anchors will create small thermal bridges. But how significant is their overall share? Barely measurable!
The cladding will require more maintenance over time than the infill.
In conclusion: You cannot have everything; sometimes compromises must be made and their consequences accepted.

Best regards