Frame buildings comprise a structure, which forms the buildings’ support in shape. Framing is different from mass wall construction where the building is formed with horizontal material layers such as bricks, adobe, rammed earth, logs. The common materials used for the framing are wood, still, and a hybrid of wood and steel. One of the unique construction styles is the A-frame building with a steep roof, particularly popular as the vacation homes.
Framing is a common way of construction through the implementation of mortise and tenon joinery. Normally the frame is placed on top of the foundation and comprises the following main components as a joist, stud, gable stud, rafter, tie beam, sill and double plates, strut, subfloor. The three basic materials with different qualities are applied to build a frame house.
Framing materials:
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Wood is the most widespread material. Acacia wood is considered to the greatest for the house frame and the number of timber frames houses are rising year;
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Steel frame houses are similar to wood consisting of different components assembled together. And just like the wood, the steel is recyclable material;
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Steel/wood hybrid frame buildings combining the strength of the steel and insulator qualities of wood.
The advantages of the frame houses
Speed of construction. In comparison to the common construction techniques, frame homes can be built in a very short time. After the structure is assembled, it gets enclosed with the panels, then the finishing is done. A short building period helps cut the expenses.
Eco-friendly. Construction wood usage is regulated by the authorities, so it does not bring harm to the environment and steel is also a renewable material. Frame homes are energy-efficient and heat moves quickly around such houses helping to save on heating and air-conditioning and reduce carbon emissions.
Durability. The framing technique has been used for enough years and constantly evolved proving its strength, resistance to earthquakes, typhoons, and fires.
Variety in design. Frame houses are available in any design or structure using different types of materials for external facing such as stone, wood, or bricks. Inside the house, the partition walls are easy to move, replaceable, and rearrange as they are not load-bearing.
A-frame home
An A-frame building is a construction style with a steeply-angled roof beginning on the foundation level and meeting at the top. A-frame homes are particularly popular in wooded regions like Quebec, northern states of the United States, northern Finland, Japanese countryside. A-frame buildings are most commonly used as compact vacation houses, their unique contemporary design, sustainability, and convenience comply perfectly with the natural surroundings and create an extraordinary experience. The need for such an atmosphere made A-frame architecture so popular with Americans of the postwar era and makes them so attractive in modern hectic and technological lifestyles.
Characteristics of A-frame buildings
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Low cost. A-frame homes are easy to engineer, construct, and design;
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Light. The houses are mainly constructed with the large windows and skylights are added to many of them;
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Great for different types of weather. A-frame construction is common for the ski chalets as the snow does not build upon the roofs. The steep roof protects from heavy rains and severe winds;
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Different options for storage space. Even though A-frame houses do not have vertical walls for the traditional wardrobe, there is plenty of unused space, which can be used for storage such as on the floor and under the roof;
Iconic architecture. People are looking for this type of unique experience. If you check the options for renting an A-frame house on Airbnb, you might be surprised how many of them are ‘on stop’ for the whole season.