Timber framing has become so popular in residential settings in recent years that it’s easy to forget its commercial applications. The oldest known timber frame construction – dating to somewhere between 500 and 100 B.C. – includes both public and private buildings. While some are what we would consider residential, plenty of others are what we think of as commercial buildings.
Structural timber can stand the test of time, which is one of the things that makes it so appealing for commercial buildings. If you build quality commercial timber frame buildings, you can depend on them to hold up to decades and even centuries of use.
What Makes Timber Frame Construction Ideal for Commercial Use?
Timber frame construction is known for its structural integrity and strength. This construction method has experienced a resurgence in commercial construction because it offers significant advantages, including:
Strength
Structural timber framing is strong enough to create large, open spaces that stand the test of time. Many smaller and mid-sized commercial projects – like the Tobiano Discovery Center – use improved versions of traditional techniques to achieve gorgeous results.
However, some builders are taking timber in different directions for larger buildings. Advanced construction technologies have allowed builders to do incredible things to improve timber frame durability. Take the T3 Minneapolis, for example. At the time of its completion, it was the biggest modern mass timber structure in the U.S.
Engineers were able to create a seven-story superstructure of timber and later went on to create several other similar buildings in different cities.
Sustainability
Timber has a major advantage over some other construction methods in the sustainability department. The timber used by reputable builders comes from sustainable sources. Because timber is a renewable resource, builders can highlight the sustainability of their structures which is good for clients, builders, and the environment.
Durability
Wood can certainly degrade due to the elements, insect infestations, and poor construction methods. That’s why reputable builders are careful to protect their structures by sourcing high-quality timber and treating it properly. As long as the timber is treated properly and maintained correctly, it will lead to long-lasting timber structures.
It makes sense for clients to wonder how timber frames hold up to the elements compared to other building methods. But the truth is that timber framing can be built to last. Commercial builders are well aware that other construction methods are prone to degradation as well. Untreated concrete and exposed steel also weather and degrade.
Fire Resistance
While the small pieces of wood in stick framing are quickly consumed in a fire, the same is not true of structural timbers. These large pieces of timber will char on the outside but remain strong beneath the char. This fire resistance makes timber framing less likely to collapse when exposed to flames.
Aesthetics
Nothing looks quite like a timber frame building does. The natural beauty and the expansive interior spaces are unique among both residential and commercial buildings. Businesses and organizations considering timber frame vs steel construction often go with timber frame when they want true natural beauty.
What are the Environmental Benefits of Timber Frame Construction?
Timber is a material that can be replenished faster than it can be used, which makes it an ideal choice for environmentally friendly construction projects. As a renewable resource, it can be used without causing damage to the environment and without depleting resources that can’t be replaced.
Timber also sequesters carbon. The ongoing process of growing timber and building with it removes carbon from the atmosphere and holds it within the timber.
The rise in timber frame construction in recent years has coincided in many ways with green building practices as a whole. Many of the commercial timber buildings you see have incorporated innovations like improved thermal insulation, advanced HVAC systems, solar power, and advanced glazing treatments to create highly efficient structures.
Hamill Creek’s Commercial Portfolio
Our company has been at the leading edge of commercial timber framing for years. Over time, we have been a part of multiple commercial timber frame projects that demonstrate the strength, durability, and beauty of commercial timber framing. These long-lasting timber structures are great examples of what’s possible with this type of construction.
Many of our clients have asked about timber frame durability before committing to a build. Fortunately, we are well-equipped to answer such questions and provide examples that demonstrate the viability of timber framing for all sorts of applications.
You won’t find a more knowledgeable group of timber frame specialists than those here at Hamill Creek. There’s no need to wonder if timber framing will work for your project. Just ask and we will be happy to give you all the information you need to make an informed decision.
Contact Us for Help with Your Next Commercial Building
If you’re ready to explore the exceptional durability and longevity of timber frame construction for your commercial projects, contact our passionate timber frame specialists today. We’re more than just experts; we genuinely care about helping you build a space that stands the test of time.
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