1 Timber frame construction: An overview 4 Timber frame construction: An overview ‘Timber frame is method of construction. It is not a system of building although there are a number of well researched systems which use timber frame as & basis, Timber frame construction uses timber studs and rails, together with a wood-based sheathing, to form a structural frame which ‘transmits all vertical and horizontal loads to the foundations (Figure 1.1 ‘The exterior cladding is non-losdbearing, although it may contribute to wind resistance; it is used te weatherproof the building and to provide the desired external appearance. Figure 1.4 PiaTRADA Technology Timber frame construction, In the UK, timber freme construction generally uses factory-manufactured vrall frames and roof trusses, of, in some cases, roof panels, with only a few specialist companies making and erecting framas on site. The extent of factory prefabricetion can and does vary considerably; from the prevalent so called ‘open panels’ consisting of simple sheathed stud panels with breather membrane, to the Jess common ‘closed panels’ which include insu- lation and internal Linings and may also include components such as joiner and eometimes also cladding. Floor and roof panels may also be factory. piefabricated as open panels with simple joists or rafters and sheathing panels, or as closed panels with insulation, linings eto fitted in the factory. Economic and functionel issues typically dictate the choice between open ‘and closed construction, The selection of an appropriate arrangement is an erly decision in the design process. ‘Timber frame primarily developed in the UK for house building, although it is also widely used for buildings such as hotels, hostels, clinics, nursing hhomes, schools, student accommodation, offices and similar structures. 1.1 Methods of construction Platform frame is the most commonly used method in the UK. Bach storey is framed with floor-to-ceiling height panels and the floor deck of one floor becomes the erection platform of the next (Fgure 1.1}, This book conoen- trates on design and construction principles of the platform frame method. ‘The prefabricated wall panels can be either small units (up to approximately 3.6 m in length), designed to be manhandled into place within health and safety guidelines (Figure 1.2a) or up to full elovation-width panels with or ‘without ancillary components for placing with a crane (Figure 1.3). On-site stick build smatl pane} construction is also utilised in the UK (Figure #.2b), on: a Small panels; b On-site stick bulld Figure 1.3 Platform frame construction: Large panels.1 Timber frame construction: An overview ES EEE Other types which may be used include: Floor-!o-floor panel frame: this is an erection method whereby the wall panels (except for the topmost storey) are floor-to-flooy, or storey height, rather than floor-to-ceiling and the intermediate floors aze hung inside the wall panel (Figure 1.4), This method is not common in the UK but does reduoe orces-sectional shrinkage of timber in the external wall and enables the insulation and vapour control layer to be continuous up the wall face, Volumettic: involves the factory fabrication of box units which can form indi vidual rooms, or larger spaces, complete with finishes and services and which requize crane erection (gure 1.6). This is best suited to repetitive units, such as hotels, hostels or nursing homes. Bathroom pods are the only widespread use of volumetric construction in the UK timber frame industry Pods thet form complete dwellings are not widespread, due to the high front- end cost and the requizement for a large number of repetitive units Figure 1.4 Storey height panels (may be large or small) Post and beam: comprises a loadbearing system of posts and beams with lightweight timber or glazed infil panels (Rgure 1.6). In the UK, this tends to i be used in the specialist ‘traditional appearance’ market, but there are modern timber frame eyetems using post and beam in the UK and elsewhere in Burope. Figure 1.5 Volumetric construction Figure 1.6 Post and beam construction Timber frame panels and other components are usually obtained fiom a Specialist manufacturer/fabricator although they can, loss commonly, be Tsnulactured by the contractor, either offsite or m @ temporary fectory on the site. Most fabricstors have developed their own method of fitting ‘ogether the timber frame components and are able to offer a full building kit \o their own designs, or to designs produced by theit cients. Same produos components to detaile supplied to them and leave responsibility for the Sttuctorel or constructional detailing of the final building ta the designer Whatever the procurement method used, itis important thet the client and ‘supplies egies exactly what the timber fame package will comprise, even own to supply andor fixing of oose items such as noggings and strutting, This chapter provides a broad introduction to timher frame construction; biote detailed consideration is given to particular espects in si nt one is given to particular aspects in subsequentTRADA Technology Timber frame construction 1.2 Modern timber frame Platform frame external wall panels axe constructed from vertical studs, normally at 400 mm or 600 rama contes, nailed with simple butt joints to top and bottom rails, Strength graded timber must always be used: 89 x 98 mm and 140 x 38 min are the most common sizes but 97 x 47 mm sections are flso used, With the increasing neod for eneicy efficiency, even deeper studs {are boing specified. The size of panels dictates the method of construction, eg whether to use a crane for erection. Wind bracing is usually provided by @ wood-based board material, normally nailed to the external face of the frame (Figure 1.7) of in certain cases, by ctoss-racing combined with intemal plasterboard, Alvemative wall designs, using either wood-based oars, mineral fibre boards or fibre reinforced gypsum boards, fixed on the intemal face of the studs t0 provide the wind bracing, have also been developed (Figure 1.7b) and are discussed in more detail in Section 44. Inter ning if required internal sheathing to 0d framework Internal ring Vapour control layer Insulation Ineuation Sheathing to ‘8d framework — High performance breatier membrane Breather membrane lading cladding Ventiaes — Ventilated caviy canty Figure 1.7 Typical wall construction: a (left) sheathing on external face of frame b (ight) sheathing on internal face of frame External claddings can be chosen from a wide range of materials, including brickwork, cement rendered blockwork, tiling, slating, timber boarding, coment render on battens or proprietary claddings. Internal loedbearing and non-loadbeering walls may be constructed simply by using a stud frame lined on both sides with plasterboard or other sheet material, Petty walls are generally constructed from two separate stud frames (twin leaf), with fore inculation between the studs, end room inings of at Jeast 20 mm of plasterboard applied in two or more layers with staggered joints. It is also possible to construct party wells with a brick or concrete block core between the two timber frames; this provides @ method for supporting masonry cladding to walls at steps (changes of level) between buildings. Floor and roof framing are similar to other forms of construction, although the junction detailing is different, The intermediate ‘loors and the roof provide structural diaphragras which, by means of structurally efficient 20 sancti1 Timber frame construction: An overview connections to the walls, contribute to the overall stability of the building, Fioor framing, particulasly for modium-rise buildings, is taking advantage of superdry timber and new materiols with increasing use of engineered timber components, such as Hoists and metal web joists, and structural timber composites, uch as laminated veneer lumber (LVL) or parallel strand umber (PSL) for header joists and rim beams ‘The structural design of all timber frame buildings needs to be approved by fa etructural engineer. The timber frame manufactusers will produce their ‘own drawings priot to panel manufacture, These will have a high degree of accuracy and are often used directly via CAD/CAM systems in the manufac- turing process. ‘The platform frame method of building timber frame favoured in the UK is suited to both low-rise and medium-rise buildings. Medium-tise timber frame (normally up to a maximum of seven storeys) has seen significant growth in the UX over recent years ‘The need for a significant increase in house-building in the UK is generating {interest in modern methods of construction to deliver the numbers of units required, Timber frame is a tried and tested method able to deliver the speed ‘and quality associated with off-site construction. The sustainability and Glimste change agenda is encouraging clients, developers, builders and. cccuplers to recognise the environmental benefits of using @ renewable structural material, This agenda is slso driving requizements for beter ‘thermal performance, in terihs of both insulation and air tightness. On all these counts timber frame scores highly, providing good insulation values ‘and alr tightness in quality construction, using a structural material with proven environmental credentials 1.3 Performance of timber frame construction 1.3.1 Thermal performance ‘The overall thermal resistance of the building envelope is the main factor in Astermining its energy requirement, although other fectors such as ventila- tion contiol, the building form, orientation and efficiency of the heating system, all influence the cost of achieving comfortable conditions, ‘Timber frame conser 3 incorporates high levels of insulation within the structural elements (Figure 1.7) and can achieve U values significantly Detter than the minimum requirements of national building regulations, In der to reduce the amount of water vapour entering the wall, which may Condense as ¢ result of the temperature differential actoss the structure iis ‘Rormal practice to ensure that the internal face (lining) ofthe wall has more Tesistance to water vapour than tho extemal faco of the fame. This is usually achieved by placing a vapour contro layer on the inside face of the stud frame, behind the wall lining but on the warm side of the insulation ‘There ate no differences between timber frame and other forms of construc- tion so far as roof or ground floor insulation is concerned In comme " ‘with all forms of construction, windows and doors should be Giaught-sealed and lobbies should be provided where possible to reduce niilation heat loss. Small cracks and gaps at junctions, eg between 2TRADA Technology Timber frame construction windows and walls should be sealed. Alt permeability requirements end accredited details differ nationelly and local recuirsments should always be checked. Timber frame can achieve low air permeability values with correct, detailing. The lower the air permeability value the more important it is to have a inechanical ventilation end heat recovery system which enables controlled movement of fresh and stale, warm and cool ait into and from the building, A minimum requirement for winter ventilation should be the provision in all rooms of trickle ventilators, usually fitted in the window ame, together with provision for higher ventilation rates in bathrooms, Jotchens and utility rooms, eg ay installing extract fans or passive ventile- ton systems. Insulated timber frame construction has relatively low thermal capacity and therefore a fast response to heat input. In housing where heating is intermit tent, this fast response can result in increased comfort and energy savings However, the most important factor in energy saving, in ell construction types, is to ensure that the heating system is compatible with the building fabric response and the predicted occupancy pattern. Consideration should always be given to using the sun as a supplementary heat source using ‘passive solar design techniques, In the UK it is questionable if thermal mass for energy savings can be realised with any form of construction when considering typical dwelling esign and size. This is due in part to the area of glazing that would be requized and the lack of sun-generated heat during the cold season. There ate timber srame buildings designed that do utilise thermal mass but. a well insulated timber frame dwelling will achieve the desired ambient air temperature, cool or warm, efliciently without the use of thermal mass Since occupants can have a significant effect on the energy efficiency of uildings, designers should provide an operation manual to enable them to ‘obtain maximum benetit from the energy efficiency measures included 1.3.2 Fire performance 1.3.2.1 Fire resistance ‘The fie resistance of a timber frame structure is achieved by e combination of the internal lining material, the timber structure and the insulation, Fixe resistance requirements fos elements of construction aie defined in national building regulations Fite resistance performance is determined by tests carried out to the require- ‘ments of either British or European Standards by a UKAS (United Kingdom ‘Acoreditation Service) approved fire test laboratory. The relevent standards BS 476 Mie tasts on building materials and structures Parts 20 10 24 (or Part 8 for tests carried out prior to the dates specified in building regulations) S EN 1365 Fire resistance tests for loadbearing elements Parts 1 and 2 BS EN 1364 Fre resistance tests for non-loadbearing elements Parts 3 and 2 BS BN 1634-1 Fre resistance tests for door and shutter assemblies 22| | BS BN 1966 Pre resistance tests for service installations (various parts) may also be relevant European classification Is undertaken in accordance with: |Rg EN 13501-2 ire classiiostion of construction products and building tion of data som fire resistance tests, excluding clements. Classi ventilation services. ‘There are other ways of demonstrating fire resistance performance: + caloulations in accordance with BS 6208-4 Section 42 ‘Recomimendations for calculating Sor resistance of timber stud walle and joisted oor constructions 4 design in accordance with Burocode 1-1-2 and Eurocode &: 4 constructions included in the BRE Report BR 128 Guidelines for the construction of fire resisting structural elements ‘+ an assessment of the construction which is acceptable to the building control authority, ‘Thirty and sixty minutes fire resistance are the current normal requirements for low and medium rise buildings, The greater resistance is usually obtained by the use of a double layer of plasterboard, each layer fixed inde: pendently, with the joints staggered. Plasterboard is the most commonly ‘used lining material due to its economy, ease of working, and good fire performance, Other materials can be used, provided an appropriate fire test ‘or assessment has been caztied out, In many timber frame constructions, cavity barriers are required between the timber frome and the cladding to restrict the passage of flames and hot gases if a fie wore to occur in this outer cavity. Internal cavities, eg party ‘wall cavities, also require cavity barriers in prescribed locations. The requirements for cavity barriers are different in Scotland compared with ‘other parts of the UK. 1.3.2.2 Reaction to fire In aduition to fire resistance, it is necessary to control the potential for the Jinings of walls and ceilings to contribute to @ developing fire. This potential {8 assessed through a series of ‘reaction to fire! tests which can be carried ut in accordance with the British or European Standards listed below: BS 476-6 Method of test for fire propagation for products, BS 476-7 Method of test to determine the classification spread of flame of products the surface Note: In some sivaations, Building Regulations call for @ performance Supetior to those defined in BS 476-7. This is designated Class O and can be ‘met by combining results from BS 476.6 and BS 476-7. 1 Timber frame construction: An overviewTRADA Technology Timber frame construction BS EN ISO 1182 Reaction to dire tests for building products. Non combustibility test BS EN ISO 1716 Reaction to fire tests for building products. Determination of the gross calorific value BS EN 12822 Reaction to fire tests for building products. Building products excluding foorings exposed to the thermal attack by a single burning item BS ENV ISO 11925 Reaction to fire tests for building products. Ignitabibty when subject to direct impingement of flame. European classification is undertaken in accordance with BS EN 13501-2 Fre classification of construction products and building ‘elements. Classification of data from lire resistance tests. ‘The requirements are Jaid down in national regulations for different levels of risk which are based on the size and purpose group of the relevant part of the building, The national clasolfications de not equate with the European ones and products cannot typically assume a European class unless thay have been tested accordingly. Table 1.1 shows typical flame spread ratings for cladding and lining ‘materials to national standards Table 1.4 Typical national surface spread of flame ratings for commonly used timber frame cladding and lining materials (Clasatication to BS 476-7 [and ES 4765) [Material ea aero |Coment render Te and slate hanging |Comert-bonded paricleboard Flore coment boards Plasterboara Treated” wood-based materia og softwood, harcwood, plywood, OSB, chipbosr, Imesiumbcard, mdf, hardboard, ofboard [cass 7 irate ict materi 09 sotv00d Jnarcwood, plywood, OSB, chipboard, Imectumboard, maf harcboard, sotboard cast [Tiber or waod-based boards with a densiy| lgreater than 400 kg/m (painted or unpainted) IF “Treatad Tay consist af sana Tiber Iripragnated with fame relardant chenfeals Jcoated wit aflame retardant frish or wood-based pane! products to which treatments ae] lapped during or afer manufacture, by impregnation ofthe bres othe finshed board, by Ite incorporation of ery chemicals ito particle coatings and adhesives or by the [application of surface coatings tothe board 24‘Tne European system allows gonoric groups of products with known and predictable fire performance to be ‘Classified Without Further Testing’ (CWET). This approach has been applied to vatious types of wood products, including untreated wood-based panels as shown in Table 12. Further infor mation ie available ftom FireRetard.Com wurw fireretard.com ‘Table 1.2 European reaction to fire CWET ratings for wood-based panels (from BS. EN 13986) 1 Timber frame construction: An overview [iicad-baced panel mounted without an air gap [BS EN reference [Minimum denaliy [Minimum [Reaction to fire class against class At oF A2st, dO products with minimum aim? thickness (excluding floorings) density 10 kgim?, or atleast class D-s2, d0 products mm lt: minimum density 400 kg/m’ [ose IBSEN 300 [B00 a Be oo [Parideboaras BSENSTZ [600 ie Daz ao [Fiveboads [hardboard jBSENeae —_[o00 fe ibe ao fnedumboard IBSEN as [600 Fe Bee oo joo P IE pane jotboare IBS ENea+ [250 ie IE pase oF JBSENexs [600 ie [D200 Piwoos IBS ENves5 [400 g [D2 00 [Cement bonded parteebowad™ IBSEN 6ae2 [7000 he lest [Said wood pandie IBSEN Tas [400 Hz [p20 [ Gamant content ational 75% by mass [Products can bo treated to upgrade ther performance to European class C or B. There is continual development of suitable product, [The WPA Manual Industral fame retardant eatment of solid timber and panel products gives details ‘There may also he requirements to control external surface spread of flamne in certain buildings. This is, to some extent, affected by building height and use, but is primarily governed by the distance of the building from the boundary, ‘As with any type of construction, it is important thet a fire risk assessment is cartied out before construction begins on site, No smoking, provision of fire extinguishers, training of operatives using blowtorches or other hot ‘trades, as well as the appropriate site security are some of the precautions thot can be taken on a timber frame site. Me performance of timber frame dwellings, TRADA Wood Information Sheet produced in association wits the UK Timber Frame Association contains information on fire safety in lumber frame construction sites and guidelines to assessing risk 1.3.3 Sound insulation ‘Timber frame structures rely to a large degree upon structural separation to Achieve sound techuction, rather than incorporating mass into the structure National building regulations require walls and floors separating dwellings from another building, another part of the building, or another dwelling, to resist aitborne sound. Floors above a dwelling, which separate it from another dwelling or from another part of the same building, not used 25exclusively as part of the dwelling, are required to resist impact sound. The use of approved design detalls or acoustic testing in the completed building is tequited for floors separating dwellings. Sound insulation of walls between two adjoining occupancies Is achieved mainly by the use of two separate stud walls with an air space between them; the studs are plasterboard faced, with a sound absorbent material in one or both of the stud cavities (see Chapter 6). Reduction of aitborne sound through floors separating dwellings is also achieved by the use of an absorbent blanket in the structural floor, a heavy plasterboard ceiling that may be separated from the structure by resilient bare, plus @ floating upper layer. This floating layer also serves to reduce the taansmission of impact sound as do the resilient bars (see Chapter 7) ‘The requirements for airborne sound reduction within a dwelling differ nationally and local requirements should always be checked aizborne sound insulation requirements ate required within a dwelling, labo ratory test reculte will suffice, Internal airborne sound transmission between rooms can be reduced by the use of multiple Linings and/or sound absorbing ‘materials, such as mineral wool, in the stud cavity. Limiting sound transmis. sion through floors within @ dwelling, or other floors, is achieved by the snoorporation of an absorbent blanket in the structaral floor and a prescribed mass in the floor deck. If better results are desired they can be easily achioved by tho use of additional plasterboard end the inclusion of resilient, bars to support the ceiling, Sound transmission levels through extemal walls are normally governed by the presence and relative size of window and door openings, the effective: ness of weatherstripping and the form of multi-glazing, An imperforate timber frame external wall can achieve 45 to 60 decibels sound reduction, depending upon the cladding used. 4.3.4 Durability ‘The long-term durability of any construction must always be considered ae part of the design process, For timber, the potential for decay, arising from high moisture content levels, is usually the major consideration, Timber which remeine et @ moisture content of 20%, or less, is below the decay threshold. Preservative treatment may he specified as an insurance, and may be required by warranty bodies, where timber c sible or difficult to replace. Timber ascecsed as being ot risk of remaining above this moisture content level for protonged periods, eg cladding, should either be a naturally durable species or be treated with preservative ‘The vast majority of low tise timber frame buildings in the UK uses softwoods rated as non-durable (see Appendix 1) for the structural compo- nents. However, properly designed and constructed timber frame buildings do not rely upon preservative treatments for durability. The wall framework {is designed so that st will maintain an equilibrium moisture content. comfort- ably lower than that which could allow fungal growth. It is, however, common practice for the structural components in the external wall to be preservetive-treated as an insurance against any future failure of the weather resistant cladding which might allow water to penetrate to the umber structure, The Building Regulations require softwood roofs in certain 261 Timber frame construction: An overview areas of England to be weated with a ‘suitable’ preservative against the house longhorn beetle. ‘There is no specific requirement to preservative-treat suspended timber ground floor components although these are also sometimes treated to reduce the risk of deterioration if, for example, ventilation aix paths are inad- vertently blocked during the life of the building. ‘Timber cladding and any supporting battens are normally treated with suitable preservatives unless the timber used is sufficiently durable and contains no sapwood. External joinery should be manufactured from Durability Class 3 (moderately durable) timber epecies o: better, or from other suitable joinery species treated with preservative. For further information on preservative treatments see Appendix 1, Section ALS. 1.4 Dimensional discipline 1.4.1 The structural grid The regular spacing of studs, joists end roof members in a timber frame construction leads naturally to the use of a simple planning grid at the design stage. Since most sheathing, lining and flooring materials aie supplied in sheets 2400 mm Jong and 1200 or 600 mm wide, the most obvious structural grids are 400 mm or 800 min. T for wall studs end floor jolsts is 600 mm. ‘most common spacing ‘The 600 mm modular grid is very effective when planning lige buildings (gure 1.6), This can be advantageous in reducing cutzing and wastage of sheet materials but may prove a difficult discipline, especially in buildings that contain a number of party walle between dwellings, or smell buildings where size is dictated by plot size. It is helpful to consult a timber frame manufacturer at an early stage of the building design process and it is essential that the manufacturer be instructed on the dimensioning position Uused in the design of the building before panet design and fabrication commences, /-—Non-mosiuer mo meme memo mo /omteupsnd oa tH > | | | Overat itera wth of m | Bulging I L i 1 | { on | Figure 1.8 Using a structural gia’ on a hon-modular buildingTRADA Technology Timber frame construction When choosing the grid in planning there are advantages and disedvan- tages in each of the three methods below, In practice, there is often a combi. nation of all three methods used. Whichever method is being utilised, i is recommended that the discipline is clearly noted and followed during planning, setting out and the building process. Placing the external face of the cladding, typically brickwork. on the grid gives cleat overall building dimensions and placement for openings in zelation to the externel cladding. The disadvantage is that the designer may ‘wish to determine room size and opening locations according to practical ‘and aesthetic considerations rather than being constrained by the module of external brickwork (see Section 9.3}, Placing the finished wall face, typically plasterboard, on the grid gives clear finished spaces of modular dimensions, which allows the simple fitting of | standard components such as staircases, dootsets and kitchen units. The disadvantage is that setting out dimensions are moze complex since allowance should be made for the thickness of wall linings on all component izes at junctions Placing the face of the extemal structuzal timber frame wall and the timber face of internal walls on the grid simplifies setting out dimensions but produces finished spaces less than the full modular size. It is, however, the method most commonly used by timber frame manufacturers. During this planning phase the designer should be aware of the wall types, their meas- urements and the cavity widths to be included in the building (Rigure 1.9). ‘Wall dimensions aze governed by ‘© Cladding (self-supporting brick or blockwork ox supported by the timber frame) ¢ Extarnal wall cavities (typical cavity width 60 mm for brick and block) 4 Party wall cavitios typical cavity width 89 mm) + Sheathing thickness (typically 9 min) + Swad depth (typically 89 or 140 mm) 4+ Linings (single and/or double for acoustic and fire performance). Internal and party wells may be sheathed and lined. Typically, spaniel party ‘walls are lined but not sheathed, whereas external gable end spanciel panels typically are sheathed but not lined. ‘With the use of 140 mm external walls and 89 mm party/internal walls there may be unwanted steps in the surface of adjoining walls if they are not shifted or the 89 mm wall is not battened out. It may also be necessary to batten out wall around WCs thet contain the services to achieve the specified acoustic performance. Except for the floor zone extending out to the external and party wall cavity, Doth the floor layout and roof design are similar to other types of construc- tion. When planning large open areas in the floor plan and/or unique roof design it is advisable to contact a timber frame manufacturer early in the rooess to discuss loed transfer issues. 28| 1 Timber frame construction: An overview ‘ 9 aera — - q 7 I 1 I = = ee u 4450 2830 ~ External wall panels (140 mm timber) Beal ober ere eee : ieee 3 plasterboard qecral inher tas een ganic i: . sm os8 seating moll} ‘ q ic | CI Stud layout stars at begining of wall with Centre of fist stud at 600 msn, The rerraicing wall studs are at 800 mm centres for xing of standard sheathing Figure 1.9 Example of timber frame wall panel layout j ‘struct ae ' timber face 29 Tt rrr cavlyTRADA Technology Timber frame construction 4.4.2 Vertical dimensions In planning and in setting out important considerations include vertical dimensions (Figure 1.10) the «External ground level 4 Foundation system «Finished floor level + Floor to ceiling height + Opening size and sill type + Floor zone makeup + ‘Top floor ceiling lining +» Roof overhang + Coursing of brick external cladding It is common practice to standardise the panel height and the depth of floor joists in order to maintain constant floor-to-floor dimensions. The ground ‘and top floor wall panels are often of different height from the storey panels between, due to the foundation, ceiling lining, and floating floor where (ied, The variation in joist span capacity is adjusted by altering the joist spacing and/or by using joiste of a highsr strength class timber or structural timber composites (see Appendix 1), Vertical dimensions of wall panels can be arranged to make use of standard sheet materials where possible, and various methods are available to the designer to achieve this. If cutting is necessary, arguably itis proferable to accept cutting the external sheathing to the required size if this enables the internal lining to be in uncut sheets, 4.4.2.4 Brick cladding With standard door and frame components 2.1 m high (other heights are available) a 2100 mm dimension from datum (finished Moor level) to the underside of the lintel fits an increment of 300 min or 4 brick courses. Careful consideration of the brick coursing at the hase is therefore necessary for the ‘coursing to line through at door head level. If the fitst floor levet datum is also a brick course, it enables the coursing to run unchanged to the heads of upper floor openings. However, this is not essential since it causes no difficulty for the coussing above 2.1m to be ‘gauged to suit non-standard brick dimensions up to the sill and head of the upper floor windows Changes in level at steps between adjoining buildings should correspond ‘with brick coursing dimensions to enable the coursing to continue across adjoining buildings. Most other claddings are not affected by vertical dimension rules (soe Chapter 9), 304.980 7.800m 2,309 a.149m § 2 3 g yg il =h a af 8 8 & me zi 3 3 | el & ada ig a} 8s ] 8 ..000,m 34 1 Timber frame construction: An overview Figure 1.10 Example of vertical heights {or a three storey block of fais. For iferenial movement sllowenoes see Chapter 9 and Figure &1, and Chapter 10 i {and Figure 10.8