Solid wood homes

Solid wood construction differs from traditional frame construction methods.

What is a solid wood home?

There are several different solid wood systems available, but one of the key features of solid wood construction is that the walls comprise profiled interlocking timber planks which may be solid, laminated or an assembly of two planks joined by a bridging member. These planks are completely finished in the factory.

The walls are constructed by stacking planks one on the other until the required wall height is reached and locking the walls roof and floor with proprietary systems. Thus the walls provide the structural support (gravity loads, uplift and lateral bracing) for the house, as well as the internal and (often) external faces.

Solid wood external walls can range from 45 mm to 205 mm thick, with internal walls ranging between 45 mm and 115 mm. Ceilings (sarking) use solid timber approximately 35 mm thick. Insulation is provided in a variety of ways including thicker timber walls, insulation in a cavity between inner and outer walls, or insulation between the inner wall and the outer cladding.

A light timber frame wall is constructed of a frame of regularly spaced vertical members (studs) and horizontal members (plates and nogs).  This frame is then clad externally with weatherboard, brick or stucco etc, and lined internally with plasterboard. The cavities in the timber frame are filled with insulation material. Gravity loads, uplift and bracing requirements are met by approved construction components and details.

Every house built in New Zealand, no matter the building system, must meet the requirements of the New Zealand Building Code.

The Solid Wood Group

The Solid Wood Group is an industry group that is made up of four companies (Fraemohs Homes, Intalok, Lockwood, Organic Building NZ) in partnership with New Zealand Pine Manufacturers Association.

The Solid Wood Group has commissioned and published research as to the many inherent benefits of solid wood buildings.

For further information visit the Solid Wood website