Projects & Information

From a tree to a home. The ambience and warmth of timber is aesthetically pleasing, and is not easily matched by other building materials. Southbroom Timber Homes specializes in the 'TIMBER FRAME' building method. This concept is ideal for use as residential homes, holiday homes, restaurants and hotels.

Timber used to build log homes, is according to building specifications of NHBRC and TFBA, and treated with CCA, to SANS code 1288/1980 (eliminate insect and fungal attack). 'Waxol' treated and timber sealed for water and weatherproofing.

Maintenance & weather proofing:

Simple maintenance is required - periodic application of a reputable timber sealer when needed. Average cost of R1000-00 per annum for a 4 bed unit. Examples exist of log buildings of 200+ years.

Interior painted drywalling will require the same painting method as for any brick house with plastered interior walls. Any paint effects and good quality interior paint can be used on the drywalling. The exterior will need a reputable timber sealer and/or varnish, and a timber house does not need more frequent painting with these products than any brick and mortar built house needs paint. In conclusion, a timber house does not require more or less maintenance than brick and mortar homes, and in reality, the new long-life coatings withstand the elements much more efficient than a decade ago, and the maintenance cost is lower and much more efficient.

Timber tested for water penetration and fire, to SANS code 082. Waxol treated and timber sealed. The South African climate requires a timber building specification that is specifically adapted for our climate, and the SANS 082 Code of Practice for Timber Buildings is an approved system. A complicated process, undertaken by sawmills, is used to treat timber with a Copper, Chrome Arsenate (CCA) liquid, as the timber is treated in pressure vessels using vacuum pressure to replace the air (which was extracted first), in the cells of the timber. This process eliminates fungal and insect attack, and the further use of Waksol F provides excellent weatherproofing. The application of timber sealers thereafter, provides even more efficient weatherproofing.

Cost & advantages:

Cost efficient, quick and adaptable to any sloping, unstable ground.

South African forests are protected by law, and a regulated cycle of planting and felling is used, which makes the supply of this valuable resource continuous, without damaging the eco-system. Timber once was a living tree, and it retains this characteristics after it is used to build a home with, and the atmosphere of warmth and 'life' remains. The insulating qualities of timber is perceived as a positive factor, as it feels cool in summer and warm in winter.

Plans & erection:

From your vision to sketches - an architect will supply you with plans. Plans can be changed according to your satisfaction. Electricity and water supply to the building site will be addressed (if not already in place).

We begin with your ideas of your dream home, as people all have different needs and taste. An experienced architect will draw up plans to suit your lifestyle. The erection of a timber home is relatively fast, and from start to finish, the average 3 bedroom house can be built in 3 months or even less. Building of a timber home is a clean procedure, as there is little or no need for the mixing of mortar and the use of bricks. Stone cladding for definition on corners, etc., can be added, for a different 'look'. We regularly make use of river stone retaining walls, as it works well with timber. Generally, any type of finishings can be used, such as tiles, cement-fibre cladding, wooden floors, and various types of timber caldding for the interior of a house.

Additions:

Ease of additions to structures - rooms, decks and walkways all easy to 'add' to an existing house. Timber houses built on poles make for easy building below, as the 'roof' already exists. Any existing timber or brick and mortar house can be successfully 'added on' to, with the timber-frame building method. Plans can be drawn up, to the requirements of the addition. Additions are generally simple to do, depending on the quality workmanship of the existing building, and are finished in a short time. Decks lower than 1,2m, and boardwalks need no plans, and as such can be done immediately.