House using half-timbered technology. How to decorate a house in half-timbered style? Building a house in the half-timbered style: fundamental points

If you don’t know what half-timbered architecture is, then you should remember the characteristic german houses, which appeared in the Middle Ages, but are still popular today. This style is characterized by facades with characteristic dark timber paneling and light wall fillings. Because of the beauty and organic nature of this style, half-timbered construction technology still remains popular in Germany and the countries of Northern Europe.

Properties of modern half-timbering

Construction of houses using half-timbered technology can be confidently attributed to frame housing construction. In fact, this is one of its varieties. IN in this case The functions of load-bearing structures are performed by a frame made of wooden beams. Glued laminated timber is ideal for the frame, as it can easily withstand various deformations. To connect frame elements in the corners and among themselves, special methods are used that give additional rigidity to the entire structure.

Important: the main feature of this style is that metal fasteners are not used to connect the frame elements. Beams and beams are connected using dowels, wooden dowels and other wood products.

A half-timbered frame house can be built from different wall materials. In the Middle Ages, adobe was used to make walls. Today, brick, OSB, and sometimes glass are used to fill the wall structure between the beams. In principle, any material can be used, since the wall itself does not serve as a load-bearing structure. The entire load falls on the frame. Characteristic style - the frame is not hidden in the wall structure, but rather is put on display, being an architectural element. More often frame beams They are made in a contrasting dark color against the background of light, sometimes white walls.

The half-timbered house is very warm. This is achieved through the use thermal insulation materials in wall construction. An additional advantage of such buildings is their virtually unlimited planning possibilities. Since the wall does not serve as a load-bearing structure, partitions and partitions can be easily removed, moved, changing the layout.

Half-timbered construction technology frame house quite complicated due to the peculiarities of the frame installation. However, if you have certain skills in working with wood, you can easily build such houses yourself. In addition, spatial thinking and knowledge of spatial geometry will not be superfluous.

Advice: it is better to build half-timbered houses from a ready-made house kit. If you want to get a high-quality, strong and durable structure, then it is better to entrust the work of assembling the house to professionals.

Advantages and disadvantages

A frame house in the half-timbered style has the following advantages:

  1. The main advantage of such buildings is their aesthetic appeal and unlike other frame buildings. Such houses should be chosen by those who want their home to stand out from the general development with its originality and unusual beauty.
  2. To build any frame house, including a half-timbered one, powerful foundation structures are not needed. A shallow strip foundation or another structure (column or pile-screw) will be sufficient, depending on the geological features of the area.
  3. Since laminated veneer lumber or other wood material that has undergone chamber drying is usually used to install the frame, the structure practically does not shrink. For this reason, the installation of windows and doors, as well as finishing the house, can be done immediately after the construction of the frame. Thanks to this, moving into the house will happen much faster than in other wooden buildings.
  4. Despite the fact that frame structures are exposed, engineering communications, on the contrary, can very easily be hidden inside the wall or floor structure.

Half-timbered houses have some disadvantages, which are also worth mentioning:

  1. Open wooden structures the frame must be processed periodically protective compounds so that their load-bearing capacity does not decrease. So, you will need fire retardants to protect against burning, antiseptic compounds will help protect the wood from rot and damage by insects, and you will also need solutions to protect from moisture.
  2. When building such a house in a harsh climate, it is necessary to thoroughly insulate the walls. As a result, the thickness of the wall structure increases, which entails the need to use more massive beams for the frame.
  3. Ordinary frame houses will cost less than buildings built using half-timbered technology.

Installation technology

When installing the frame, a special technology for connecting wooden elements is used, which only professionals can design correctly. Thus, the following types of connections are used:

  • mann;
  • polumann;
  • corner mann;
  • wilderman;
  • "St. Andrew's cross" and others.

Foundation and frame

Pouring the foundation on the site is carried out independently. In parallel with it, a frame can be manufactured at the factory. It will be much faster if these two operations are performed simultaneously.

After pouring the base and delivering lumber for the frame to the construction site, work is carried out in the following order:

  1. Horizontal waterproofing is required on the foundation.
  2. After this, the top trim is made. To do this, a support beam is installed. It must be firmly attached to the base. Anchor bolts are used for fixation.
  3. Logs are attached to the strapping beam. Rolling boards are laid on the cranial bars fixed to the joists. At this stage it is worth insulating the floor. To do this, waterproofing is laid on the floor structure, and thermal insulation material is placed on top of it in the gaps between the joists.
  4. The floor is covered with a layer of vapor barrier on top, and a rough covering is laid.

Next, the vertical beams are installed. For joining inclined, vertical, horizontal and spacer beams, a tenon connection option called “warm” is used. Wooden dowels are used for rigid fixation. The most common options for warm connections:

  • dovetail;
  • secret thorn.

Further installation of structures is carried out in accordance with the project, observing the sequence of stages. Simultaneously with the construction of the supporting frame, partitions are made, which are also mounted using frame-frame technology.

Fillers for walls

After the process of constructing the frame is completed, you can begin to fill the gaps between the frame elements of the walls. It’s easier to say that the sieve of the walls is being filled.

Stone, brick, elements from cellular concrete(aerated concrete, foam blocks, etc.). In modern houses, in most cases, sheet wood and slab materials, namely OSB, moisture-resistant plywood, cement bonded particle boards, lining, gypsum fiber sheets, etc. When choosing a material for walls, it is worth considering that the products must meet the following requirements:

  • high moisture resistance;
  • excellent strength;
  • low specific gravity;
  • environmental cleanliness;
  • low thermal conductivity.

Important: if you use heavy materials (stone, brick) as wall filler, then this should be taken into account at the design stage, because under such a house you need to lay powerful buried foundations. Foundation calculations must be made taking into account the material of the walls.

When filling the frame, it is worth remembering that from the outside of the walls, the frame beams should be visible, that is, the filling material should not completely cover the entire outer surface of the walls. WITH inside can be used at home different variants, here everything depends on the style of the interior.

If you want to build an extraordinary house, then you can use double-glazed windows as wall filler. As a result, you will get maximum natural lighting in the rooms and a panoramic view of the landscape around the house. However, the abundance of glazing does not help retain heat in the house. Even if you install energy-saving double-glazed windows, in areas with harsh winters this will not help retain heat.

As finishing walls you can use any materials:

  • facing tiles imitating brickwork;
  • plaster with decorative compounds;
  • clapboard covering.

Roof of a half-timbered house

Most often, in a half-timbered house, the usual gable roof. It harmonizes perfectly with the overall architectural style of the house. A characteristic feature of such buildings is the absence attic floor and attic. In addition, half-timbered houses are characterized by wide roof overhangs. They protect the walls of the house well from precipitation, and the rooms from the abundance of sunlight in summer.

The role of roofing can be:

  • euroslate;
  • soft roll roofing;
  • metal tiles;
  • corrugated sheeting

Important: due to significant specific gravity It is not recommended to use natural tiles as roofing.

Home interior

Many people who have never been inside a half-timbered house believe that the inside looks the same as the outside. Sometimes the interior of a house is actually decorated in the same style as the exterior. In this case, white tones predominate in the decoration of the room; the style is characterized by a lot of free space and some asceticism.

But besides this, you can use other styles in decorating the premises of such a house. For example, the high-tech style with its abundance of metallic shine and minimalism is ideal for a half-timbered house. Any metal parts, especially forged items, look quite organic in the interior.

Advice: it is worth considering that beams in the interior can be used not only as decorative element, but also as a basis for hanging shelves, hanging cabinets, installing lighting and other interesting solutions.

Few people can remain indifferent to the elegant appearance of the old streets and squares of European cities. Closely standing neat houses of 2-3 floors, with a deliberately open wooden frame, intricately delineating the whitewashed facade, look cozy and gingerbread.

The word Fachwerk (German) (Fachwerk) literally means frame, denotes a spatial structure of interconnected vertical racks, horizontal beams and inclined braces made of oak or coniferous species. The cells formed by the frame elements were filled with improvised materials building materials: raw brick, mixture of clay and straw, mesh reinforced from willow or a natural stone. The medieval builder did not at all bother with covering the wooden parts of the frame, rather for the purposes of economy, but it was this feature that gave the exterior and interior of the houses individuality and charm. A sort of old Quadratisch. Praktisch. Gut.

The concept of half-timbering in its familiar form was formed about 600 years ago. Having emerged as one of the fastest and cheapest, this housing construction technology turned into an architectural art within 100 years. The lines of the frame acquired a more complex and regular structure, the facades were filled with details for purely decorative, aesthetic purposes, the number of storeys of buildings increased, even entire castles were erected. Despite the apparent lightness and fragility of the structure, many half-timbered houses have served for several centuries without replacing the load-bearing elements of the frame, which characterizes this technology as extremely reliable. And in the usual sense, a half-timbered structure is, in fact, a frame structure.

The half-timbered technology received its rebirth about half a century ago as a kind of response to the demanding demand of those whose eyes were tired of modern reinforced concrete architecture. The basis of modern half-timbering is the Herrenalb system, developed by the German architect Goetz. Houses created using this technology are distinguished by expressiveness, harmony, a memorable exterior and a high level of comfort. Distinctive Features any modern half-timbered structure are wooden frame with massive posts and beams, large glazing area (up to 100% of the area of ​​all walls), panoramic windows“to the floor”, wide roof overhangs. The main feature - open frame elements - makes modern half-timbered wood similar to traditional ones.

Despite the seeming impracticality (of course, because we have it that the larger the glazing area, the greater the heat loss), houses built according to the Herrenbald system are perfect for our climate. New technologies have made it possible not to limit the thickness of the walls due to the use of laminated veneer lumber in the frame racks, and the use of modern double-glazed windows significantly reduces the thermal conductivity of windows.

The technology of modern half-timbering began its cautious march across Russia about 10 years ago. At first, cottage villages appeared near Moscow, certainly of a premium class, aimed at a discerning public demanding the very best. And the point is not that the price of building such a house is very high - building a modern half-timbered building is no more expensive than building a similar one in size brick house. But the point is a cunning move by marketers who took advantage of the novelty of technology and “loaded” the beautiful phrase “modern half-timbered timber” with a bunch of excellent epithets: unique, exclusive, trendy, etc. And as you understand, being chosen and status cannot come cheap.

However, the desire for beauty is inherent not only to a select few, and the novelty of technological techniques and, as a consequence, the lack of a sufficient amount of information, encourages our compatriots to bold experiments. Over time, one of the private developers, paying tribute to the spectacular appearance of half-timbered wood, tried to decorate the facades of their houses with budget stylization, reproducing a layout of boards on them that imitated half-timbered wood. Read about how this can be done.

But let's be honest, imitation is imitation, as the user rightly noted in her comment ArtFamily, independently implementing the project."

ArtFamily FORUMHOUSE Member

Imitation is nothing more than graffiti on the wall; the philosophy (or aesthetics) of half-timbered technology lies not in the layouts on the facades, but in the visible structure itself.

Modern half-timbered– this is not a compromise, this is a young, but already fully formed direction in architecture. And on FORUMHOUSE there are users who realize their dreams within the framework of the principles of the Herrenbald concept - Modern half-timbering. Someone orders a laminated timber construction kit from a factory based on a finished project in order to independently assemble a true modern half-timbered structure. This is exactly what the user Evgeniy Romanov did, nickname - EvgeniyRomanov what he talked about in his thread

EvgeniyRomanov FORUMHOUSE Member

At the time of construction there was very little, and one might say, almost no information on the network about this technology, but I decided to self-construction, and I had to study for own mistakes. Now it’s much easier for people, they often write and call me, and I happily answer all the questions, remembering how hard it was for me when choosing an answer to the questions posed to me in this situation.

Evgeniy chose an insulated Swedish stove as the foundation for his house, which has an area of ​​about 150 meters. Users of the portal who have knowledge of the issue described this choice of foundation as the one that best meets the technology requirements, although not the only one possible. As alternative options MZLF or a pile-grillage foundation with a floor on the ground can be used.

The total volume of glued structures was 28 cubic meters. Moreover, different nomenclature was used for various frame elements. Thus, the cross-section of the corner posts was 300*300 mm, intermediate – 300*180 mm, internal 180*180 mm, 300*180 mm timber was used for strapping. The figures shown show that the thickness external walls at home can be up to 300 mm, and if, in order to increase energy efficiency, the aesthetics of open racks are neglected, then the thickness can be increased.

The frame of a modern half-timbered frame is assembled using so-called scrums, by connecting vertical and horizontal elements in half-tree notches, which are initially cut at the factory in accordance with the project.

In total, such a constructor has about 500 notches. Unlike a traditional half-timbered frame, where the frame contained jibs that ensured its stability, in the Herrenbald system stability is ensured due to the reliable connection of the nodes and high precision selection of notches, guaranteeing a tight fit of the elements in their places. All nodes are connected by through metal pins.

EvgeniyRomanov

The assembly of the half-timbered frame began; first, a waterproofing tape was laid under the timber frame. After the harness itself was installed, everything was leveled with wedges, according to the level and level. Then the beam was mounted to the foundation slab with anchors, and we began installing the first columns.

Given the large mass of individual frame elements, its assembly should be carried out by a fairly large team using a crane.

EvgeniyRomanov

A little advice for those who decide to assemble a half-timbered frame, BUY A HOIST! I've already paid for it 5 times for sure.

Next, the frame was assembled in a logical sequence; after installing the vertical posts, the frame beams were installed, which is the foundation for the second floor. During the construction process, the author’s topic repeatedly raised the issue of cold bridges formed by through metal studs. Evgeniy trusted German pedantry and did not change the project. Subsequent operation showed that when competent system ventilation and operating heating (warm floors), condensation does not form on the studs, and heat loss is comparable to the statistical error.

The rafter system was also made of laminated timber, and its installation was carried out on general principles. The width of the roof overhang was about 1.5 meters, which, in addition to external aesthetics, also carries a practical load - the wetting of the facade during precipitation is significantly reduced, and wide overhangs prevent the heating of the house from direct sunlight. Natural cement-sand tiles were used as roofing.

After completing the installation of the frame, Evgeniy began filling the cells. The façade facing south, as well as some of the cells of other facades, were filled with panoramic energy-saving windows installed using frameless glazing technology. total area glazing amounted to 85 sq. m. With this technology, even before assembling the frame, grooves are selected in the corresponding posts and beams using a milling cutter. The width of the grooves should be approximately 1 centimeter wider than the thickness of the glass unit; after installation, this space is filled with sealant. The depth of the grooves is such that first the glass unit is pushed into one groove until it stops, then it is inserted into another groove and centered using special stands; after filling with sealant, the bottom strip is mounted.

It should be noted that a modern energy-efficient double-glazed window, the design of which uses multifunctional glass, as well as triplex, has a thermal conductivity coefficient comparable to a timber wall 20-22 cm thick, as well as enviable impact resistance.

Frame frames under basalt insulation were installed inside the blind cells of the facade, a vapor barrier was installed on the inside, and sheet windproof material (this could be OSB, MDVP, etc.) on the outside, on which it was attached exterior decoration facade (fiber cement siding) flush with the front plane of the frame posts. With this design, special attention should be paid to vapor barrier, given that the film does not create a sealed contour, but is placed only in cells, leaving the load-bearing elements of the frame open, which requires special care when performing work, as well as the use of special tape.

Technologically, there are many options for filling the cells of the frame - from brick (a la traditional half-timbered timber) to multi-layer pies using basalt insulation, special membranes and films, or eco-wool. One of the closest in spirit to traditional half-timbering, as well as an environmentally friendly option, is filling the cells arbolite blocks, followed by plastering.

Methods for finishing the facade can only be limited by your healthy imagination. This and wet facade, and ventilated with imitation or planken upholstery, and decorative: clinker imitating old brickwork, and other options. Although we must understand that the concept of modern half-timbering itself imposes certain stylistic restrictions on the choice of roofing material, as well as the decoration of the facade.

The word "half-timbered" comes from the German words "Fach" - panel, section and "Werk" - structure. Half-timbering is a frame technology for building houses, which involves a rigid massive wooden frame and various materials to fill its openings. The history of these houses dates back to Medieval Germany. Subsequently, half-timbered timber became popular throughout Europe. Half-timbered buildings that are more than 500 years old are still preserved.

House projects

Modern half-timbered

The ideal material for the frame of a half-timbered house is laminated wood. The production technology of this material gives it special properties that distinguish it favorably from solid wood- high strength, durability, lack of warping and cracking, aesthetics. Structural laminated timber up to 12 meters long allows you to design houses with complex architecture and design.


Glued laminated wood maintains structural stability during changes in temperature and humidity, unlike solid wood. The fire resistance of laminated wood not treated with fire retardant impregnations is 2-4 times higher than that of metal.


The special connection of the frame elements makes it stable even during moderate earthquakes. Upon completion of construction, the half-timbered house does not shrink and is ready for finishing work.

Precision, quality, experience

TAMAK company experience in design and production half-timbered houses from wooden laminated structures is more than 10 years. House parts are manufactured at high-precision woodworking centers Hundegger K2 (Germany).
Lumber undergoes triple control: upon receipt at the warehouse, after drying and before gluing, when unacceptable defects are removed.

Drying of raw materials in special chambers until required level humidity of 10±2% eliminates fungus and insects from wood and prevents their appearance during operation.
TAMAK's own laboratory tests control samples for compliance with Russian and European standards.

Every year since 2000, production technology, as well as laminated laminated wood structures TAMAK are certified by the authoritative German Otto-Graf-Institut, which allows the company to build houses based on laminated wood not only in Russia, but also in European countries.

Wood

For the manufacture of wooden elements of a half-timbered house at TAMAK, environmentally friendly wood from Ural spruce and Siberian larch is used. Trees growing in the northern regions are distinguished by their particularly dense and finely layered rings. Due to severe climatic conditions the tree grows slower than in southern regions, and the wood is cleaner, healthier, denser, stronger and more durable. It is sometimes called "iron" wood.


Space for imagination

The wooden frame of a half-timbered house bears the entire load, so filling the openings between the posts can be done with the most various materials– stone, brick, blocks, laminated timber, panels with mineral wool insulation, modern double-glazed windows. A wide selection of materials gives freedom in choosing the finishing of the house and, accordingly, its final exterior.


The architecture of a German half-timbered house has its own, unique style. A wooden frame, usually painted a dark color, visually separates light walls into many fragments different shapes and makes the half-timbered house easily recognizable. The technology makes it possible to create laminated beams with a large cross-section and a length of up to 12 m, which opens up ample opportunities for designing long-span premises and implementing the most daring design ideas. Half-timbered structures are great for the construction of not only individual residential buildings, but also public buildings.


For special connoisseurs

Half-timbered houses They carry the image of a house with history, respectability and color, and attract people who prefer houses in an unusual architectural style. The wooden frame, deliberately not covered with finishing, creates a feeling of stability, safety and majesty of the structure, and the walls are made of materials different types and colors satisfy different stylistic tastes and preferences of the owners.


Special attention by architects in Lately is given to the so-called “glass half-timbered frame”. In this type of half-timbered glass, double-glazed windows are used to fill the walls. Floor-to-ceiling glazing, excellent natural light, spaciousness and merging of the space of the house with surrounding nature attract more and more connoisseurs. German half-timbered houses are the choice of those who not only want to build their own own house, but to create a real family nest, a home for several generations.


Half-timbered houses have become one of the business cards medieval architecture. Features of this architectural style it becomes clear from the word itself - the German Fachwerk, consisting of two semantic parts: Fach, which means part, panel, section, and Werk - structure. Medieval technology turned out to be so successful that half-timbered houses - frame house projects, which appeared in Germany in the 15th century, are again popular centuries later.

Construction of half-timbered houses: technologies tested over centuries

Created in Germany, half-timbered houses, the construction technology of which has undergone virtually no significant changes, appeared as a result of an acute shortage quality wood in medieval Europe. Therefore, a wooden frame was created from wood, and the space between the beams was initially filled with clay, which was replaced by more durable materials: stone and brick. Another undoubted advantage in the Middle Ages was the ability to quickly restore a destroyed or damaged half-timbered house with your own hands. For the constantly warring Europe of that time, this was very important.

The basis of a half-timbered house is a complex wooden frame consisting of horizontal, vertical and diagonal elements, which are main feature half-timbered architectural style. Diagonal elements - braces located between beams and racks, add rigidity and strength to the structure. To create the frame structure, wood was used - spruce, oak, fir, Douglas fir, and the strength of the frame is achieved through accurate calculation of loads and precise connection of all parts.

The vertical arrangement of the beams has fully justified itself - today you can find houses built more than 500 years ago. The reason for such longevity is that rainwater flows quickly along a well-polished vertical beam, practically without lingering or being absorbed. And in this fundamental difference half-timbered houses from traditional log Russian huts, in which the logs were located horizontally and, as a result, absorbed more moisture, which led to a faster gradual destruction of the wood.

Half-timbered houses: revival of popularity

Interest in half-timbered houses was revived in the mid-70s of the last century, primarily due to the emergence of new, technologically advanced materials. Modern tendencies design made it possible to give a new sound and content to what had already become classical methods decoration and construction. And although modern half-timbered houses differ quite seriously from classical examples, they are also popular among lovers of classic European rustic style.

If clay was initially used to fill the space between the beams, then wooden panels, stone or brick, then with the advent of double-glazed windows it became possible to build half-timbered houses with full glazing. Full glass facade it looks very impressive and elegant, while maintaining the visual division of the wall - the main architectural feature of buildings in the half-timbered style.

One of the features of half-timbered architecture is decorative function frame. This is its main difference from ordinary frame houses, in which the load-bearing beams are hidden during finishing. The special arrangement of the frame elements not only visually divides the facade into panels of various shapes, but also creates a bizarre pattern (they are also called “figures”): “man”, “St. Andrew’s cross”, “wild man” and others.

Advice! To make the exterior of the house more decorative and attractive, corner posts are decorated with carving, and the heads of the beams protruding onto the facade are given curly forms, for example, horse's head, races, etc.

At the same time, modern technologies have made it possible to obtain warm "glass House– installed special, low-emission double-glazed windows allow short-wave solar radiation to pass through, but at the same time acts as an insurmountable barrier to long-wave thermal radiation. As a result, to calculate the heating power of such a house, the formula traditional for stone and concrete houses is often used - 1 W of power per 10 m 2. At the same time, the glass only looks fragile from the outside - in fact, it is made using technology and can reach a thickness of up to 6 mm. In addition, even if suddenly, which is unlikely under normal conditions, such glass breaks, the fragments will not fly to the sides - they will remain hanging on the elastic polymer film.

As a result, using a half-timbered structure, it is possible to create large glazed areas, turning the entire facade into one large glass wall. This makes it possible to realize the effect of merging with nature and the surrounding space. The landscapes that surround the house seem to become part of the interior.

Another reason for the increased popularity of half-timbered houses was the use of glued timber instead of ordinary wood, which made it possible to build a very strong frame. At the same time, the frame elements (laminated veneer lumber and metal fastenings, which connect the frame elements) additionally act as a decorative part of the exterior and interior of the building. In addition, the durable frame allows you to create any building layout in which spacious open spaces with external glass walls adjacent to cozy and quiet secluded rooms inside the building. And since the concept bearing wall» is absent in principle, the entire load falls on the frame, in such a house you can easily carry out redevelopment at any time.

The use of laminated veneer lumber for the frame made it possible to get rid of a number of disadvantages characteristic of natural wood:

  • increased fire safety - laminated veneer lumber ignites when more high temperatures, how ordinary tree. In addition, it does not burn, but smolders, retaining its shape and load-bearing capacity to the last, thereby giving much more time than natural timber for the evacuation of people
  • no shrinkage - over time, laminated veneer lumber practically does not change its properties linear dimensions, which allows you to begin interior and exterior finishing immediately after installing the frame

  • immunity to moisture, resistance to mold and fungi
  • high strength - according to this indicator, laminated veneer lumber is 2 times superior to solid wood

Half-timbered houses are a kind of symbol of the Middle Ages, which found their rebirth in the 20th century. Their architecture invariably amazes with the uniqueness of its image, efficiency and thoughtfulness of the design scheme. Feature facades - not hidden behind the cladding, but, on the contrary, a wooden frame exposed. Such ancient streets are very romantic, and modern buildings are a reflection elite style life, the desire for freedom and originality.

The current trend in luxury housing today is a combination openwork wooden elements And large glass surfaces:

History of half-timbered construction

Thousands of years ago, ancient architects noticed that the most effective and economical use of wood is to use it not for the construction of solid walls, but for the construction spatial frame made of vertical, horizontal and inclined elements, which will serve as a support for the roof. This scheme has gained particular popularity in areas characterized by a shortage of wood. It was known in ancient times to the Greeks, Romans, Egyptians, and Chinese. In particular, a large part of the population of Pakistan and India currently lives in such houses.

Interesting! The oldest frame building made of wood, preserved to this day - this is a temple in Japan, built from cedar more than 1300 years ago.


Half-timbered buildings in European countries

The improvement of carpentry skills, the accumulation of construction experience, and the desire for cheap housing led in the 15th century to the emergence of half-timbered building construction technology in Germany. Such houses have become widespread throughout Europe, in particular in its northern regions, from Poland to Brittany. The name of the design scheme fully reflects its essence and comes from the German “Fach” (panel) and “Werk” (structure).

Medieval buildings on Römberg square in Frankfurt am Main, Germany:

In Europe in the Middle Ages, structures were made of solid wood, and the free space of the wall planes was filled with a mixture of clay with straw, branches and other debris. The combination of posts, beams and braces, left in their original form, and plastered surfaces gave the narrow facades a special uniqueness. Wealthy citizens could afford to use expensive wooden panels decorated with carvings. At the moment, such houses are preserved, the age of which exceeds 500 years.

Since 1995, the historical part of the German city of Quedlinburg, where more than 1,300 objects of colorful architecture have been preserved, has been protected by UNESCO:

Interesting! A characteristic feature of old buildings is the overhang of the upper floors over the lower ones. This is due to the abundance of rainfall in Germany and strong winds, as well as the narrowness of the streets at the birth of half-timbered buildings. As a result, the upper floors protect the lower tiers from getting wet, thereby extending the life of the buildings.

Revival of the popularity of half-timbered wood

Traditional half-timbered structures made from modern materials look no less impressive than medieval ones.

The era of mass individual construction in the 1970s gave a new birth to technology, but in a rethought, futuristic form, in which the famous German Bauhaus school played a significant role. At this time, architects began to use reinforced concrete and steel instead of wood. Large glass planes have gained popularity, replacing blank walls. The invention of laminated wood several decades later made it possible to implement ancient construction technology in a new way. This material is more durable and advanced compared to traditional timber. At the moment, such houses in their updated form are very prestigious and popular in Sweden, Switzerland, Germany and many other countries, with the USA and Canada being no exception.

Thanks to the development of technology and changing architectural tastes, the style has now acquired new variations:

  • frame without diagonal elements;
  • large panoramic windows, providing excellent lighting and having good thermal insulation qualities;
  • imitation of half-timbering, performed using overhead wooden elements attached to pre-plastered walls - this option is purely decorative.

Advice! Cottage owners recommend installing panoramic glazing on facades facing the courtyard and garden, or in case of significant recessing of the building relative to the street - this way you will get a magnificent view outside the window, a feeling of unity with nature and good lighting. Otherwise, there may be some discomfort caused by the need to constantly keep the curtains down to protect yourself from prying eyes.

The Kager house has picture windows and offers beautiful views of the surrounding area.

Features of the design of the house

The main characteristic of a half-timbered structure is that the frame performs load-bearing functions, while the walls serve solely to enclose the premises. The use of frame-frame technology allows you to simultaneously save building materials and reduce the weight of the building, which makes it possible to build a lightweight structure, ensure the stability and rigidity of the structure, and minimize construction time.

Frame design

The load-bearing elements of the walls and roof are made of, mainly pine. Racks and horizontal purlins form the frame of the walls. Diagonal braces ensure frame rigidity and earthquake resistance of the structure. timber bottom trim attached to the foundation, covered with a layer of waterproofing, by means of anchor bolts. The floor side is insulated with polystyrene foam.

Internal partitions have a frame structure and are made of timber attached to load-bearing elements using frame dowels and filled with soundproofing material.

Installation of load-bearing parts is traditionally carried out using rather complex and precise connections - notches, dovetails, hidden tenons and the like. At the moment, it is allowed to use metal corners, plates, and staples in especially critical fastenings. It is advisable to arrange them in places out of sight.

Important! All wooden elements To increase strength characteristics and protect against rot and insects, they must be impregnated with special oils. Treatment with fire retardants significantly reduces the flammability of the material.

External cladding

Filling the frame cells is carried out after installing the window and door blocks. Almost any slab materials are used for this purpose:

  • antiseptic pine wood;
  • polymer panels are the most common and budget option;
  • cement particle boards (CSB);
  • lining;
  • gypsum fiber boards (GVL);
  • waterproof plywood.

A variety of finishing options allows you to create both strict and elegant facades, for which the blanks are pre-painted with moisture-resistant compounds or choose colored cladding. Then the material is attached to the frame of the structure with screws. Insulate the house with mineral wool from basalt or quartz fiber.

Exterior finishing options:

A currently popular solution is stained glass glazing made from heat-saving low-emission double-glazed windows based on argon fillers. They reduce heat loss and, accordingly, heating costs. Most of the glazing is solid; packages with opening transoms are mounted in separate cells. Windows are inserted directly into the frame with a pre-selected quarter.

Interesting! Since ancient times, the facades of half-timbered houses were decorated with amulets:

  • imitation of the letter “S” on the corners - lightning protection;
  • rosettes symbolizing the sun attract abundance and prosperity;
  • creepy masks on corners ward off evil spirits;
  • a symbol resembling “F” protects against fire.

Facade decorated with rosettes

Engineering Communication

Wiring electrical cables and water supply is carried out inside the floor pie. All communications are laid in corrugated hoses. Polyethylene pipelines are used for water supply. In houses, especially stained glass type, practical solution- installation of heated floors. Wiring to sockets, switches, and lighting fixtures is carried out inside the partitions. Often arranged a complex system forced ventilation.

Roof structure and covering

The roof of the house is traditionally rafter with two or four slopes, but there are also modern architectural solutions with flat roof. A characteristic feature is the absence of an attic and attic, the presence of wide overhangs that protect the walls from precipitation.

Metal tiles, ondulin, various types can be used as roof coverings. soft roof. The use of natural tiles or slate with significant weight is undesirable - they increase the load on bearing structures. The concept of stained glass glazing can be continued on part of the roof. Modern technologies offer electrochromic translucent fillings for this purpose, providing automatic shading and high coating strength.

At the moment, the roof can have quite bizarre configurations while maintaining the traditional overhang of levels and large overhangs.

Features of interior design

The most common styles of shaping the interior space of a house correspond to its appearance- this is country, Provence, eco-style, Scandinavian, minimalism, which is characterized by an abundance of light, open layouts, some asceticism and light shades. Less often you can find classics or postmodernism. A high-tech interior with its minimalism and abundance of metal looks ideal.

Advice! When decorating a room, you should not consider frame elements solely as decoration - beams can be used for installation lighting fixtures, installation of hanging shelves and cabinets, implementation of other original ideas.

Structural elements in the interior:

The minimalist bedroom interior is formed by dark ceiling beams, contrasting with light shades of finishing:

Ultra-modern interior in high-tech style, built on contrast:

With a view of the forest:

Living room option with river panorama:

Wood in the interior sets its style:

Pros and cons of half-timbered technology

The buildings please the eye with their neatness and airiness, and from a practical point of view, they are characterized by the convenience of the construction process - it is similar to the assembly of the designer and is carried out in short time with minimal labor costs. At the same time, the structures are distinguished by their long service life and durability - three-hundred-year-old buildings are still preserved in excellent condition.

The advantages of the houses include:

  • the ability to design premises of any size without building internal load-bearing walls;
  • aesthetic appeal;
  • high speed of construction relative to brick, stone and timber houses;
  • environmental friendliness;
  • absence of shrinkage and lightness of construction, allowing the use of lightweight foundations;
  • ample opportunities for implementing design ideas;
  • resistance to deformation and seismic activity;
  • possibility of application panoramic glazing due to the fact that there is practically no shrinkage;
  • ease of camouflage engineering communications;
  • possibility of covering large spans with beams.

The style allows you to implement the most daring architectural ideas, creating spectacular exteriors - light external stairs are perfectly combined on facades with structural elements and a roof of an unusual configuration:

Unfortunately, humanity has not invented perfect style construction, but most of the problems have been solved over several centuries of construction of half-timbered houses. Walls made of adobe were significantly inferior to brick buildings in their ability to retain heat, but at the moment the situation has been changed by the emergence of new innovative insulation materials.

Attention! Most thermal insulation materials need to be replaced approximately every 25-30 years.

The disadvantages of the technology include:

  • high construction costs:
  • low fire safety, which is typical for all wooden houses;
  • need for regular treatment by special means to protect wood from damage by insects, fungi, and mold.

Impressions of people living in half-timbered houses

From cozy country house The stained glass windows on the first floor offer views of the lawn and the surrounding forest, which makes it possible to feel unity with nature.

Reviews from cottage owners are varied, but they are mostly positive or neutral. The owners emphasize that it is advisable to build them, especially projects involving panoramic glazing, outside the city. Such houses are distinguished by increased comfort, excellent natural light, sound insulation and heat-saving qualities. But when choosing an option with large glazed planes, even in central Russia, heating costs are 30% higher than when operating ordinary buildings.

The reviews specifically emphasize the spaciousness of the rooms and the fact that all communications are hidden in the floor and do not spoil the appearance of the interior. The universality of the architecture is noted - design inner space possible in any current modern style. The most popular styles at the moment are country, minimalism, and hi-tech.

Some people who want to become the owner of a half-timbered cottage are put off by the high cost of its construction. Then people resort to cunning - they build an imitation of the style, which is much cheaper.

The reviews also note such inconveniences of buildings that are inherent in all wooden houses. This is a need for strict adherence to fire safety and regular treatment of structures to protect them from mold and insects.

Project options

Buildings can be erected according to ready-made drawings or individual projects. The main difficulty in their development is the required maximum detail of all structural elements. For example, if 1000 of them are needed for construction, then each of them must be separately calculated and drawn. The same applies to all nodes, connections, and so on.

The house project “Davinci-haus” with an area of ​​579 m2 on a slope and river bank from Leadwood House LLC is distinguished by its originality and harmoniously fits into the surrounding landscape:

Building interior:

Interior of the pool overlooking the river:

Layout of the lower tier with pool, bar and gym:

Second tier with a spacious living room:

Upper tier:

“Copenhagen” with an area of ​​381 m2 with panoramic glazing from the company “freeDomHaus” in the Liikola Club village, located in the Leningrad region:

1st floor plan with office and SPA area:

2nd floor plan with 4 bedrooms and spacious dressing room:
Project “Accord 162” with an area of ​​241 m2, developed by the Finnish company “Lumi Polar”:

1st level with two terraces, a veranda and a flowing space of the common area:

2nd level with second light living room and internal balcony:

A mansion with an area of ​​224 m2 with partial panoramic filling of the planes with double-glazed windows from the ASPDOM studio:

Level 1 Plan:

Four bedroom attic floor plan:

Project of the company “Good Wood” with an area of ​​184 m2

Layout of the 1st floor:

Layout of the attic floor:

Option for an unusual cottage with an area of ​​244 m2 with a flat roof from the Fachwerk studio:

Living room - wooden beams create comfort in the room:

1st floor plan with spacious terraces and free connection of zones:

Plan of the 2nd floor with a second light living room and gallery:

The Euro-House project with an area of ​​259.47 m2 is the development of the Drevgrad studio. Dark wood and panoramic glazing blend harmoniously into the forest landscape:

Layout of the 1st floor with a garage, two terraces, a common area and an office:

Layout of the 2nd floor with two bedrooms and a second light above the living room:

One-story cottage from the company "Modern wooden houses"- white painted wood is combined with large glass surfaces:

Plan of a cottage with a free-flowing common area, 4 bedrooms and a sauna:

Mansion "Hannover" with an area of ​​234 m2 from the company "INTEK" with a roof made of cement-sand tiles:

1st floor plan with common area, garage and guest room:

3 bedroom attic floor plan:

Project of a cottage with an area of ​​118 m2 with walls filled with ceramic blocks and a tiled roof from the Z500 company:

1st level with common areas, office and terrace:

Attic level with 3 bedrooms:

Modern half-timbered houses

Historically, such houses in different countries differed depending on the architectural style that was current at the time of construction and according to national characteristics. Currently, the most elite option is the presence of panoramic glazing that fills the frame. A comfortable indoor microclimate is created through the use of modern technical equipment in the home. Traditional bricks can also be used to fill the walls, concrete blocks, sandwich panels.

Fachwerk architecture - non-standard approach:

The originality of “village romance” in a modern version:

Cottage-castle from a childhood fairy tale:

A terraced half-timbered structure is the optimal solution for the southern regions:

Examples of German half-timbered houses

In modern Germany there are approximately 2 million buildings of this type. There are several styles of German buildings, but their common tendency is the desire for original facade decoration.

Modern application of structures for a bridge in Berlin:

Another interpretation of half-timbering in high-rise architecture in Germany:

Option for preserving historical buildings in Kramerburg:

Half-timbered buildings with stained glass windows

Glazing can reach 60% of the area of ​​external walls, which today is a sign of luxury construction. This solution “blurs” the boundaries of the house, promoting the unity of people and the surrounding landscape.

Panoramic glazing in a modern variation of a house is, first of all, an opportunity to merge the interior and the surrounding landscape, an opportunity for a person to feel one with the world, without distinguishing yourself from it:

For example, while in the house, stay on the shore:

The forest is also not bad, despite the radically modern approach to architecture:

Notice! Outside, the landscape may also be reflected, but your personal life remains hidden from prying eyes:
And this is an office - a half-timbered structure filled with innovative double-glazed windows:

One-story half-timbered houses

This is the most affordable option cottage of this type, despite the use of modern materials and technologies. The height of one floor, without an attic, ensures extreme lightness of the structure, which allows saving on the construction of the foundation and the entire building. The area of ​​such houses, not exceeding 100 m2, makes it easy to place them in small areas and provide comfortable conditions for a family of 3 people.

Cottage "Kova Fahverk" designed in a traditional style with the addition of a spacious terrace and large windows on the facade, illuminating the living room:

A compact house with an unusual shape and sun protection details is ideal for privacy:

The cottage with an area of ​​122 m2 provides comfortable conditions for a family:

An unusual implementation of technology from “wild” logs:

Price and terms of turnkey construction

Due to the specifics constructive solutions, the cost of designing and constructing a half-timbered building is significantly higher than that of a conventional frame house. The total amount depends on the complexity of the architectural, structural, engineering parts of the project, and the materials used. Construction of a load-bearing frame for a house costs on average close to $300. The remaining means are filling wall structures, erecting partitions, installing a roof, Finishing work, laying utilities.

Important! Construction price square meter turnkey cottage domestic production equal to about 500-1000 dollars, imported - 1400-2000 dollars.

The choice of project depends only on your needs, taste preferences and financial capabilities:

The complete construction period, which can be carried out at any time of the year, ranges from 3 to 6 months. When the project is completely ready, manufacturing the frame in production takes up to 2 weeks, and the same amount of time to assemble it on site. The remaining work can be completed in 2 months.

Important points of DIY construction

Fachwerk is one of the most complex frame technologies, therefore, it is most reliable to trust the construction of such a building to specialists. Self-construction cottage requires serious skills and experience in working with wooden structures, thorough knowledge of calculating the rigidity of spatial patterns. A negative example now exists near St. Petersburg - a large number of The half-timbered structures soon collapsed due to technology violations, although they have stood in Europe for centuries.

Not the most technologically difficult option for DIY construction:

Important! If you have certain construction skills, you can still build such a structure yourself - in this case, it is advisable to use a factory-made kit made according to a project, where all the elements are carefully calculated and made in strict accordance with the drawings. As a result installation work reminiscent of assembling a construction set according to instructions.

The manufacturer delivers ready-made wooden structures to the construction site, pre-treated with insect and rot repellents and having grooves for connecting parts. When assembling a house with your own hands, you need to take into account the technological sequence of work:

  • the first stage is the construction of a foundation, usually of a lightweight type, up to 0.5 m wide;
  • installation of waterproofing and laying of strapping with securing the timber with anchors;
  • assembly of a frame made of laminated veneer lumber exactly according to the diagrams provided by the manufacturer;
  • construction of internal partitions from timber of a smaller cross-section, securing them to the floor with frame dowels;
  • installation of roof rafters;
  • installation of wall panels in such a way that the frame elements remain outside;
  • performing thermal insulation;
  • laying utility lines in the floor and frame;
  • when using panoramic glazing - installation of heated floor systems;
  • roof covering decking;
  • external and internal finishing.

Even this, at first glance, complex project you can implement it yourself:

Choosing a half-timbered style is an excellent option for demonstrating your own originality and at the same time a certain commitment to the classics. It is especially relevant now, when people, thanks to modern technologies, are practically independent of climatic conditions. Today there are ample opportunities for replacement simple copying style by introducing new extraordinary elements into it.

The process of assembling a half-timbered house

The video below simulates the dynamics of assembling a half-timbered house, which allows you to understand the essence and features of the construction of the building in a few minutes.