Timber Engineering
Fluid Structures are specialist designers for Timber Frame Design
Fluid structures are members of the Timber Research and Development Association. The practice is particularly interested in timber engineering and timber frame design.
We have carried out the design of a considerable number of timber houses and have used a variety of timber materials including hardwoods, softwoods and board ply materials. Of particular interest is the Lodona House, which was the design of a contemporary building with open plan internal spaces. The timber frame design involved the development of a structural hierarchy. The primary timber structure was green oak with the secondary walls and panels in soft wood. These timber walls were subsequently clad in either plywood or orientated strand board depending on the racking resistance required.
To see full examples of all our work, view our online portfolio.
Our experience in timber engineering is also demonstrated in the development of a helical timber staircase for a private client's home. The structure consisted of 4 sheets of ply wood laminated together to form the treads and rises. The junctions of the timber were both glued and bolted to form a continuous folded timber plate.
The practice has also been involved in the design of structural timber extensions and additions to existing buildings. One such project was the design of a structural timber frame using Angelim a South American hardwood from a sustainable source. The timber engineer involved framing the structure of the building using the hardwood as the primary structural forms. Hardwood beams and columns were designed to receive the roof elements and the external cladding which consisted of both solid timber elements and sliding double glazed doors in timber frames.
Fluid Structures are also specialist designers for Structural Glass.
To see full examples of all our work, view our online portfolio.