Case Study: Timber Frame Garage & Gym Construction
At Ty Eco MMC, we specialize in building sustainable, high-performance timber structures. Our recent project in Marchwiel, near Wrexham, involved the construction of a timber-frame garage and gym. The client required a fast, energy-efficient build, with flexibility for custom finishes both inside and out.
Client
Marchwiel, Wrexham
Location
Wrexham
Project Brief
The client wanted a well-insulated garage and gym, comparable to residential standards, that could be built quickly and left weather-tight for them to apply their own cladding and roofing.
Key specifications included;
Pre-insulated timber frame structure
Quick installation of the main structure
Custom internal OSB finishes
Flexibility in exterior cladding options
Step 1: Design and Material Selection
We chose pre-insulated timber panels to ensure rapid construction without compromising on thermal performance. The panels were manufactured off-site and wrapped in Partel Mono 150 monolithic breather membrane to protect the structure from the elements during installation, leaving it weather-tight.
Key design features:
140mm Pre-Insulated Panels: Filled with Knauf Supafil Max Frame insulation, delivering excellent energy efficiency.
Kronospan OSB3 Lining: The walls and roof were lined with OSB3, providing a strong, modern finish inside and out.
Steel Ridge Beam: Supported
Step 2: Main Structure Assembly in 3 Days
Using a crane, we efficiently installed the wall panels, steel ridge beam, and roof panels within the first three days of the project. This quick installation provided a solid, weather-tight structure early in the build, allowing us to focus on battening and internal finishing.
Construction components:
Pre-Insulated Panels: The 140mm thick, pre-insulated panels were wrapped in Partel Mono 150 membrane, ensuring weather-tightness and high energy performance.
Efficient Crane Use: The crane was used to lift and position the wall panels, roof panels, and the steel ridge beam, which allowed for a spacious, open interior.
Steel Ridge Beam: This beam provided structural support while maintaining a large open area, ideal for a gym space.
Step 3: Completing the Build in 5 Days
After the main structure was in place, we used the remaining days to batten the roof and walls, preparing them for the client's cladding and slate roofing. Inside, we completed the OSB sheathing, incorporating custom skirting and coving to meet the client’s design preferences.
Construction process:
Panel Installation and Battening: The structure was quickly assembled, with roof and wall battens added to prepare for external finishes.
Internal OSB Finishes: The OSB3 sheathing was installed, with custom skirting and coving added to create s modern, practical interior finish.
Step 4: Exterior Cladding Options
Ty Eco MMC’s panels are designed to accommodate a wide range of cladding options. For this project, the structure was left weather-tight and prepped for natural timber cladding and slate roofing, but other cladding choices include:
Render, composite panels, or brick slip systems
Single-skin brick walls, tied back to the timber frame to create a traditional cavity wall look
Conclusion
This garage and gym project in Marchwiel showcases Ty Eco MMC’s ability to deliver fast, high-quality timber construction. The main structure—comprising wall panels, a steel ridge beam, and roof panels—was in place within just three days. The remaining two days were spent on battening and internal finishing, completing the build in five working days. The structure was left weather-tight and ready for the client to apply their choice of cladding and roofing, demonstrating the speed, flexibility, and efficiency of our timber frame system
