ZOOM REALISATION: SMC2 TIMBER FRAME OFFICES

Because we are convinced of the performance of our construction techniques, the SMC2 offices were designed and built using a process that we recommend to our clients every day: the timber frame. Selected for its many technical and ecological qualities, the timber frame offers great design freedom. Discover its advantages!

Architectural freedom

With a greater span than concrete, wood offers great architectural possibilities. As the core of the structure, it allows a freedom of design that other materials are unable to guarantee: large surfaces without load-bearing walls or support posts, easy renovation and extension. Also, a large number of external facings can be installed on this type of construction: metallic, glazed, mineral. As the dry process does not require any drying time, construction times are shortened and there is no need to wait to apply the finishes.

Resistance

A living material, wood is known for its stability in the face of temperature variations and seismic waves. Resistant to time and aggressive atmospheric conditions, its behaviour in the event of fire makes it one of the most reliable materials. In the event of a fire, the top layers carbonise and protect the core of the wood. This means that the wood retains its load-bearing capacity and prevents the structure from collapsing, unlike other materials such as reinforced concrete.

A healthy construction method

Choosing a timber frame means opting for a construction method that respects both the environment and people. The only eco-material with a negative carbon footprint, wood is 15 times more insulating than concrete and naturally regulates the humidity of the indoor air. As a dry construction material, its use is not only synonymous with shorter construction times but also with a reduction in nuisance and energy costs.