Can you build a Passive House with timber frame?

Yes — timber frame is one of the most effective structural systems for Passive House construction. Timber's low thermal conductivity (0.13 W/mK vs steel's 50 W/mK) means the structure itself creates minimal thermal bridging.

Yes — timber frame is one of the most effective structural systems for Passive House construction. Timber's low thermal conductivity (0.13 W/mK vs steel's 50 W/mK) means the structure itself creates minimal thermal bridging. Timber frame walls can easily achieve U-values of 0.10–0.15 W/m²K with standard insulation thicknesses of 300–400 mm. The majority of certified Passive Houses in Northern Europe use timber frame or CLT construction.

Why this matters

This question relates to Passive House Timber Construction: Achieving U-Values Below 0.15, which covers the broader topic in detail. Understanding this specific aspect helps architects, builders, and timber dealers make informed specification decisions.

For full context and additional technical detail, see our comprehensive guide:

→ Passive House Timber Construction: Achieving U-Values Below 0.15

Related questions

• What U-value is required for Passive House walls?
• How thick does a Passive House timber wall need to be?
• What is the best insulation for a Passive House timber frame?

About this answer

This answer is part of the PuurModulair Knowledge Base — comprehensive timber specification guidance for architects, builders, and dealers across the UK, EU, and Scandinavia.