Timber Frame Wall Packages Explained

Choosing the Right System for Your Self-Build

At Timber Frame Ireland, we know every self-build project is different.

Some clients want a straightforward, cost-effective build that comfortably meets regulations. Others want the highest possible thermal performance, lower energy bills, or a more environmentally conscious home.

That’s why we offer four carefully designed wall systems – each engineered to suit different build goals, budgets and performance levels.

1. Compliance Package

The Essential Build Package 🟡

Our Compliance Package is designed to comfortably meet current Irish building regulations while remaining practical and cost-effective.

This system uses:

• high-performance wool insulation between the studs
• PIR insulation to the face of the studs

Adding PIR insulation across the face of the timber studs helps reduce cold bridging — improving the overall thermal efficiency of the wall while maintaining a simple and reliable build-up.

Key Benefits:

✅ Meets Irish building regulations
✅ Cost-effective solution
✅ Reduced cold bridging
✅ Excellent starting point for self-builds
✅ Reliable thermal performance

Best For:

• Budget-conscious builds
• Standard family homes
• Clients wanting excellent value

2. Passive Package

Best U-Value Package 🔴

Our Passive Package is designed to achieve extremely low U-values and maximum thermal efficiency.

This system uses:

• full PIR insulation build-up
• high-performance rigid insulation throughout the wall structure

Because PIR insulation delivers very strong thermal performance in relatively thin wall build-ups, this package achieves some of the best U-values in our range.

Key Benefits:

✅ Exceptional U-values
✅ Maximum thermal efficiency
✅ Reduced heat loss
✅ Slimmer wall build-up for performance achieved
✅ Excellent for low-energy homes

Important To Understand:

While PIR achieves excellent thermal performance, it does not provide all the same benefits as natural or fibre-based insulation systems such as:

• acoustic absorption
• thermal mass
• moisture buffering
• summer comfort performance

This package is focused primarily on:

achieving the best thermal numbers possible.

Best For:

• Passive homes
• Premium energy-efficient builds
• Clients focused on maximum thermal performance

3. Passive Premium Package

Ultimate Performance Package ⭐

Our Passive Premium Package combines the best aspects of both insulation systems.

This system uses:

• a deeper timber frame structure
• wool insulation between the studs
• PIR insulation to the face of the studs

The deeper frame allows the wall to achieve even better U-values than the standard Passive PIR package while also benefiting from the comfort and acoustic advantages of wool insulation.

This creates a wall system that performs exceptionally well both:

• technically
• and in real-world living comfort.

Key Benefits:

✅ Better U-values than standard Passive Package
✅ Improved acoustic performance
✅ Reduced cold bridging
✅ Excellent thermal comfort
✅ Enhanced moisture management
✅ Premium all-round performance

Best For:

• High-performance family homes
• Clients wanting premium comfort
• Long-term future-proof builds

4. Eco Package

The Energy Saving Package 🌿

Our Eco Package uses:

• 100% cellulose insulation
• pumped directly into the wall structure on site

Cellulose is a natural fibre insulation made primarily from recycled paper products and treated for fire and moisture resistance.

This system is becoming increasingly popular among self-builders looking for:

• improved comfort
• environmentally conscious materials
• excellent real-world thermal performance

Why Cellulose Insulation Performs So Well

Unlike rigid insulation systems, cellulose insulation offers several additional benefits beyond simple U-values.

Key Benefits of Cellulose:

✅ Excellent heat retention
✅ Improved summer comfort
✅ Helps reduce overheating
✅ Superior acoustic performance
✅ Breathable wall structure
✅ Environmentally friendly materials
✅ Reduced drafts and air movement
✅ Excellent thermal mass properties

Because cellulose densely fills the wall cavity, it can help create:

warmer, quieter and more stable indoor temperatures all year round.

Many homeowners notice:

• improved comfort levels
• more consistent room temperatures
• and lower heating demand.

Best For:

• Eco-conscious builds
• Comfort-focused homes
• Lower energy bills
• Sustainable self-build projects

‘The Complete Package’

Pairing Our Wall Systems with Our Insulated Foundation System

While wall insulation is critical, true building performance comes from treating the entire structure as one complete thermal envelope.

That’s why all of our wall systems work exceptionally well with our:

Insulated Foundation System

Combining:

• insulated foundations
• airtight wall systems
• high-performance insulation
• and precision-engineered timber frame construction

creates a home with:
✅ reduced heat loss
✅ improved airtightness
✅ fewer thermal bridges
✅ lower heating costs
✅ improved cooling performance in summer
✅ greater year-round comfort

Why Foundations Matter

Even the highest-performing walls can lose efficiency if heat escapes through poorly insulated floors and foundations.

Our insulated foundation systems help:

• minimise thermal bridging at floor level
• improve overall building efficiency
• support underfloor heating performance
• and create a warmer internal environment throughout the home.

Designed for Modern Heating & Cooling Systems

All of our packages integrate perfectly with:

• underfloor heating
• air-to-water heat pumps
• MVHR systems
• low-energy heating systems
• smart home energy solutions

This creates:

“The Complete Package”

A high-performance building envelope designed for:

• comfort
• efficiency
• sustainability
• and long-term energy savings.

Which Package Is Right For You?

At Timber Frame Ireland, we help clients choose the right system based on:

• budget
• energy goals
• comfort expectations
• and long-term performance priorities.

Thinking About Building?

Whether you’re planning:

• a standard self-build
• an energy-efficient family home
• or a premium passive house

our team can guide you through the best package for your project!