Wall framing: the Mackit way!

It is quite common for building companies to get what are called “pre-nailed” frames from a factory. The advantage is that it is quick to utilise a sub-contractor to manufacture the frames offsite, while the builders prepare the foundations. The disadvantage is that when working with complex shapes, lots of angles, and super particular designers, there are lots of areas that can be misinterpreted causing inaccuracies. These can be a hassle to deal with and can end up wasting a lot of time (and money) to rectify.

On work like this especially, we prefer to spend our own time in the design studio and on-site utilising our comprehensive computer building model to produce our own very accurate framing plans. We can then produce our own frames on-site to the highest standard with complete control over the process.

Most importantly, we have the ability to be very accurate in the construction of the frames right from the outset, in order to holistically account for the specific requirements of each wall - including member location and spacing for insulation, cladding and all interior fit-out requirements. This way, once we are ready

to stand the frames we know there won’t be any hiccups, and wewon’t need to cut anything out or pull anything apart. We built all our wall frames on site earlier in the year during the dry summer weather, then stacked and covered them ready to stand after the floor was completed.

Now with most of the exterior frames up,  we can fully walk through the lower level of the house, and appreciate the different views framed by the windows and doors. We are especially appreciating the native planting down the north boundary, which not only provides privacy but a lush verdant outlook for the lower bedrooms, bathroom and kitchen. 

Adjacent to the garage, at the street front end of the house, will be the aforementioned bedrooms with a bathroom between them. Walking through the house, towards the north-west boundary, you pass through what will be the hallway leading to the open plan kitchen (with scullery), dining and living area. This area will flow through to the outdoor space with a large glass slider leading to floating concrete steps down to the back garden.

While all this has been going on, we have been cracking on selecting things like appliances and floor coverings. Next time we will share how and why we selected our floor coverings for Habitat.