BU597 Timber pole house construction (2016)

Pole house construction is particularly suited to steep sites where minimal disruption to soil and vegetation is desirable. Pole houses can be constructed either as pole frames (where the poles extend the full height of the structure, providing support and bracing to floors, walls and roof) or as a pole platform upon which a conventional framed house is built.

This bulletin replaces Bulletin 459 of the same name. 

This bulletin covers:

• pole selection and quality
• pole sizes
• timber components (other than bracing for poles)
• timber treatment
• fixings and fasteners
• pole platforms
• pole frames
• pole structure engineering design
• construction techniques
• floor insulation
• inspection and maintenance.