ollieD

Hi all, We've gotten our blocks in and have finished installing most of the block and beam but I'm struggling with what to do on the outer edge (there is a timber frame to go on top of a 150mm upstand on top of this floor). The block and beam company have specified cut blocks sat on slip blocks/bricks for the last beam to the outer wall. There is a crown in the beams (see attached) and I'm not sure whether to lay these outer blocks all level to the slip blocks with a thin mortar base which would leave the blocks not level side to side as they would dip towards the outer wall more the closer to the crown. Or whether the cut blocks would be laid all level with an increasing amount of mortar between the cut block and slip blocks. An issue I can see with the second is that for us to put a very level 150mm upstand for the timber frame there will be either too little or too much mortar under this upstand depending on how close to the crown the blocks get. There is around a 15mm difference between the highest and lowest point. Any guidance much appreciated!

Hi all, What block type is generally used for infilling a beam and block floor? I've seen 10mm medium dense blocks mentioned something like this (https://www.huwsgray.co.uk/shop/armstrong-100mm-insulite-medium-dense-block-b-v-7-0n) or (https://www.buildbase.co.uk/brick-and-block-deals/forterra-fenlite-lightweight-block-73n-100010511-2800515). Would that be the way to go or is something else normally used? Thanks, Ollie

Thanks again Simon, I'll take another punt at the blockwork/insulation detail.

Thanks for the input @SimonD, it's a mix of information we've been given and are open to changes. Happy to remove the splash course and bump the 100mm wide blocks to 140 under the block and beam. Would we PIR board and cover at the front of the block wall for the cold bridge or increase the height and thickness of the 25mm insulation upstand where the screed meets the block to help with that?

Thanks @Ralph - the place looks amazing by the way.

Would you happen to have a photo to hand of the flat board/blockwork at the bottom?

Hi all, Bit of daft one I think - I'm trying to get my head around getting the cladding lining up with the outer splash course of bricks or at least to the plinth brick edge. I'm sure I'm missing something obvious but see the attached detail and let me know what you think. The timber frame supplier mentioned having the exterior splash course of bricks would be the way they normally see the block work. Cheers, Ollie

Hi all, We had masonry plans drawn up but the quotes coming back are far too high! On contacting a local timber framing company we received a much more palpable quote which they have based off the masonry plans. The floor is currently spec'd by the architect as a block and beam floor with the usual inner and outer leaves, if we continue with a block and beam floor but with a wood clad timber frame on top does the timber frame sit on top of what would be the inner leaf wall/block and beam floor or would it still sit separate on the outer leaf with some bridge between the floor and the outer wall? Does anyone have a detail specification example for the above? We have asked for the architects to amend the plan but this will obviously come with a cost that the timber frame company doesn't necessarily require. I can attach the current floor plan drawing if that helps. Any help much appreciated. Ollie