What wall type should I use?

[BotusBuild]

We will be embarking on a new garage build, and my mind is totally undecided on what wall build type to use. No doubt I'm going to be as confused after this post as I am already 🙂 I've added a poll to this post.

 

It will have a 150mm raft foundation with a ring beam. This is to protect trees roots as best we can.

 

Did I mention trees? Trees in close proximity on 3 sides so risk of falling branches and/or whole trees.

 

To house classic car(s) and a four post ramp. Will be used as a garage was always intended to be used, not as a shed!

[mike2016]

Block will get you a lot of bids, is well understood, easier to insure and thinking of the fire risk, safer. If it's just to use as an office then the other options would come down to price and be more attractive. 

[Conor]

You'll want it to be insulated, and built quickly and simply. ICF would be my choice. We'll be doing the same as well soon.

[Mr Punter]

Timber frame stick built with mineral wool insulation and 18mm OSB internal sheathing.  External cladding of your choice.  Strong, simple, lightweight and cost effective.  Pitched roof would be my preference.

[Bancroft]

No-one has mentioned steel frame yet so I'll go for that!🤣

[BotusBuild]

So a bit of a revelation today on the trees front after a visit by a family friend who is an arborist. As a result we will be moving the garage so that the risk from falling trees is now much less than we had thought.

Now thinking that ICF and steelframe are probably overkill and I think its between block work and stick build. I note that as of now no one has actually voted for stick build although @Mr Punter commented positively about it.

 

[Mr Punter]

A friend was doing and agricultural shed and he went for timber frame 8 x 2s as you only need to nudge blockwork with a telehandler and it collapses whereas timber frame bounces back if it is constructed correctly.

[Nickfromwales]

If it's just a garage, go with the cheapest solution. End of.

 

Block layers are a-plenty, and masonry is something that requires zero thought.