Timber cladding and timber frame in Briançon

Timber cladding – a natural and protective envelope

Timber cladding is far more than an aesthetic finish: it is a genuine protective skin that shields your building from the elements while giving it an authentic character. In the Briançonnais, where facades are exposed to severe conditions (snow, rain, intense UV radiation, temperature variations of more than 50 degrees between winter and summer), the choice of species and installation method is critical.

At Wood & Roof, we work primarily with three species: Alpine Larch, naturally rot-resistant with a beautiful golden hue that ages gracefully to silver over time; Douglas fir, dense and resilient, ideal for large surfaces; and pressure-treated Spruce, an economical solution for outbuildings and garages. Each species is selected at usage class 3 minimum, guaranteeing optimal performance outdoors without aggressive chemical treatment.

Open-joint, overlapping and vertical installation

We master all cladding installation techniques suited to the architectural style of your project. Open-joint cladding, with spaced boards revealing a dark breather membrane behind, brings an elegant modernity to contemporary buildings in Serre-Chevalier and Montgenèvre. Horizontal lap cladding, shiplap or pseudo open-joint, remains the preferred choice for the renovation of barns and traditional chalets in the Guisane and Clarée valleys.

Vertical installation, increasingly in demand from architects, visually elongates facades and aids water drainage. Regardless of the direction of installation, we systematically incorporate a ventilated air gap of at least 20 mm between the breather membrane and the cladding, ensuring rapid drying of the timber and long-term durability of the work in mountain climates.

Timber frame: new builds and extensions

Timber frame is the most suitable construction method for mountain constraints. Lightweight, it places less demand on foundations — a decisive advantage on the sloping plots of the Briançonnais. Fast to implement, it reduces construction time and limits disruption to neighbours. High-performing, it allows exceptional insulation levels to be achieved thanks to the depth of its studs, which accommodate wood fibre or cellulose fibre insulation.

We build complete timber frame houses, extensions to existing buildings and floor-level additions. Each structure is prefabricated in our workshop in Briançon, guaranteeing millimetre precision and rapid on-site assembly. Walls arrive pre-insulated, with integrated vapour barrier and bracing, ready to receive the exterior cladding and interior finishes.

External insulation and thermal performance

Timber cladding combines naturally with external wall insulation (EWI), the most effective solution for eliminating thermal bridges and improving comfort in your mountain home. We install rigid wood fibre panels beneath the cladding, creating a continuous envelope that retains heat in winter and coolness in summer. This technique is particularly relevant for the energy renovation of older houses in Briançon, L'Argentière-la-Bessée, Guillestre or Embrun, where stone walls offer little thermal resistance.

From the first sketch to project handover, Wood & Roof supports you through your cladding or timber frame project. Our knowledge of the terrain, local regulations and timber species suited to altitude makes the difference. Request your free quote today.