What is the balloon frame and example of rehabilitation
In the world of architecture, the framing construction system is based on the fitting of a multitude of pieces or elements to give support and shape to a structure.
The materials used to form the frame are normally wood, industrialised wood or structural steel.
The alternative to construction using the framing technique is generally called solid wall construction (using pillars, carved stone, brick and masonry), and in Europe it is still the most widely used construction system.
In this post we will describe one of the various framing construction systems that exist, the so-called balloon framing.
What is the balloon framing construction system?
Balloon framing is a framing construction method where only wood is used. Balloon framing was developed in the mid-19th century mainly in areas rich in softwood forests: scandinavian countries, Canada and the United States; and it was the most widely used construction system in those areas until the mid-1950s.
How a building raised using balloon frame system looks like
Balloon Frame Structure (Wikimedia Commons)
The balloon frame system replaces the heavy beams and columns with dozens of long continuous frame slats (posts) that run from the base of the building to its top, with intermediate inserts that allow the horizontal pieces (crossbeams) to enter and fit together to create the different floors of the building, as well as the windows, doors and various openings.
Advantages of the balloon frame system
The balloon framing system became very popular in Canada and the USA because it is a construction method that does not require qualified labour force with advanced knowledge of carpentry. The advantages of balloon framing are:
- It does not use carpentry joints of complex design (since we use simple sockets).
- Lifting the structure using simple sockets means that anyone with basic construction tools and knowledge can lift a house or building in a short time.
- Wood is an economical, ecological and renewable material.
- No need to handle heavy beams or pillars (we need to handle many long but light slats), reducing the need for heavy machinery (or animal work).
Example of a house with a balloon frame system
Balloon frame structure with plywood wall
In the rehabilitation of this house in the Gràcia district of Barcelona, we used a balloon frame system for the construction of the different spaces, instead of constructing walls and partitions using classic masonry and brick.
Internal refurbishment using balloon frame
The building was built in 1920 using interbeamed ceramic bricks, and the client explicitly wanted these details to be visible, giving the house its own personality.
The original structure of the house has been maintained, but nevertheless the different spaces have been reinterpreted and separated using a balloon frame structure made of lightweight pine, plywood and translucent linen fabric.
Balloon frame walls with linen
Balloon frame wall with transparent top
Special attention to energy efficiency
We followed climate strategies that take advantage of the structure of the building itself, maximising solar exposure in winter and minimising heat input in summer.
More details about the project
If you want to read more details about the project you can visit:
If you want more information about the balloon frame system you can visit:
- History of the balloon frame system (in english)
- Balloon framing: definition, architecture and construction in english)
