What is timber frame construction?

In traditional brick and block construction, the external walls of the house are constructed of an internal blockwork wall and an external brick wall, while the internal walls are blockwork partitions. In timber frame construction, the blockwork is replaced by a structural timber frame and the timber frame is then clad by a traditional facing material such as brick, stone, tile or render. Between the facing material and the structural timber frame is a permanent cavity which does not require foam or other filling to improve thermal efficiency.