I would do staggered studs to remove the thermal bridge they make from inside to outside, use a continuous vb/vcl on the inside rather than plasterboard with poly stuck to the back, cheaper and better no ply or osb on the inside saves money, 12mm ply or osb on the outside more than 200mm of insulation would be good --- 300 is nicer, not not not upvc on the outside.
 
 
But why ever build with timber -- why not nice and solid masonry walls?

Hi Tony,
 
Your advice is really appreciated. THANK YOU
 
I totally understand about the staggered studs but please clarify:
 
Did you mean - use a standard plasterboard lining and did you mean for the poly to be stuck to the back of this?
 
I was going to clad the inside with osb or ply so that it makes it easier for fixtures / fittings. I know its a lot more interior cladding but apart from the expense side of things, are there any down sides to it structure wise?
 
And why not upvc cladding on the outside?
 

 
Once again, your advice is much appreciated.

UPVC is a no no in green building terms -- contains too many nasties
 
Generally plasterboard is strong enough to hang things on like pictures etc -- easier with ply there -- polythene sheet not stuck to plasterboard but continuous round all ceiling corners and through the floor will be cheaper, better and do two jobs -- air barrier and vapour control

Why ever build with timber, I thought it was quite obvious, as timber is a renewable source, whereas anything to do with concrete, bricks etc are not

Hey guys,
 
Thanks for the input. You got me thinking!?
 
I was considering Timber because its from a sustainable source. I was thinking about the green issues that actually go into the manufacturing of cement, concrete blocks and bricks etc but its all swings and roundabouts I guess.
 
If a timber framed house is build properly it can last 100 years plus. In the Uk our carpenters, although very fine men and women, lack the experience of timber framed houses as opposed to the Canadians or the Americans.
 
We're getting there though.