Half-Timbering

a type of wall construction used mainly for low buildings. Half-timbering consists of a frame formed by a system of horizontal, vertical, and diagonal wooden beams: the interstices are filled with stone, brick, adobe, or other material. Since the late 19th century, metal and reinforced-concrete beams have also been used. Half-timbering was widespread in Western Europe in the Middle Ages. The wooden uprights, crossbars, and diagonal struts that partitioned the walls lent a decorative and expressive appearance to the facade.

In modern construction, half-timbering with a wooden frame and a brick or adobe filling is used principally in regions with a warm climate. It may also be used for auxiliary production buildings.