Timber Frame
Can refer to several types of construction, historically large oak beams have been used to form the main supporting structure of a building. Timber framing generally refers to using stud walling to build walls quickly and easily, these can then be clad in a single skin brick wall or various types of timber.
I am going to describe timber frame construction where the exterior is clad with wood.
Stud Wall
A stud wall consists of upright timbers that are referred to as the studs, these have a base plate and top plate nailed or screwed into place. Noggins are run at various stages horizontally between the stud, these add extra stability and help prevent the wood from bowing and twisting.
Historically the studs have been placed 16inch centres as this makes attaching 4 foot by 8 foot sheets easy and ensures edges will hit a stud, the metric equivalent is roughly 400mm but consideration needs to be given to the size of sheeting being applied internally and externally.
Internal non load bearing walls are made in the same way, this has the advantage of being able to use the same materials and equipment as the external walls.
External Cladding
A variety of timbers can be used to clad the building, the quickest and cheapest method is to use marine ply, this comes in sheets, and leaks can occur at the joints of the of the sheets. There are a range of timbers that come in overlapping or interlocking cross sections, these timbers can be painted or stained to protect them from the effect of weather. Alternatively more expensive timbers such as larch or cedar can be used that do not need to be treated due to the natural oils in the timber
Roofing
Roofing is generally pitched, roofing trusses or rafters are used, tiles can be used, but felt or cedar shingles are more common on timber buildings.
Multi storey
Timber buildings can be built to accommodate several stories , in this case structural timber is normally used in some parts of the building.
Timber buildings are more common in countries like the USA and Canada where timber is cheaper, in the UK they are not as common for residential dwellings, they can often provide quick annd effective structures for things like scout huts or small workhops.