Hi Greener,

Your problem is not really related to the drying and shrinkage of the timber but more to do with the practicalities of raising the frame and driving the pegs. Since most pegs are driven from the outside of a frame then your block wall will probably be in the way.

The second major consideration that would affect movement is dynamic loads. Timber frames are really quite flexible with analysis models predicting up to 25mm of movement in high winds.

If you send me a copy of your cruck drawing then I can help you further.

Ken Hume

Contact details http://www.kfhume.freeserve.co.uk