Fact #19 – Most timber frame companies work closely with engineers to make sure that the structure meets or exceeds local building codes. That timber frames are sustainable is evident in the history of building.
Fact #20 - Early timber frames, dating back to 5000 to 6000 BC, survive in England and Scotland.
Fact #21 – There are timber frame buildings in France dating to the 12th century that are still in use today.
Fact #13 – People who live in timber frames are happier (okay, so I made this up using my own data).
Fact #14 – Timber frames help to meet green certification requirements. Building with rapidly renewable timbers, using energy efficient panels, minimizing site waste.
Fact #15 – Timber frames are naturally more fire resistant. Heavy timber is recognized by fire codes (even in places where fire is a major hazard…like California) as a safer building product.
The fact is…
Fact #10 – Timber frames are honest. Their integrity is there for all to see in the timbers and the joinery.
Fact #11 – Timber frames offer design opportunities that aren’t easy (if possible) to accomplish with other forms of construction. The post and beams provide structure that is natural and not forced.
Fact #12 – A timber frame can be designed in any style…a Tudor (or half timbered home), a bungalow or cottage, a lodge, a farmhouse, a colonial, or a contemporary home. The possibilities are endless.
While all timber framers want to tell how wonderful timber frames are and how you life will be much better if you live in one, we need to know the facts. Just the facts, thank you very much. So I will begin a series of short posts with timber frame facts. No hype and no hyperbole.
Fact #1 – Timber frames are built from a renewable resource. Wood does literally “grow on trees”.
Fact #2 – Timber frames are built with wood that is minimally processed. This is environmentally responsible.
Fact #3 – Timber frames will last for centuries.
So that’s the start of these facts. Let’s see where it goes.
We attended the Timber Framer’s Conference in Coeur D’Alene, Idaho last week. With 300 or so timber framers and many timber frame companies and timber frame suppliers represented, it was worth the trip. The Timber Frame Business Council’s Trade Fair was well attended and proved to be a good place to explore the options available for materials, tools and software.
Jerry Rouleau presented a couple of great seminars that, as always, energized the attendees. Some of his topics are “Gotcha’s” and others are “I knew that, but didn’t know that I knew it”. He offers fresh ways to present information and reminds us that it’s all about the client. If you get a chance to hear him speak, don’t miss out.
The Timber Frame Business Council’s member meeting was an opportunity for members to voice concerns and offer suggestions and for the Board to give an update on the new initiatives and work in progress. New Executive Director Pam Hinton was introduced to the members. She’s already working hard to make sure that everyone knows that the timber frame industry is as green as it gets and that working with a member of the TFBC is a big plus as you plan and build your project.
We are proud to be part of the timber frame community. You’ll not meet a group of more dedicated people. Here at Goshen Timber Frames our team of talented designers and craftsmen just “get it”. What a pleasure it is to work with both timber framers all over North America and to work with our own team.