Planning
At the early stages, timber concept drawings are
drawn up based on the house design, gaining form through function.
Timber frames naturally lend themselves to open spaces and vaulted
ceilings, creating large light spaces. It is important that the timber
framer and architect work closely together, to fully integrate the timberwork into
living spaces. Typically an architect will draw the overall plans, while
the carpenter will draw up timber sections.
Building
Typically when building a new frame, dry dead
standing logs are sourced locally, and converted to timbers using a bandsaw
mill. Several local species include: Douglas Fir, Larch, White Pine,
Hemlock, and Cedar.
Timbers are then processed in the workshop using a
combination of age old marking out techniques, hand and power tools.
After being planed, sanded and stained, timbers are transported to site.
Usually several days are spent on site preparing the
sub-floor, and pre-assembling sections of timberwork, before the crane
arrives. Most average sized timber frames can be raised in one day with a
large crane. Although traditionally frames were raised by ropes a
pulleys, the crane makes the process much faster and safer.
Timber frames are very versatile because they are
pre-fabricated in the workshop. They can be prepared in advance of
foundations being poured, or shipped long distances by truck. The
building process can happen very quickly by using a timber frame. |
