Why We’re Thinking Timber Frame

In a world of modern materials and conveniences, some may be wondering why anyone in their right mind would choose to build timber frame structures. Yet, this is exactly what my family and I are pondering. We would love to have a timber frame house, barn, and out buildings. The advantages, at least in our minds, are significant.

First of all, have you ever seen a timber frame building? They're beautiful! Whereas log cabins can tend to look dark and heavy, timber frames give you the same woodsy, outdoorsy feel using far less timber. In this way, and because they are so durable, they can be very "green", especially if you plan to plant a tree for every tree felled. If the house lasts, three hundred years, that is a lot of trees saved. And, as a fringe benefit, their interiors tend to look light and graceful.

Secondly, timber frame buildings are sturdy. When they are built right, they can last for centuries. Since they are usually made entirely with wood, using wooden pegs and mortise and tenon instead of nails, there is nothing to rust away. And since they are made with wood, they are more forgiving than some more rigid structures whose concrete walls deteriorate with the ravages of climate or crack with every earthquake. Trees were made to weather the weather and to bend in the wind.

Third, because timber frame buildings are so durable, they are perfect for leaving as a heritage to one's children. We believe that our children, and our children's children, ought to have an enduring example of our love. Of course nothing could ever replace our relationship with them, but when we are old, or when we pass away, our children should be able to look at the buildings around them and be reminded of our simple commitment to excellence in all things. They should know that we cared enough about God and about future generations to leave behind something that would endure. And they should be inspired by our craftsmanship to do the same for their children.

Fourth, timber frame buildings require a level of craftsmanship that displays careful forethought and deliberate purpose. More than the character of the wood, they showcase the character of those that built them. They express a passion for beauty and an appreciation for nature. They articulate a harmonious cooperation between the work of God and the works of men's hands. Their joinery reveals an understanding of relationships that transcends the superficial status quo and considers the essential natures of objects distinct in form but united in purpose.

Fifth, because trees are so beautiful and so sturdy, and because God made both them and the men that put them together, we believe that timber frame housing is God-honoring. It displays the glory of God in nature and in mankind.

We are new to timber framing. Having only studied it, we have yet to build our first structure. But it is with the thoughts expressed above in mind, that we are pursuing this course. We want sturdy, durable, beautiful buildings -- practical works of art that express an appreciation for nature and that glorify God. We want buildings that we can honorably pass on as a heritage to our children and as enduring and tangible expressions of praise to God. We want buildings whose character says something about the character of the men and women that built them and about the character of their Redeemer. We want buildings that accent the essential cooperation of man with the works of God. To us, timber framing is the perfect solution.

By Michael Hennen

Here are some resources you may find interesting:

BOOKS

Timber Frame Construction: All About Post and Beam Building

By Jack Sobon and Roger Schroeder

Storey Publishing, 1984

LINKS

Timber Framers Guild: http://www.tfguild.org/

(a good clearinghouse for Timber Frame resources)

Arlington Timber Frames: http://www.arlingtontimberframes.com/

(good simple pictures of post and beam joinery)

Google Sketchup: http://sketchup.google.com/