March 01, 2005

Timber Framing. Think of timberframe and most people think of England but timberframed homes are common in New England and were a popular building method for barns throughout America. Traditional Japanese homes and Chinese homes also employ timberframing. Learn more from the Timber Framers Guild and see some great images of timberframes in America from the Library of Congress. Explore Weald and Downland, an outdoor museum in England with really drafty homes. The cherry on top has to be a presentation of a Chinese timberframe by the Peabody Essex Museum.

I was sparked to find information about timberframing after a friend finished a timberframe home on their oceanside land here in Southeast Alaska. The exposed joinery was both grand and simple at the same time, giving the house a wonderful feel.

posted by Hotcakes 19 years ago
  • Lovely post. I need to build a new house in the next couple of years, so stuff like this is very welcome.
  • Now that's what I call architecture. Stuff yer skyscrapers up yor arse! Cottages for all!
  • There is a group of Oldtool enthusiasts who have a mailing list - you can also read it through (one of several) web interfaces. There are some timberframing experts there, as evidenced in this thread There is also a greenbuilding mailing list with archives here. Check out the Timber Builders Business Council, as well.
  • Gorgeous stuff here, thanks. I'll be remembering this if I ever have the money to build.
  • Timbers, bah. Why go to all the trouble? Just cut 'em down and use 'em raw. That's what we Canadians do, leaping from tree to tree, as they float down the mighty rivers of British Columbia. The Giant Redwood. The Larch. The Fir! The mighty Scots Pine!
  • zedcaster: I can't even count how many Monty Python routines that calls to mind.
  • Certainly a useful thread for those interested in old buildings, too. Thanks, Hotcakes.