|
~O U R E T H O S~
Our designs, choices of material, and methods of work are all guided by our beliefs in...
...a wise and respectful stewardship of the Earth.
...a reverance for the past and a responsibility towards the future.
...crafting objects of usefulness that will endure both in utility & beauty beyond our lifetime.
O R A R E E S T L A B O R A R E ~ L A B O R A R E E S T O R A R E
|
|
D E S I G N
'the pattern'
~
The "patterns" of our frameworks are inspired by the work of many different cultures. Our primary influence in overall design and joinery choices comes from English roots in both Early America and the Old World. Heavy timber carpentry evolved with the changing uses and architectural styles of buildings through the mid 19th Century. Consequently, historical examples and precedents have been set and we rely upon these as guides as we design a frame for you.
We do not offer stock plans, but prefer to combine your ideas and wishes with sound traditional underpinnings to create a custom design. This results in a unique & personalized building, but still anchors the building in a time proven pattern. We supply shop drawings of the timber-framework. They are drawn by hand, by us, and we can offer approved & sealed plans from a registered structural engineer upon your request.
Because framing in heavy timber is not overly common in this day and age, we often find it necessary to work closely with you, your architect, and your contractor. From start to finish, this ensures that the timberwork portion of your project is successfully intergrated into the whole project.
|
M A T E R I A L S
'the fabric'
~
We prefer to use locally grown, harvested, and milled timber. We offer both hardwood and softwood species, hand-hewn, rough-sawn, or hand planed. Our frameworks are joined in unseasoned "green" timber. All of these attributes lead to a framework that has inherently low embodied energy.
We prefer to keep it simple and keep it local. Shipping timber from the Pacific Northwest to Northeast Ohio consumes susbstantial amounts of non-renewable energy. Local woodlots offer a great diversity of timber, each species having unique qualities that lend integrity and interest to our timberframes.
|
|
J O I N E R Y
'the essence of the craft'
~
Joinery is the means by which one timber is joined to another. Joinery is also one of the primary elements that often differentiates traditional heavy timber carpentry from its more widely used modern cousin, "post & beam" construction.
We utilize historically documented, full-wooden joinery secured with hand-riven pins & wedges. We avoid the use of steel fasteners and steel plates to the best of our ability. The past has given us an abundance of joinery choices, some better suited than others for specific circumstances that arise in design. These choices keep our work both interesting and creative.
We rely upon two methods of measurement for our layout of cuts. Both are traditional methods and can be identified in historical timberframed buildings. Our most commonly used method is "square-rule". This method was used primarily from 1800 onward. It accommodates the use of hand-hewn and rough-sawn timber that may or may not be straight and square with a system that mathematically compensates for these discrepancies. We also use, on occasion, a method called "scribe rule". It too is a system that accommodates imperfect timber but by different means. Scribing relies upon the direct transfer of one timber's shape to another in full scale. When we incorporate more "organic" forms of timber into our frameworks, scribing serves us well.
|
|
R A I S I N G
'coming together'
~
The raising, the erection of the timberwork into a frame, is the culmination of the timber-frame portion of your project. The raising gives opportunity for all to be involved...family, friends, and community. We prefer to "hand-raise", the more traditional approach. However, circumstances may be such that the assistance of a crane is in the best interest of the project. Safety is paramount.
Typically, the frame is transported from our shop to your site followed by several days of organizing and the assembly of parts of the framework. This precedes raising day. Usually, most frames are raised in a single day. Of course, this is all dependent on the size and complexity of the framework, the method of raising, and the number of helpers.
All in all, it is a very positive & memorable experience not often encountered in this day and age. Many hands make light work.
|
C O M M U N I T Y
'keeping it local'
~
Most all of our projects to date have been within 40 or so miles of our farm. Quite frankly, we consider this ideal and prefer to keep our work as close to home as possible. This isn't to say we limit ourselves in our willingness to travel. That "once-in-a-lifetime" special project may be a ways from home and we'll certainly consider each situation as needed. Chances are, there may be a craftsperson in your local community or region that can supply you with the services you'd like if we're not able to do so.
|
|
|
