Timber Frame Building: Make Your Home or Commercial Building Look “West Coast”
You probably hear the phrase “West Coast style” rather frequently, but you may not know what it is.
While some might use the term to describe lifestyle or even food choices, it is commonly used to describe design choices and often involves natural colours and materials like wood, glass, and stone. It also refers to the use of complex geometric forms and open-plan layouts. One popular method of giving your home or business a West Coast look is to use timber frame construction.
What is Timber Frame Building?
Timber framing is a traditional and distinctive method of building, using heavy timbers to frame the structure of the building. It was a standard method of building until the beginning of the 20th century when the demand for cheaper materials and quicker building methods took over. A defining element of a timber frame is the joinery which consists of mortises and tenons secured with wooden pegs. This type of joint is strong and stable and has been used by woodworkers for thousands of years.
Timber framing is still in practice in many countries including Australia, Denmark, France, Germany, Japan, the US, the UK, and of course, Canada.
Benefits of Timber Framing
Timber frame structures have a variety of advantages, though for many, the appearance alone can be worthwhile. In addition to creating a warm and inviting environment, timber frame structures offer the following:
They can be extremely durable
Timber frames with structural insulated panels (SIP) for insulation are stronger and more efficient than fibreglass
The ability to build without load-bearing walls allows for open floor plans and the ability to make changes to the interior without structural consequences
Greater energy efficiency with SIPs
Less temperature variation throughout the building, meaning no hot or cold spots
Lower carbon footprint due to the use of sustainable materials, especially when using local woods
Achieving the Look
When it comes to timber framing, you may choose to have your entire home timber-framed, which means having the entire house framed and built with timbers. This makes for an extraordinarily strong structure, but it might cost more than a conventional home, owing to the number of timbers used. Alternately, you might choose to build a conventionally framed house that includes some parts that are built with timbers, whether for structural purposes or simple aesthetics. You could, for example, build most of the house conventionally, reserving timber framing for a large open living room, entrance, and trusses.
Timber frame Decks
Adding a deck to a new home is very common for both new people moving to Squamish and - Deck Contractors in Squamish
This hybrid approach works well in custom home designs and businesses where it is more appropriate to add accents for visual appeal. This might also be part of a renovation of a conventionally framed home or business where timber accents are desired to give that West Coast appearance. Cosmetic finishing beams may also be added, giving a warm beauty to your home. Highlights can also be added to the exterior of a structure where they can blend with west-coast styled rock work to give a natural look and feel to the home.
The West Coast look may not be quite the same by everyone’s definition, but most agree that it is a successful blend of new and old, modern, and rustic. Warm, welcoming, and beautiful, the West Coast aesthetic might be just the look you are seeking for your home or business.
First Peak Contracting in Squamish has extensive experience and expertise in building with Timberframe - whether you are looking to build a complete Timberframe home, use some hybrid framing, add some exterior design details or perhaps a new timber-frame deck, we can help you from the planning stage to project completion. Feel free to contact First Peak Contracting with any construction or Timber Frame questions you may have.