| The Return of Timber Framing |
| Thursday, 29 October 2009 14:26 | |||
 Howard, Ohio, October 2009 – Since the beginning of the Industrial Revolution there’s no doubt the technological advancements that have taken place over this time have influenced us – but not always for good.
Most of us simultaneously embrace and reject a technology (ex: a ringing cell phone), while wondering what new fangled advancement lies ahead. Every now and then, though, we need to remember how important it is to look to the past to remind ourselves what we’ve already learned through the decades, centuries and millennia. The past is more relevant now than ever. Most of our ancestors lived what we now call a “green” life – they had no other option. One prime example was their homes and buildings. The products they used were what they had available, and were all natural. Many of the buildings they constructed are still standing today, as testimony to the strength of what they used and their human ingenuity. One of the oldest ‘natural’ construction methods is timber framing. There are frames still in use today that are thousands of years old – an example of their strength, durability and lasting appeal. There’s an inherent simplicity with a timber frame – the basic principle is to use an all-wood frame as the skeleton, support and beauty of the house. In a standard ‘stick built’ home, you usually have wooden two-by-sixes nailed together as the skeleton, some sort of metal or steel beam as the support, and yet another material to cover it all up and make it pretty. That’s a lot of material, much of which isn’t exactly environmentally friendly. On the other hand, timber frames are gorgeous, environmentally friendly, and yes, more affordable. The team at OakBridge Timber Framing has been timber framers their whole lives – and in fact is part of their culture. The Howard, Oho company is a family-run Amish business – they all grew up raising frames, and have a focused passion for what they do that creates unrivaled quality. Centuries ago, Amish communities embraced timber framing and timber frame living as a defining example of their values: community (a way to work together), lasting quality (a home or structure that generations to come can enjoy), and of course, a calming simplicity. Who wouldn’t want a home like that? Even Mother Nature would approve. OakBridge craftspeople handcraft all their timbers, using wood joinery; primarily Oak and Douglas Fir– both species known for their strength. Each frame is unique to client’s specifications and is a true wooden sculpture composed of large beams that lock together with wooden pegs to form the visible interior beams. This results in a frame that is structurally stronger than conventional platform construction, and actually uses considerably less material. And since wood is carbon neutral - and a renewable resource - its impact on the environment (and on you) is exponentially better than man-made materials. Timber frames are not insulated with Fiberglas insulation, which can create extensive waste. In most instances, structural insulated panels (or SIPs) are used, which help create a home vastly more energy efficient, stronger, quieter, and more draft free than other building systems. So you can have a home that’s pretty and smart – not bad. The timber framing process is one that’s beautiful right from the start. From the hand carved timbers, to the team effort and skill of the frame raising to everyday life in your timber frame home – is unrivaled in the housing industry. But is going for the green affordable? Actually, yes. Timber framing can be on par with many other construction methods, and can be made more expensive. But that’s like asking if all cars cost the same – it depends on size, bells and whistles, etc. Like pretty much anything else, you can make it as affordable or as expensive as your budget allows. But as you project your figures, don’t forget the energy efficiency that timber frames inherently offer; it not only provides an environmental benefit – in the long run, it benefits your wallet, too. And, since your timber frame home will be so wonderful to live in, you may not want to go out to eat anymore – another handy budget bonus. To learn more about OakBridge Timber Framing, please visit www.OakBridgeTimberFraming.com SOURCE: OakBridge Timber
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