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You are here: Home Building & Home Articles Building & Construction Articles Construction with Timber Frames Creates a Nostalgia

Construction with Timber Frames Creates a Nostalgia PDF Print E-mail

A framed structure of timber being joined together is the process of timber framing. Timber frames have been a common material used as a skeletal structure for houses and buildings since thousands of years ago. This has been regarded as an ancient art and is popular in so many parts of the world such as Japan and North European nations.

by GlennAJamess



A framed structure of timber being joined together is the process of timber framing. Timber frames have been a common material used as a skeletal structure for houses and buildings since thousands of years ago. This has been regarded as an ancient art and is popular in so many parts of the world such as Japan and North European nations.

Historically, timber frame construction was used in climates with cool temperatures and high rainfall ? ideal for growing trees; this is why it's a common construction method in places as dispersed as England, Russia and Japan. The oldest timber framed building still in active use is in Asia, and dates back to the 4th century AD. In Europe, there are timber frame buildings dating back to the 1200s.

A lot of research has gone into timber frame constructions in the historical community, including historical re-enactors. They've re-discovered a lot of techniques for making sturdy building frames without nails, notably extensive (and creative) use of mortis and tennon joins.

The use of timber frames have been utilized up to this date because of its structural benefits. It allows a complete enclosure for structures, which gives good insulation that is good for energy efficiency. Some people might think that the use of these frames is not as sturdy as using bricks but for a fact, they are just as safe as those brick houses. On the aesthetic side, they bring about these very elaborate and classic auras because of its frames. They depict a precise and intricate feature. And some of these houses built in timber frames have this rustic style making it look homier and peaceful.

What caused those buildings to be made in the first place is that they're easy to build and much less labor intensive than trying to build from stone or fired-mud bricks, which require an industrial base to produce. By contrast, timber frame construction in historical terms required felling trees, sawing them to the right lengths, and using a felling axe and adze to square them up.

What draws most people to timber frame construction is its distinctive "old world" appearance, which can create a very pleasant front to a home or building. It's also a fairly efficient way to build a new construction facility, given that it doesn't throw away quite as much scrap lumber at the end. (It's still not as efficient as standardized prefabricated house construction).

This type of structure helps in reducing waste and uses fewer resources upon construction. It flexibly allows you to be more open with your style and design preference. They are strong and since it has been proven to last for years and years, it can withstand natural disasters such as earthquakes and storms.

Other interesting notes on this kind of construction are how durable and robust it is. Most timber frame homes are surprisingly weather proof and fairly easy to insulate. You may not be able to get LEEDs certification directly, but the usual market for this sort of construction is from medieval re-enactors.

About the Author:

Glenn A Jamess has been around construction for decades. He became interested in historic timber restoration after remodeling timber constructed museums. His excellent craftmanship can be seen in his creations and in pictures on his website. Look at his site for more information.
 

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