| Timber frame construction is enjoying a robust | | | | framing is a viable building method. |
| renaissance in the UK these days – and | | | | In parallel to the revival of traditional timber framing in |
| we’re not talking about “softwood” | | | | the UK, was the revival of the craft in North |
| timber framing using 2 inch by 6 inch lumber nailed | | | | America, happening around the same time in the late |
| together. We’re talking about traditional heavy | | | | seventies and early eighties. Here in Canada, we have |
| timber framing using oak or Douglas fir timber | | | | been building with lumber and timber since the |
| connected together using medieval-style mortice & | | | | country was first settled, so it makes perfect sense |
| tenon joinery. | | | | that bespoke ‘post and beam’ homes have |
| What’s the reason for the rebirth of this ancient | | | | become so popular of late. |
| craft of oak framing? Well part of the reason was | | | | Canada’s reputation as a world leader in wood |
| the popularity of residential barn conversions in the | | | | construction has also meant an increased demand for |
| mid 1970’s in England. Instead of building a new | | | | our products abroad, especially in Europe. With the |
| home, self-builders would purchase a property with | | | | advent of the internet, it is relatively easy to |
| an historic barn on the property that could be | | | | communicate with clients and send drawings back |
| renovated into a new home, leaving the beautiful oak | | | | and forth anywhere in the world. And with the cost |
| timber frame exposed to the inside. As conservation | | | | of construction being quite a bit lower in Canada than |
| professional began to realize how old and important | | | | the UK, some self builders in Britain and Ireland are |
| some of these barns were, the structures started to | | | | choosing to contract out their timber framing to |
| benefit from protection under the new listing process. | | | | Canadian companies who deliver the timber |
| As a result, it became more difficult to carry out | | | | components to the job site in sea containers. |
| these conversions, though the demand was still there. | | | | This trading between countries in the traditional |
| With demand, comes supply, and companies started | | | | timber frame market simply reinforces the belief that |
| to pop up in the early eighties specializing in the | | | | this method and style of construction is here stay |
| construction of new bespoke oak framed homes, | | | | – just like the frames themselves – some of |
| using “green” British Oak timber. In the | | | | which having been dated back to the 12th century in |
| twenty five years since, many more companies have | | | | the UK. |
| entered the market, proving that heavy timber | | | | |