A timber frame, or post and beam construction as we often refer to it, is the perfect choice for anyone building a lodge or mountain home style. But how much timber frame should be used and how is the overall cost of the project effected by these choices? I’m going to kill two birds with one stone by explaining how your timber frame choices affect cost while simultaneously updating you on one of our newest builds, The Ashuelot Lodge.
First, the progress report: The Asheulot Lodge is looking good! The original post on this home, Single Story Floor Plans: The Ashuelot Lodge, was a big hit. For those who missed it but would like to check it out now, click here to see preliminary renderings and floor plans (including the lower level). The home is not only completely enclosed with the back post and beam porch up, the interior is now nearing completion. Wow, that time flew by!
There is no doubt the house is looking good and the timber frame has gone a long way in making this house not only a solid structure, but one that is unique. When you view today’s photos, you’re seeing timber frame used not only inside the home, but outside (front entrance and back porch). What you’re not seeing is the lack of timber frame in the lower level. The homeowners wanted the timber frame to have impact where they would be living – on the main floor of the home. This house is a single story floor plan with the lower (non timber frame) level providing more bedrooms, baths and family space for visiting family and friends (see lower level plan). Therefore, the post and beam was utilized for impact where the homeowners would see it every day.
How does timber frame affect cost? First and foremost, cost is most effected by the amount of timber frame used. With The Ashuelot Lodge, the timber frame is presented in such a way (public, often seen spaces) to obtain major impact without as much timber used as you’d think, i.e. other levels/rooms not using timber. The second way timber frame affects cost is whether straight or curved timbers are employed in the design. You’ll notice the timber used in The Asheulot is straight with the exception of the two braces on the entry porch and the two on the back porch- they add serious visual impact through just 4 pieces of wood. The same rule holds true for any type of ornamentation or embellishments on the frame. The more you have, the costlier the frame. Finally, the use of hardware. If brackets are used (see photos in this article), it’s an added cost.
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