This document provides an overview of timber frame design and construction. It discusses the differences between timber frame, log construction, and post-and-beam framing. The main components of a timber frame are bents and bays. Various roof styles are described including principal rafter, king post, and hammer beam trusses. The design process involves considering budget, lifestyle needs, and site characteristics. A bubble diagram is recommended to layout spaces before developing formal plans.

1. Project Timber Frame: DesignA general overview of timber frame designPutting the pieces togetherAnnemarie MitchellLegacy Timber Frames Inc

2. The Timber Frame: A brief summaryTimber frame vs. log constructionTimber Frame vs. Post & BeamTimber frame componentsTimber frame typesThe Design: A place to startThe design processDesign considerationsBudgetLifestyleBuilding sitePutting it on paper

3. Timber Frame vs. Log ConstructionIn timber frame construction, the timbers are vertical posts and horizontal beams.Timber frames need a separate enclosure system on the outside of the frameIn log construction, the logs are stacked horizontally on top of each other to create the exterior walls. The logs are the exterior and interior wall surface

4. Timber Frame vs. Post & BeamPost & beam construction consists of posts & beamsCan be connected by bolts, metal, nails, or any other structural meansTimber Frame is post & beam construction connected exclusively with wood joinery and wooden pegs

5. Timber frame componentsBentsThe timber frame section that defines the structureBaysThe space between the bents

6. The Basic Frame

7. Timber Frame TypesPrincipal rafter/ purlin roof trussesCan allow for clear spans in cathedral areasKing post trussHammer beam trussOther styles of trussCommon rafter roof systemsCan give you living space in the roof areaRidge beam, center postQueen post frameHybrid constructionA mix of timber frame and other framing methods

8. King Posts TrussPrincipal rafter/ Purlin

9. Hammer Beam TrussPrincipal rafter/ Purlin

10. Principal rafter/ purlinOther truss styles

11. Ridge Beam/ Center PostCommon Rafter system

12. Queen PostCommon rafter system

13. Hybrid ConstructionA mix of timber frame and other

14. The Design Process A full set of blueprints/ construction drawings are needed prior to constructionAllow enough time for the design process which can be about 4-6 months or more for a custom designThe more thought out your design is, the easier and more cost-effective the construction will beEach timber frame company handles design differentlyStock plans to choose fromIn- house design servicesArchitects they work withWork with your architect/ designerChoose your timber frame company before completing designEach timber frame company has different framing systems and building requirementsIf you have a timber frame company do the design, copyright laws prevent you from taking the plans to another timber framer to build that designThe more information you can bring to the design process, the betterDon’t worry about drawing floor plans; a bubble diagram or even a list of your needs is a great place to start

15. Design Considerations: BudgetEstablish your budget early, and be open about the budget with all your construction trades.Simple roof lines are more economical than complex roofs

16. Design Considerations: LifestyleLifestyle is the key consideration for design.How many people will be living in the house?How much and what type of entertaining?What are the present and future needs for space?What are the sleeping habits of each of the household? What is a typical day of each of the members? How will that change over the years?Are there any pets? If so do they require special space?Are there any hobbies that require space or separation?

17. Design Considerations: The SiteYour site will determine some aspects of your design:The size and shape of the site and distance required between the road/ neighbors and the buildingNorth, south, east, west orientation of the house Locating the house to maximize the viewsThe lay of the land: a flat site, or a slope for a walk-out basementLocal building codes and restrictions can limit size, height , colors, etc.Access to the road, driveway location will dictate garage and house placement

18. Design Consideration: StyleTwo stories

19. Design Considerations: StyleOne story

20. Design Considerations: StyleA Story and a Half

21. Valley or Hip RoofValley with dormerValley is a cross gable roofHip roofHip is where there is no gable, just roof

22. A Place to Start Your DesignHave each member of the household write down a “must have” list and a “wish” list of everything that is important to them.Think about how you live, and which rooms are the most used. Measure the rooms that work, and don’t work, in your present homeBegin a file with clippings from magazines & take photos of homes in the style you likeWrite down anything you can think of about the spaces you’d likeThink about how your budget and site will lend themselves to the design.Don’t worry about having drawings before talking with timber frame companies or designers. They can help you put your thoughts on paper—it’s what they do every day.

23. The Bubble DiagramPutting it on paperOnce you have an idea of the spaces you need, a bubble diagram is a great next step.Make a circle of paper for each room or space you need. Make the circle big if you need lots of room, and small if you don’t. Don’t worry about scale.Cut out the circles, Sometimes it helps to make them different colors.For each story of the house, place the circles on a large paper in the general area you want them to be. They can overlap. Place the rooms that need to interact (like kitchen & dining) next to each other, or just draw a line connecting them.When you find an arrangement you like, you have the start of your home design.

24. QuestionsPlease feel free to ask any questionsContact: Legacy Timber Frames Inc691 County Rd 70Stillwater, NY 12170Phone: (518) 279-9108Fax: (518) 581-9219E-mail: info@legacytimberframes.com