what is timberframing?
Timberframe construction is a building method that employs large timbers as the main structural supports of a home.The timbers are shaped to interlock with one another where they join and are held together with the use of wooden pegs. The timberframe craft has deep historical roots, having been practiced in various forms in forested areas throughout the world for more than 2000 years. That it has endured into modern times is a testament to the artistry and durability of the timberframe structure - the warmth and structural beauty that emanate from a timberframe home have struck a chord with many of today’s homeowners. The beauty of the timberframe home is most readily apparent from within, where the structural “bones” of the house are on display. The natural timbers add warmth to a home, while the wall finish between the timbers can be varied, creating a light, spacious atmosphere. Timberframe homes lend themselves well to open floor plans and architectural details like vaulted ceilings – using a centuries old craft to create spaces in touch with today’s lifestyles.
design philosophies
Our design process begins with the premise that there should be an intimate connection between the built environment and the natural world; in addition to the use of natural materials like large wooden timbers for the support system, each of our homes is designed with the specific site that it will occupy in mind. Orienting buildings with respect to the sun and optimizing views is paramount, as is working with the natural topography of the site to minimize the impact of construction on the land. Together, these measures result in homes that blend into their environment, with interiors that echo the natural world. At NEST Timberhome & Design, we believe in efficient, customized design – the home’s space should accommodate the needs of the client now and into the future, while minimizing excessive floor area through clever planning; this strategy ultimately reduces both building materials and the home’s energy consumption. Bigger is not necessarily better, and we tend to favour smaller spaces that have been built with care and attention to detail and that have been finished with high-quality materials. The homes that we build for our clients will last a lifetime and beyond.
building process
NEST Timberhome & Design is a timber provider, meaning that we specialize in supplying the heavy timber components of a project. We work with the client’s general contractor (often the clients themselves assume this role) to provide one component of the built product. Under certain circumstances, we also provide construction services to a “lock-up” stage – this is mainly related to the proximity of the project to our base in Clearwater, and to the client’s needs.
During the frame design, work on sourcing timbers begins. We strive to use logs locally harvested and sawn into timbers by local custom saw-millers. Ideally, our timbers are sourced from salvaged dead trees, turning what would otherwise be considered low value fibre or firewood into a high value product – thereby supporting the value-added concept for BC’s forest resources. Occasionally a client is able to source either the logs or sawn timbers themselves, which can add special meaning to their completed project – especially if the logs are sourced from the land that the home is built on.
When building with NEST, the frame of heavy timber is first cut and test-fitted at our Clearwater facility. Commonly, the timbers are sanded and oiled before shipping to the building site, where they are raised on the prepared foundation and connected with traditional oak pegged timberframe joinery. As most of the timber work has already taken place in the shop, the raising process is comparatively quick, resulting in a completed frame in only a day or two on site. Raising day is exciting – and usually calls for a party to celebrate!
products
Structural Timberframe Homes
The heavy timbers form the structural basis of the home, and bear directly on either a concrete wall foundation or concrete piers and footings.
Hybrid Timberframe/Conventional Frame Homes
Heavy timbers form the structural basis of only part of the home – generally the public areas of the house such as the living room, dining room, kitchen and entry – while the remainder of the house – bedrooms and utility areas – are conventionally built using standard “stick framing” or insulated concrete forms.
Post & Beam Barns, Garages and Outbuildings
These structures often incorporate additional living space, such as a guest suite.
Non-Structural Timber Accents
Timber accents can be added to a conventionally built house – for example: decorative timber trusses and braces, additional posts and beams, decorative timber floor joists.
Decks, Railings & Stairs
Heavy Timber Decks
Post and beam decks utilizing heavy timber deck joists create an attractive sitting area beneath the deck as well.
Gates and Railings
Entrances
A roof over a door provides welcome protection from the elements, and forms a transitional area between outdoors and in.
Joinery Options
Traditional mortise & tenon style joinery using oak pegs as connectors
– connectors can be cut flush with the timbers or left “proud”.
Metal plate and bolt joinery
– a more modern approach which can also be more economical for barns and outbuildings.
Design Services
Full custom home and timberframe design
– work one-on-one with our design department to customize your project to your needs and your site.
Timberframe design
– frame design in conjunction with custom home design by others.
Interior and exterior rendering and modeling
– a great tool to help visualize options and glimpse what the completed project could look like
who are we?
NEST Timberhome & Design is committed to designing and creating inspired timberframe homes and home accessories that will span generations. We are in business because we love what we do and take pride in a job well done. Our success is measured by the satisfaction of our clients, and we strive at all times to maintain the highest level of respect for our customers, employees, and the environment.
Dan and Kim Muddiman are the principals of NEST Timberhome & Design. After beginning their careers in industrial forestry, they decided to shift their focus towards adding value to BC’s forest products and to designing and building homes that showcase the natural beauty of wood. They regularly enjoy time spent in the outdoors, and this appreciation of the natural world is evident in their design philosophy – which seeks to respect the land by working with its natural features and topography, thereby integrating dwellings into their environments.
