Architectural Plans

Timberframe Plan

Exterior View

Windows in the cupola can be opened to provide natural venting.

Interior View

Looking past the stairs that spiral up to the loft.

Loft View

Natural light makes its way to the heart of the cabin through the cupola windows above.

Ken’s timbers

The timbers were sawn from dry Douglas-fir logs by a local small business.

Timber work begins

The timbers are first planed and the joinery laid out before cutting begins.

Test fit

Test-fitting the timbers ensures that the frame will go up smoothly on raising day.

Set to go!

The cut timbers are sanded and oiled before shipping to the building site.

Crane

The crane was able to work around the tree that Ken wanted to save.

Raising 1

A floor girt is flown in.

Raising 2

The frame is assembled in parts on the floor framing – ready to be lifted into place by the crane.

Post to foundation connection

A metal strap anchored in the concrete foundation wall secures the post in place.

Raising 3

The jigsaw puzzle locks together.

Raising 4

Ken, the owner, hammers home a peg.

Raising 5

An 8x12 plate is lowered into place.

Raising 6

Not bad for a day’s work!

Floor joists

The next day the floor joists were added by hand…

Cupola

… and the rest of the pegs driven. These pegs are waiting to be sawn flush.

Corner Post

The Douglas-fir timbers positively glow in the autumn sun.

The cabin takes shape