What is Timberframe?
Timber frame is a historical technique of building utilizing heavy load-bearing timber beams and interlocking mortise and tenon joinery that provides a durable and resilient fit. These joints have been demonstrated to resist immense pressures such as hurricanes and earthquakes and last for generations. A Timber frame structure is effectively a skeletal framework where all the loads and forces are taken on by the load-bearing timbers. You won’t see modern nails, screws, or fasters being used in a traditional timber frame building but will enjoy elegant, exposed wooden posts and beams that create an aesthetically appealing architectural element unique to your home or business that will last for generations to cherish.
This type of engineering accommodates large open spaces where architects are not restricted by the need for load-bearing interior walls and more creative use of windows so you can enjoy all the natural light desired. The exposed wooden timbers display warmth and natural beauty while providing structural integrity and energy efficiency not found in conventional modern construction.
Craftsmanship
A Timber frame is more than a structure but a source of artistic pride. Each joint at Pfiffner Design-Build is hand-finished to ensure a perfect fit. We pride ourselves in our craftsmanship and ability to create one-of-a-kind homes and businesses for our customers. At Pfiffner Design-Build every truss tells a story and each mortise and tenon joint expresses its own character. We strive to capture the natural beauty and unique characteristics of each timber in our work combining traditional techniques and modern elements to create spaces that are organic and dynamic.
Heritage
Timberframing arises from a longstanding architectural tradition going back thousands of years across continents. At Pfiffner Design-Build, we continue these practices, and as craftsmen, often create our own woodworking techniques and joinery with our artistic and structural knowledge. Timber frame is a time-honored and sustainable building practice we are proud to preserve.
Local timber
We are fortunate to live in Montana providing us regional access to some of the finest Douglas Fir timbers in the Northwest. Our Timber is sourced locally from community mills and we have long-standing relationships with multiple dismantlers in the area for reclaimed lumber. Check out the Wildwood Brewery project where we dismantled reclaimed virgin white pine from Wisconsin.
Our timbers are grade #1 or better, hand-picked to be relatively free of heartwood and free from checking and twisting as much as possible. We strive to remain local and support our fellow small businesses, though periodically there is a need to source logs from Oregon for particular projects. Our locally sourced high-grade Douglas Fir places us in an excellent position to tackle any timber frame project with confidence!
What are the Benefits of Timber Frame?
Quality
At Pfiffner Design Build we uphold the tradition of old-world craftsmanship in each project we complete. In every aspect of a job – design, materials selected, manufacturing process, and build– you can be assured that our attention to detail and care in construction is the best in the industry.
Some timber-framed buildings built centuries ago can still be seen and used to this day. That is why at Pfiffner Design Build we still handpick every timber to maintain the product perfection that we have come to be known for. We buy locally from sustainably managed forests, not only to support our communities but because the timber around here is of the highest quality found.
Strength & Durability
Timber Frame is renowned for its strength and durability. Here at Pfiffner Design Build, we assure that the historical methods that have enabled timber frame systems to survive earthquakes, hurricanes, and tsunamis are continued in our work. You won’t discover better fit mortise and tenon joints in the industry. The combined strength of each timber and our hand-crafted joinery leaves each structure with extreme strength and long-lasting durability. Timber frames at Pfiffner Design Build are exceptionally structurally sound and will survive generations.
Energy Efficiency
Timber frame construction is energy efficient! A timber frame structure facilitates minimal temperature transfer between the interior and exterior of the building. This gives the homeowner lower energy bills than a conventional home. At Pfiffner Design-Build we may suggest using modern SIPs, or structurally insulated panels, to accomplish a high-performing weather-tight shell with your timber frame. The combination of timber frame and SIPs can attribute to up to a 60% reduction in energy costs by providing airtightness and insulative integrity.
Green Building
Timber frame homes and businesses are crafted from sustainable materials, rendering them more environmentally friendly than conventional construction today. Building green with sustainable materials is becoming more significant with the growing concerns of energy independence and climate effects. Timber is one of the few renewable resources used in construction because of tree regrowth and with a carbon footprint that is 75% less than concrete or steel, it’s no surprise that wood has become a top contending material for green builders.
At Pfiffner Design-Build we often opt to use reclaimed lumber to support sustainable practices and bring history into our projects. We educate our clients on the options of reclaimed vs new timber in the building process so you can make the most educated decision for your design.