Timber has been an ideal building material for centuries. Strong and durable, it also provides a natural softness in terms of aesthetics, making it popular for homes, restaurants, lodges, and many other structures in just about any setting. However, timber frame construction’s structural, logistical, and sustainability benefits make it well suited for three settings in particular: locations with extreme weather, rural or remote properties, and areas of natural beauty.
Areas with Extreme Weather
Heavy timber’s exceptional strength and durability help timber frame structures stand up well to extreme conditions such as hurricanes, tornadoes, and earthquakes. In fact, TerraNova Equestrian Center in Myakka City, Florida, withstood the heavy winds and torrential rain of Category 4 Hurricane Ian in 2022. While the storm destroyed many homes and properties in the area, TerraNova’s sturdy timber frame pavilion held up against the elements. Heavy timber can flex and absorb impact, reducing damage and increasing safety in even the toughest weather conditions.
Rural or Remote Locations
A unique benefit of timber frame construction is the ability to build the frame off-site and assemble it on location. Because of this, heavy timber homes and other structures are ideal for rural or remote areas, where access to traditional building materials and resources may be limited and can cause delays. Off-site construction requires fewer trips to the job site, allows for better precision and quality, and can expedite the overall timeline of a building project.
Additionally, timber frame structures can be designed to be self-sufficient using renewable energy sources, which could be a necessity in areas considered “off the grid.” These buildings are already very energy efficient thanks to the use of structural insulated panels (SIPs), which create a tight building envelope and allow better temperature regulation throughout the seasons. SIPs retain heat in the winter and keep the interior cool in the summer, helping to reduce reliance on heating and cooling systems.
Naturally Beautiful Settings
Timber frame buildings’ natural, rustic appearance fits in well in wooded areas, mountainous regions, and along waterfronts. The warm and inviting atmosphere created by timber makes it perfect for the vacation homes and lodges often found in these settings.
This gorgeous timber frame visitors center in British Columbia offers a spectacular view of the coast. The use of heavy timber beams, hardwood floors, and natural wood details incorporate aspects of the great outdoors into the design, and an open floor plan allows natural light to spill into the building, blurring the lines of indoor and outdoor spaces.
The Sustainability of Timber
No matter the setting, sustainability is another benefit of timber frame construction — one that we know is increasingly important to our customers. Timber is a renewable resource, and timber buildings tend to generate a lower carbon footprint than those built with other materials. At Mid-Atlantic Timberframes, we embrace sustainable, eco-friendly building practices by sourcing our timber from responsibly managed forests and recycling our timber waste.
Mid-Atlantic Timberframes has over a decade of experience building timber homes and other structures along the East Coast and throughout the United States. We are known for our attention to detail, eye for design, and quality craftsmanship. If you have a timber project in mind, or you’d like more information about timber frame construction, contact us to start a conversation today.