Timber Arches Everywhere Complete

The beginning Timber Arches Everywhere.

Progress: The Truss Install.

This hybrid timber frame project is complete!

This great room is something else, very happy with the finish.

Remember where we started?

We enjoyed working with Westall Architects on this one.  Initially contacted by them and we stayed strong through the bidding processes while a general contractor was chosen.  Nice when that works out.

Pergola

me: Vermont Timber Works, this is Sandy.

caller: Hi, this is Jim.  Working on a project and my client would like a pergola for their property, post and beam style.  Can you help?

me: I’m sure we can and thank you for calling us.  Tell us about your pergola project.

caller:  Drawings are asking for long timbers.  Can I get timbers as long as 40ft?

me:  Sometimes, let us take a look and we’ll see what we can offer.

caller:  and it needs to be white oak, no exceptions, and hand hewn…

me:  Wow, hand hewing white oak is a challenge, we can do it.  A 40ft white oak beam is going to be a challenge.

caller:  I’ll send you the drawings, the rafter plates and lattice have a specific detail required.

me:  Detail?

caller: Yes, curved ends, fancy.

me: Bring it on.

Luckily the overall size of the pergola was scaled down a bit, 30′ x 32′ and away we go!

Okay, long story short, the original detail requested didn’t lend itself to heavy timber…this is the compromise.  Tapered from the center down to each end with this detail.  Very cool.  Needless to say, we did a few practice cuts before cutting into a 32ft long timber.

Nice, great job Kellin and Bradford.  See the taper shown on the shop drawing below?

And Voila!

Great team on this one.

James Dillon, Interstate Workshops, Inc.

Steve Mason, Mason & Krabbe General Contraction, Inc.

Nasser Nakib, Nasser Nakib Architect

Michael A. Macri, Grossfield Macri, PC Consulting Engineers

#1 White Oak Timbers, thank you Pioneer Lumber Co. and Great Brook Forest Products.

Beautiful view!

Custom mix finish will be applied to the timbers as well as the columns.  Can’t wait to see the finished pergola.

It was fun while it lasted / A Let’s Blog Off Post

It was fun while it lasted, thank you Let’s Blog Off!

We joined in late, and in a short period of time, learned alot, met some great folks and new friends.  Time well spent!

Paul & Gerard, your hard work is appreciated, happy to have found you.  Stay in touch!

Timber Frame Hybrid / Finished

The beginning Timber Frame Hybrid

Source: schultzbuilding.com via Sandy on Pinterest

Source: schultzbuilding.com via Sandy on Pinterest

Anyone up for a game of pool?

I’ll play pool anytime under these heavy timber trusses.

This stunning project had a great team, Ghidorzi Architects & Schutlz Building.  Excellent job!

Photo Credit:  David Bader Photography

Custom Timber Frame + Custom Kitchen

Great combination!

The big question (for me)…to paint the cabinetry or not?

Wood timbers, wood cabinetry and maybe wood flooring? Too much wood?

If you want contrast, I suggest staining the timbers OR the cabinetry a few shades darker.  Maybe painting the cabinetry, but not painting the timbers…unless we talking about a timber cottage on the beach?

The painted cabinetry in this home (above) provides needed contrast.  I wonder if that is Old Fashioned Milk Paint?

(below pic) This design works well, in my opinion, due to the windows.  Upper cabinetry would be too much wood for my taste, not enough contrast from the timber framing.  What are your thoughts?

Counter top is also an area to have some fun and create contrast.  A favorite is Vermont Soapstone, and of course, everyone loves granite…(don’t they)?

What are your thoughts on center picture? Too much wood?

The Edge Of Our “timber framing” World / A Let’s Blog Off Post

The edge of our timber framing world ends at the timber frame.

Welcome to Vermont Timber Works, we are different because we focus on the frame.

This approach allows for great flexibility, all designs are custom, and sometimes quite complex, which we like.

BUT, what about the potential client that wants more?  They want us to close in their timber frame?  Perhaps even be their general contractor?  We’ll, this is usually a no (no thank you) from us.  It’s not what we are set up to do, it’s not in our comfort zone.

Until, we (meaning Tom) decided, why not?  This played out just the way we wanted (who knew at the time).  We were asked to not only provide the timber frame (beautiful project, timber frame on the lake), but also the wall framing, siding, insulation, roof panels, windows and doors. We hooked up with LaValley Building Supply and away we went.  It went well, we were chosen as their timber framer.  AND since we did the research and provided pricing for the additional scope, they were happy.  We actually passed it all along directly (no need to be in the middle) general contractor contracted directly with LaValleys.  Everyone happy.

So, I guess we stepped out of our comfort zone…then right back in it!

Timber Frame ONLY please.

Post and Beam Beauty / Inside and Out

AND, look at that view…

Custom Designed?  Oh yes…

Shall we go inside? Let’s go!

What do you think of the stonework?  The contrast between the douglas fir timber framing is wonderful.

On to the kitchen…

Timber post and brace in the design, right next to the Wolf Range caught my eye initially.  Then, looking at the windows, the view and the layout…could I live with that?  YES, I could.

Flowers at the shop / A Let’s Blog Off Post

This week LetsBlogOff wanted to talk about flowers…ok, I’m in.

And, since it’s Spring (why is it snowing, oh never mind).

Shannon (our landscaper) takes great care of us.  Soon it will be time for our timber framers to enjoy lunch time outside at the picnic table and these beautiful flowers will be enjoyed for another season.

Lilac is my favorite!

Handcrafted For The Horses

This post begins over on Tom’s blog Hand Crafted Timber Frames, his client asks him “Why do I care if it’s handcrafted”? Great question, great post and great project.

Tom’s client decided that he did care. Sharing these finished timber frame barn pictures with you, what do you think?

Let’s check out the interior… Are you ready?

Lucky horses, very lucky.

Thank you Eric J. Smith Architect not only for bringing us such a wonderful opportunity, but for also sharing these pictures.  Much appreciated!

Happy Easter

Vermont Timber Works would like you to have a wonderful and safe Easter weekend.