The Buildup of a Project

We get projects in of all shapes and sizes.  The information that we receive from the client also ranges from a full set of construction drawings to hand sketches and images.  How does the information we receive become a building?  Here is a little sample of what drawings we receive and how we can make it into a timber frame building.

In an e-mail we were given the overall dimensions of the building; length and width.  The location was also provided and we know how important that information is.  We were also given the side wall height and the roof slope, along with this picture.

This is an image of a barn that the client liked and want something similar.  We then take this information and it goes to the estimator.  The estimator looks at the information and ask questions like what material is the project going to be cut from and do they have a bay size preference.  The they estimate the cost of the timber frame and put together preliminary sketch together.

Once the preliminary sketches are completed, and the bid becomes an actual project, the client needs to make note of any changes that they would like.  This information, the material list from the bid, and the preliminary sketches is then drawn in a 3D drafting program and the design begins.  The program allows us to produce 3D-pdf’s for the client to review as well as 2D drawings for construction purposes.

Then this is what the final frame looks like.

Hay in the Hay Loft?

When a structural engineer wants to know what the space will be used for, they are typically trying to figure out what live loads should be applied to structure.  Depending on the usage of an area the loading will vary.

For example, if the space is going to be used as a storage area the live load is going to be higher than if the space was used as a residential living space.  Typically, the higher the volume of people the higher the loading is going to be, like corridors, classrooms, and other assembly areas.  Another area that higher loading is used is in storage areas.  Structural engineers have no idea what could be placed in this space, it could be anything from your collection of teddy bears and pillows to antique cast-iron tools.  Because of this range the engineers tends to lean towards a more cautious number.

There are general rule of thumbs that are used to come up with the live load but when this question is asked the engineer is looking for anything specific that might add weight to the structure or need design consideration.  Two good examples of this is first a hot tub.  The floor under a hot tub needs to be designed so there isn’t excessive deflection under the weight of the water.  The second example is a spiral stair case.  The spiral stair case is great for a compact space but structurally the stairs put a large point load on the floor under the center pole.  This point load needs to be transferred through the framing system.

So this question is again asked for accuracy in the design of the structure.  Also, don’t give the engineer a hard time if they ask if hay is going to be stored in the hay loft.  You would be amazed how many people call the space a hay loft but don’t plan on ever putting any hay there.

Dan’s New Ride

Isn’t this cute?

38 mpg so far, Dan is happy and confirms that this is FUN to drive.
Might look small parked next to one of our timber frames though? Bet he could drive right through this one!

Now, that would be a good picture…need to work on that, at the next raising…

Sky’s the Limit

Barns are not just for horses and cows anymore.

If you need open space, a barn might be precisely what you need

for your community center.

Need a place to Contra Dance?

Put up a Timber Frame Barn!