TIMBER FRAME HOME DESIGNS - MUSKOKA
We deliver Timberframe Home Designs suited to your lifestyle requirements in Muskoka, Ontario.
TIMBER FRAME HOME DESIGNS & HOUSE PLANS - MUSKOKA
Timber frame homes offer massive character at the home's interior where the fine craftsmanship that goes into designing and cutting the detailed mortise and tenon joinery that connects the components of a timber frame structure is showcased for generations.
Homes built with timber frame structural systems can easily remain durable and useful buildings for more than 200 years, whereas light wood frame home construction that conforms to minimum building code standards is designed for a useful lifespan of approximately 50 to 100 years.
Part of the reason for the durability and long lifespan of timber frame buildings is that the timber frame structure is separate from the building envelope enclosure, thereby facilitating restoration or replacement of building envelope elements without affecting the underlying timber structure.
The open character of the living spaces in a timber frame home lift spirits and give rise to a sense of freedom and inspiration in daily living.
Timber frame construction is a common feature among homes and cottages in Muskoka.
TIMBER FRAME HOME DESIGNS
Invest in a family legacy in Muskoka: Timber Frame Home Designs.
EMAILWe had specific requirements about where exactly the building should be, the desire not to blast out any rock, the desire to save as many trees as possible,... In all respects we feel that you happily dove into the challenge.Leonard Lake
TIMBER FRAME COTTAGE DESIGNS - MUSKOKA
Timber frame buildings have been in use for more than 2000 years in many contexts including agricultural buildings, farmhouses, distinctive homes for social elites, and as noteworthy public and civic buildings.
Materials, tools and techniques used in building a timber frame today exhibit significant improvement in efficiency when compared with the hand tools and manual processes that were originally used for this form of building construction.
Modern timber frames offer a degree of architectural freedom that can incorporate inspiring window views and modern conveniences to create a home that will lift your spirit and impress your guests.
High ceilings framed by the rythmic pattern of solid timber rafters and panelled with natural wood & transparent finish are a hallmark of Muskoka's timber frame homes.
Built with locally-available materials and designed with a connection to nature in mind, you will love your timber frame cottage in Muskoka!
ARCHITECTURAL STYLES GALLERY
CHARACTERISTICS OF TIMBER FRAME HOUSE ARCHITECTURE
BUILDING FORM OF TIMBER FRAME HOMES
Timber frame home designs commonly feature:
- May exhibit elements of Craftsman, or Georgian home styles
- Single storey, storey and a half, two storey, and two and a half storey plans
- Gable roofs ranging from modest to steep slopes
- Roofs are commonly side gable, or cross gable forms
- Covered entry, portico, or porte cochere celebrating the home's entry
- “Salt Box” building form is common in the New England states of the U.S.A.
- Gable dormers in upper-level half-storeys
- Shed dormers in the half-storey
- Energy-efficient structural insulated panels (SIPS) applied to frame exterior
SPACIAL ORGANIZATION OF TIMBER FRAME HOME INTERIORS
The spacial organization of interior living areas in timber frame home design is characterised by:
- Views to the waterfront and natural landscape features
- Great room, commonly with stone fireplace, lofty vaulted ceilings, and waterfront view
- Spacious, open interiors
- Separation of private spaces & bedrooms on upper floor levels
- Common areas designed for hosting guests & entertaining
- Carefully considered transitions between home interior & the outdoors
- Decks or patios immediately adjacent to interior spaces
- Screened porch, or “Muskoka room”
STRUCTURAL SYSTEMS OF TIMBER FRAME HOUSES
Timberframe house architecture most commonly employs engineered structural systems including:
- Massive solid wood timber structural frames: columns, beams, girders, braces & rafters
- Engineered timber trusses: king post truss, hammer beam truss, scissor truss types
- Timber frame wood species: local softwoods, B.C. Douglas Fir, or hardwood (Oak)
- Reclaimed timber components can be incorporated for a rustic feel
- Concrete foundations
- Natural granite stone masonry foundations
WINDOWS & DOORS IN TIMBER FRAME HOMES
The windows & doors in timber frame house architecture usually feature:
- Large glass windows in great rooms capitalizing on the waterfront & forest views
- Direct glass panel application to timber frame openings minimizes window trim
- Sliding or bi-folding patio doors connecting home interior to deck/ patio/ outdoors
- Glazed patio doors providing connection from interior to deck/ patio
- Divided window glass in patterns reminiscent of Georgian & Craftsman style homes
- Screened openings in porch, or “Muskoka room”
EXTERIOR FINISHES & FEATURES IN TIMBER FRAME HOUSES
The exterior of timber frame home & cottage designs commonly include:
- Sloped roofs with overhangs
- Corbel braces supporting deep eave overhangs
- Exposed timber beams at gable walls, supporting rake overhangs
- Natural granite stone masonry
- Wood decking, guards, railings & balustrades
- Granite flagstone, or brick paver patios and walkways
- Standing seam metal roofing (long-lived roof for a long-lived home)
- Cedar or asphalt shingle roofs
INTERIOR FINISHES & FEATURES IN TIMBER FRAME HOMES
The interior of Muskoka timber frame home designs commonly include:
- Views of the waterfront, hillsides, and forest
- Exposed timber columns, beams, braces, rafters, trusses & joinery
- Centrally located fireplace
- Multi-storey great rooms and open spaces
- Wood staircases featured adjacent to Great Room, or common areas
- Natural granite stone flooring
- Wood flooring
- Natural daylight (daytime)
