Timber Frame Houses have become very popular of late. These structures are basically built completely of heavy timbers. If the open spaces between the timbers have been filled up with plaster, wattle, brick etc. the resultant structure is called “Half Timbered”. These structure were mainly used in the olden days but have of late re-entered the field of architecture. The longing for wide open spaces as well as a collective increase in environmental consciousness has led to an immense demand for these structures. Modern designs have been introduced making the options or house plans virtually endless. The structures are still being built and designed using traditional methods but lot of new techniques have been implemented to enforce them

As a rule the timber frame structure is built in large warehouses. Only skilled craftsmen and carpenters build these structures using traditional and conventional means. The jointing though originally done by lap jointing has now been replaced by pegged mortise and tenon joints. No metal brackets or splines are used in the structure. The frame is fortified such that it alone bears the entire weight of the structure. Dense and durable wood like Oak, Cedar, Douglas fir, and Eastern White Pine along with similar others are used in the construction. The trees are cut down and sized to the required specifications. They are then kiln dried to increase their endurance. The dried timbers are beautiful and elegant. They add a rustic feel to the resultant structure. The frame takes about 3 to 6 weeks to build. It is then systematically de-assembled and put in containers. These containers are then shipped off to the construction sites where they are rebuilt.

These houses are extremely durable and very strong. They can withstand many environmental factors. Though the wood can be coated with varnish for overall protection it can also be plastered over. But plastering the exterior of the structure will take away most of its beauty.

Health and Safety need to prioritize during the construction of the houses. There is generally a Health and Safety expert part of construction team to assist with the personnel and keep everything to code. Since these houses are meant to last a lifetime taking safety measures almost guarantees no future problems. Houses are not the only structures that are built with timber frames. Sheds and barns are also fast becoming very popular. Most stables are also built in the same manner.

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