Wood - One of the most beautiful and versatile building materials known to man. It has been used throughout history to create magnificent structures, architectural masterpieces and works of art.  The traditional building construction technique employed for centuries is know as "Post and Beam" framing.  Attention to detail is essential with the use of mortise and tenon joinery which is notched to fit together and frequently "pegged."  Timbers can also be assembled into trusses to span large open spaces and provide a striking design element.  Once the components are assembled they are "Raised" and connected to create a frame which is the highlight of the trade.  Often referred to as timber framing, its origins date back to the early development of primitive man creating a fundamental place of shelter know as the hut.  In keeping with the tradition and appreciation of the craft, techniques were learned and passed down from one generation to the next.  In modern times, timbers are structurally analyzed and crafted to exact specifications by computerized numerical control (CNC) machinery.   Alternate joining methods have been used including knife plates which are steel plates inserted into a slot with carriage bolts or steel drift pins driven into predrilled holes and plugged with oak plugs.  This offers a more cost effective method which saves time and represents a traditional hand made joint.  Over the past several years, there has been a revival of timber frame construction of the Arts and Crafts, Bungalow and Adirondack styles which is appreciated for its durability, timeless character and natural beauty.  One of the finest qualities about wood is that it gains more character with its imperfections and with age.  Typical wood species vary including oak, pine, doug fir and forest salvaged fir (FSF) among others.  Given the low cost, versatility and natural beauty, wood is an ideal sustainable building material.
 
In addition to the buildings' frame, it is common to use SIPS (Structural Insulated Panel System) wall and roof panels which are a prefabricated panel composed of a foam insulation core sandwiched between oriented strand board sheathing.  The panels are screwed directly to the frame and the joints are caulked and sealed to prevent air infiltration. These structural panels provide exceptional thermal R values and reduced sound transmission.  They typically span about 8 to 15 feet between supports and can be finished with sheetrock or tongue and groove wood planking.
 
LAN has designed a number of timber frame buildings as new construction, additions and renovations including houses, a new church, a Golf & Ski Lodge and a turn of the century themed train station.  We have worked with Riverbend Timber Framing of Blissfield, Michigan (www.riverbendtf.com), Expedition Log Homes, LLC of Oostburg, Wisconsin (www.expeditionloghomes.com) and Bill Prol of Warwick Timber Framing who is an authorized agent of Riverbend Timber Framing.