History of the Craft
In many ways the history of timber framing mirrors the history of
civilization. With the development of the first sharpened iron tools came the
shaping of the most easily worked and readily available material - wood.
Originally the dwellings of nomadic peoples, timber frames evolved from
poles wrapped with animal skins which covered pits in the earth to hand
hewn square and rectangular timbers used in above ground post and beam
structures. No longer simply shelters but homes - timber framing ushered in
an era of security and permanence - the beginnings of civilization.
Timber framing seems to have developed simultaneously in Europe and Asia
around 2200 years ago. Naturally the buildings differed from region to
region dependent on availability of resources, availability of variant species,
and societal needs. However, the similarities in building techniques and
architectural styles surprisingly transcend physical and cultural boundaries
and easily outweigh the differences. The Great Buddha Hall in Japan and
Westminster Hall in England were both built with similar construction
restraints and requirements - both featured steeply pitched roofs which drew
the eyes to the heavens - and most importantly they were both built by
skilled craftsmen which have allowed these monuments to stand for
hundreds of years.
Regional population growth had a major effect on the evolution of the craft.
In England, for example, the population grew rapidly during the Middle
Ages and this in turn depleted the numbers of large trees. As a result, timber
frames were then made of elaborately joined shorter pieces and infilled with
masonry in an effort to conserve wood. The success of the craft's ability to
adapt to changing times is evident in the millions of timber framed buildings
that were built during the Middle Ages that still remain functional structures
today.
The craft would change yet again as Europeans made their way across the
Atlantic and laid claim to North America's old growth forests. It was like
stepping back in time - once again utilitarian structures could be crafted
using large timbers. There was seldom a need to splice together small
timbers as was the tradition in Europe. The evidence of this renaissance is
clear in the massive barns and churches with their large open spaces which
dot what was once New England and Upper and Lower Canada.
Suddenly, in the middle 1800's, the craft began to disappear in North
America. The introduction of the mass production of nails and community
sawmills production of small pieces of lumber led to a less expensive and
quicker means of construction. This form which evolved into what we now
refer to as 'stud construction' required far less time and skill which
accommodated an expanding population and the movement of peoples
westward. In essence, the natural beauty and long term endurance of timber
frames were sacrificed to meet the housing needs of an increasingly mobile
population.
The craft and its influence waned until the early 1970's until several
architects and carpenters began the mission of rediscovering timber framing.
Their process involved dismantling old buildings and exposing the original
joinery craft. A treasure of information and a new appreciation for timber
framing emerged from these findings which has led to the resurgence of
timber framing today.
A marriage of old and new techniques has emerged in timber framing.
Unlike past generations, modern timber frames are finished with the timbers
exposed on the inside. Modern exteriors form walls and roof systems that
further strengthen and insulate these already sound structures. Although
modern machinery has aided in the current construction of timber frames -
the ancient craft has been preserved though the dedication of the master
craftsmen who practice timber framing today.
The popularity of this ancient craft has seen an explosion in recent years.
Last Mountain Timber is one of nearly 100 timber framing companies
registered with the Timber Framers Guild. While the vast majority of North
American homes will continue to be built with stud construction - timber
framed homes offer their owners' Old World quality unsurpassed in
strength, beauty, and detail. And with the resources that we now possess as
builders - structures can be built that are highly functional yet physically
and intellectually satisfying. Here's hoping that you choose to explore this
unique building option!
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