A Brief History and Evolution of Timber Framing

A broad, simplified definition of hybrid timber framing might be: “Using old exposed beam construction with today’s building methods.” I suppose this loose description serves as a cold, dry Webster’s style of definition. A more meaningful description of hybrid timber framing can be taken directly from the mouths of timber frame enthusiasts: “Say what you want, but the timbers make our home.” Or warm and inviting… Or, “With hybrid, we could capture our unique style and control the investment.”

Back in Time

Let’s talk briefly about the basics of timber framing and its evolution from the past. Many thousands of years ago, when people needed shelter and a place to live, wood was usually the building material of choice although timber frame styles were affected by wood scarcity in the Middle Ages due to the over-harvesting of trees. But in general, wood has been a renewable resource and readily available throughout the ages.

Another thing builders of old liked about wood was its relative lightness. It is also effortless to work with, as opposed to stone or steel. Wood is a cinch to shape, carve, and mold.

Wood also has high insulation value, great load-bearing capacity, and helps with acoustics. Compared to a carpet, wood is loud, but compared to a concrete vault, wood is as quiet as a church mouse!

The Birth of Hybrid Timber Framing

Thanks to early practitioners such as Jack Sobon and Ted Benson, timber framing experienced a revival beginning in the 1970s. As you might expect, well-to-do clientele funded this passionate resurgence. Great detail went into replicating old joinery; these early adopters tended to be purists. As the timber frame revival gathered steam, economics and practicality entered the conversation builders and clients were having. It did not take long for the majority of timber frame projects to implement some form of hybrid timber framing. Some purists might view this as sacrilegious and use derisive terms such as “trimber framing” or refer to metal connectors as training wheels. (Trimber Framing refers to the use of non-structural timbers used to capture a specific look. A heavy piece of trim, if you will.)

Despite its detractors, economics and logistics can make this a practical choice in many situations. I myself had trouble with “trimber framing” in my early days of post and beam construction. But when I thought about how pragmatic the builders of old were, I realized that my desire to be a purist was founded on a slippery ideological slope. The purist mindset simply could not withstand the logic and benefits hybrid timber framing brings to the table.

I like to think that the pragmatic timber framers of old smile from their graves in agreement. I also believe builders of today are every bit as ingenious and crafty as builders of old. What we see being built around us today doesn’t evoke the same sense of awe as the old structures built with old tools and primitive building methods do; in part, this is because building improvements are commonplace and al around us. Another reason it is hard to value today’s craftsmen is the human tendency to alow frustrating things we experience with the building industry to overshadow the good. From time to time, ever since I was young, I have heard carping about how “They don’t build like they used to.” I find this an irritating knock-off of the exasperated statement consistent with older generations throughout the ages: “Kids these days! Harumph!”

Today, some professionals are hack artists and simply don’t care—just as there were in the old days, but we have a choice to focus on what is good. Al around us, owners, architects, and builders are figuring out more effective and creative ways to build better and smarter to get what they want. Trade magazines, blogs, and other building news resources of every stripe are a testament to the drive and ingenuity of people in today’s building industry.

The Timber Framers Guild has been extraordinarily prolific in documenting and sharing information to help the Timber Framing craft. I feel a sense of thankfulness to the timber framers of bygone years, to the timber framers of today, and to clients who are attracted to timber framing. This loose, informal community of timber frame enthusiasts has given us what we know today as Hybrid Timber Framing. This community also gives us motivation, helps us find enjoyment in our daily work, and furthers our sense of purpose. If you have just stumbled across Timber Framing, I invite you to join this loose, informal community. You have a whole new world of discovery in front of you!

On behalf of the ATF team,

Bert Sarkkinen