Getting Started with Timber Framing

Europe has spawned so many unique styles over the years, achieving “fluency” in architectural speak to describe Euro Style can be a bit like eating an elephant. But because timbers have such an oversized impact (kind of like an elephant!) on the statement of your projects, we do not have to dissect every conceivable style associated with Europe. Learn more about this style and how to avoid the pitfalls of this design.

Rustic style is a very broad term that includes Lodge or Mountain style, Chalet, Log, A-frame, Organic/natural, and Western styles. Whether it is tall or wide, big or small, visitors are left with the impression that it is a log cabin. Many people tire of the extremely rustic décor, leaving them without the long-term satisfaction they envisioned. Important considerations for Rustic Style is to figure out how much Rustic makes sense in and urban or semi urban setting, considering the neighboring properties, resale value, and any covenant criteria. Learn more about this style and how to avoid the pitfalls of this design.
The feedback we have received from clients is that the models we produced and options we presented were invaluable to the process. The only real “aha” that our clients report is that their actual timber home always looks better when it’s finished than the model ever does.

If I were forced to describe what I consider the epitome of Beach or Coastal Style you might hear the following adjectives: Weather gray, compact, low Space volume, sheltered profiles, and effective use of space- such as an open, multi-purpose room with many windows in a view wall, facing the sea. Circular stairways, sleep cubbies, efficient kitchens, and stowaway Murphy type of beds also come to mind. For our purposes, it is enough to touch on the small things we have noticed regarding the use of exposed beams to influence style for projects located on the Beach or Coast. Learn more about this style and how to avoid the pitfalls of this design.

Here is one of my favorites, the scissor truss! You have so much flexibility and can do so much to balance and capture the exact feeling you want for your timbered space. Before I list all of the available options for you, I should mention that this truss style doesn’t work well if you need to tie knee braces from your truss, down to your posts, such as a free standing outdoor pavilion. I have only found two designs to stylishly achieve lateral bracing in conjunction with scissor trusses. I just wanted to make you aware of the constraints before diving into all of the many scissor options that are available to you.

• Offset centerline
• Iron rods and integrated arches
• Variable slope
• Multiple webs
• Double Top load or DBL B.C.

Scissor Truss

If you have a space where two opposite walls vary in height, you may be well served with a scissor truss- the peak, or center line is off set and aligns where the two roof slopes converge- a perfect way to elegantly bridge two different wall heights.

Wrought iron rods (horizontal tie rods to be precise) often improve the elegance of a scissor truss. A very elegant scissor truss we had the opportunity to do combined arches and a horizontal tie rod. A modified scissor truss with an arch borrows elements from the Queen truss- the bottom chords begin in the same way as a normal scissor truss but then terminate at a vertical post placed at approximately 1/4 to 1/3 of the span, a tie rod connects the bottom of these vertical posts and an arched berm connects the posts together near the top. It’s a very unique truss which feels like an elegant throwback to castle days.

Another nice twist you can get with a scissor truss is to implement a ½ lap with the bottom members, This allows the bottom chords to each continue to the top member creating an “X” that really resembles scissors. This also increases the strength of the truss because the pieces are interwoven. Bigger spans will allow you to experiment with different web angles and web orientation along with the actual steepness of the bottom members. All of these factors allow you to adjust the intimacy of your timbered space.

The Scissor Truss really blends well with all styles- Western Rustic, Contemporary and Old European. It could perhaps even fit the Cottage Bungalow style if the roof pitch was low enough to keep the space intimate.

This gem goes back even further than the Hammer Beam truss. It provides a simple solution if there ever was one- Basically the cruck truss is formed by leaning two timbers against each other at the roof peak and connecting them well. Often the cruck truss, or cruck frame, will use naturally curving timbers for the main bearing members to allow for more head room or useable space. These curving members also add to the beauty of the structure. You can also use a cross between a cruck and Hammer Beam truss to build your Timber Structure. This involves a long knee brace running from the peak, down to the vertical exterior posts. Many of today’s steel industrial buildings simply eliminate the knee brace running from the peak to the exterior post/column and use the post/rafter connection to pick up strength.

Cruck Truss

As far as style goes, the true cruck truss is definitely limited. If you are choosing the Cruck Truss, you must already have a very steep roof, which means that your starting point stylewise will be Mountain Lodge or old European. The best looking Cruck I have seen to date was built in Australia-This barn was formed with wavy irregular timbers, sawn flat on only 2 or 3 sides, leaving one side of the tree untouched. Of course “best looking” comes down to personal preferences and taste. But, I feel like the rounded, irregular element of the Ausralian Cruck really was consistent with the ancient history and architecture of the cruck system.

Like the Parallel Chord Scissor Truss, the Lane truss is yet another relative to the Multi-Web Truss. This truss also radiates a message of “industrious” and “rugged.” The lane truss is usually used to build a “hipped” roof, meaning that the roof slopes down on all four sides. A hipped roof also has a continuous gutter around the whole building. The form of the lane truss, with the noticeable lack of a peak, allows the possibility to place a truss closer to the corners than if you had normal truss with a peak.

Lane Truss

I would choose the Lane Truss primarily for cases which structurally require this unique form, the only exception being a situation where a normal vaulted ceiling would seem too high or make the living space feel tall and narrow.

Whether the Compression ring is a truss or a roof system is up for debate since it works as both! It acts as a truss in that the downward loading force is resisted by members locked together in tension. It also functions as a roof system by itself. The roof of a gazebo is an easy example of where the Compression Ring works well as a a standalone for the roof.

Variations of this truss configuration are a popular way to construct outdoor living pavilions and barbeque shelters. The main benefit with this truss is the unique open feel from the inside-no webs, no posts, just an open space framed with timbers! There are many ways to get creative with this truss, though. If you desired an Italian feel you could curve the whole roof up to make it like more of a dome. A curve in the opposite direction may lead lend an Asian feel to the structure. A dual pitched roof (meaning that the front of the roof has a different slope than the sides) could give you more of a Polynesian look and feel.

Compression Ring Truss

The Compression Ring Truss is really flexible to any timber style, although with a structure of larger scale it would lose some style flexibility. A bigger building would require larger timbers, which would lock the style to Heavy Rustic. Wherever you end up placing this truss, I recommend it in a location where you desire an open and energetic feel.

The mono truss can be easily adjusted to be a scissored mono truss if desired. I see space intimacy as the biggest reason to slope the bottom chord of a mono truss. If you have a need for a mono truss, I’ll wager that you have a unique style.

Mono Truss

A vaulted ceiling typically terminates at the beginning of an upper level or overlooking a great room. Most of the mono truss applications I have seen have been “Secondary Act.” That is to say that the mono truss is normally used as a stylish solution for a portion of your living area which is a hub of your living space. In certain cases, certain style tendencies combined with a unique front door access,(a front door that is alway approached from the side, for example) can create perfect conditions to use a mono truss for your entry solution.

To imagine the setting in which a Multi-Web Truss would be used, think of old industrial buildings or big open spaces; The polar opposite of the setting for the simple truss. The distance the truss can span is limited to the load capacity of the top members, so, by adding multiple webs you can increase your truss span. The extendability is the reason that multi-web truss styles are usually found in big commercial applications. Keep in mind, there have been many instances in which adding extra webs really puts a nice touch to the overall look of the truss and structure, even though the truss was already strong enough.

Multi-Web Truss

You will see many examples of metal tension rods incorportated in a multi-web truss, usually right in the middle, in place of the main vertical post. The vertical tension rod is an effective way to give the truss a modern touch while also increasing the resistance to tension. Rods lend a very distinct look; the rods can be black, stainless steel, or even rusted. I personally think that the Multi-Web Truss and Tension Rod combo is quite attractive.

As the name implies, the choice of materials and the sleek lines of the uninterrupted curve, evoke pictures of exotic blue glass, contemporary furnishings, and a unique use of unusual building material.

Recommendations simply don’t work as well with this contemporary style of truss, largely because the heart and soul of “Contemporary” style means architectural surprises-Here is an instance where I could visualize aluminum or stainless steel connection plates. Contemporary style will never have a description that can fit into a box!

Glue-Lam Modern Truss

Typically this style has smaller sized members with more space between the trusses themselves, often coordinating with modern visual surprises such as using old corrugated metal in place of wallpaper as wall covering, hanging art from the ceiling. This type of truss will definitely achieve a contemporary look while still retaining the feeling of home.