Timber Framing for Architects & Engineers
We often work directly with our clients’ architects to design timber frames that meet their requirements. Very often, we are brought into the design process early on, collaborating closely with our clients’ architects to ensure that their vision is realized. As a standard service, we provide 3D computer-generated models for everyone in the equation—client, architect, construction crew alike to review before fabrication.
Our engineering department is highly skilled, diligent and great at making challenging projects happen on time and with meticulous accuracy. They ensure that all state building codes are met and that the loads for each building are calculated based on the occupancy, use, and location of the structure. Such considerations include the self-weight of the timber, dead, live, snow (balanced, unbalanced and drifting) and, depending on the location, either wind or earthquake. Heavy timber commercial architecture work typically falls under division 06130, division 06170 or division 06180 and we are well-versed in providing all related paperwork.
Vermont Timber Works is now featured in Arcat – a great product research and specification platform designed specifically for architects to source products across all trades. Vermont Timber Works Arcat Listing
VTW loves to design timber frames for all kinds of buildings – homes, barns, offices, factories, pavilions outdoor classrooms, etc. Posts, beams and timbers are a versatile medium to work with and bring warmth, strength and structure into any building. We work with architects’ floor plans and visions to create timber frames that work with their ideas.
All buildings need to be engineered to conform to the structural requirements of their location whether it is snow, wind or seismic that rules. We work with the architects’ plans, design a structural timber frame and analyze it in 3d modeling programs to make sure it is up to the latest codes and can withstand whatever forces it needs to resist. Then the shop drawings are sealed with a stamp from a licensed engineer in the state where the project is located.
Shop drawings are produced in-house by our skilled drafts people who are experts in timber framing. The drawings showing all of the timbers, their locations, production numbers and details as well as plan, section and elevation views of the timber frame.
We provide and conform to detailed specifications listed in CSI Division 06130, Heavy Timber Construction on the Arcat web site. Specifications can also be downloaded from the link below. Feel free to download the specifications and edit them specifically for your project. And of course, list Vermont Timber Works as a preferred supplier of heavy timber frames.
A common question is always, “How is a timber frame enclosed?”. There are many ways to do it, including the use of SIP’s (Structural Insulated Panels), conventional 2x wall and roof systems or simply wrapping un-insulated building with nailers and barn board siding.
Follow the link below to find the various wood species, stain colors and finishes available for timber frames.
Scrolls, corbels and finials add nice embellishments to timber frame and really dress them up. A few are shown by following the link below, but the designs and choices are endless. Draw what you like, and we will see if we can make it happen!
See what people are asking about timber frame design.
