Timber Frame/ Post & Beam
Commonly known as Timber Frame, Post & Beam and Mortise & Tenon Construction, Timber Frame homes are a popular alternative to log homes. These homes allow for some more "mountain contemporary" design elements compared to log construction.
Timber Frame homes combine the beauty of wood with the functionality of drywall interior walls. Timber Frame and Post & Beam Construction are similar to Log Homes in that a "timber package" is milled at a remote location then assembled on your job site. Typically, this Timber Frame is the "skeleton" of the home.
Some companies build with traditional framing and insulation outside the exposed posts and beams. We prefer the SIPs (Structurally Insulated Panels) panel option. These very energy efficient SIPS wall and roof panels ensure an Energy Efficient comfortable home. The Panels arrive pre-cut to exacting specifications, and act as both the structural wall and the home insulation. This construction style saves time and labor on the home site. Many homes the exterior walls and roof system may be set with a 3 man crew and a crane in a matter of days vs. months it would take to frame, sheet and insulate a conventional stick frame wall and roof system.
All windows and doors are installed after the wall set. You may choose any exterior siding profile you wish with this home style and it may be sourced from the Timber supplier or with your local General Contractor.
The common element of a Timber Frame or Post & Beam home are high ceilings, open floor plans, and extensive windows to capture views and natural light. Traditional timber framing is the method of creating structures using heavy squared-off and carefully fitted and joined timbers with joints secured by large wooden pegs
Today there is increased precision by using a combination of hand crafting and German Engineering machinery in the manufacture process. Wood in a Post & Beam structure can be square or round lumber in a variety of specie. This choice will be determined by both budget and visual impression desired.
Our Timber Frame suppliers have talented staff architects to design your custom home. Initial investment to design your home can be as little as $3.00/sq. foot to modify one of their "stock" plans, or $6.00/sq. foot for them to design your complete custom vision from something as simple has a hand drawn sketch. This architectural investment will be applied to the purchase of your Timber Package. Having trouble picturing what the house will look like from a set of black and white plans? The architect can supply a full color "fly-through" plan to best display your ceiling heights and visible timber placement.
Average turn-key cost to build a 3,000 sf home $400-$450/sq/ foot in the Ski Resort Communities of Colorado.