An old construction method is making a comeback in Pennsylvania buildings...
from homes to barns. With the widespread adoption of modern building
techniques in the 19th century, timber-frame construction, often seen
in old barns, fell by the wayside. But some builders say reviving
the technique, which uses more of a tree into homebuilding makes for
stronger houses. Brad Linder has more.
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Timber Frame Construction
An old technique makes a comeback.
July 26, 2002
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By Dan Simon
Pennsylvania farmers attend a presentation on timberframe
construction recently. ©Photo by Dan Simon for GreenWorks.
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Timber frame construction methods have been in use for more than 2,000
years with early examples dating back to ancient Roman and Egyptian
civilizations. In fact, the basic joining method, the mortise and
tenon joint, was developed during this time period.
This joint is formed by creating two parts, a "tenon", or
tongue that extends from the beam (the horizontal timber) to fit into
the "mortise," a form fitting cut into the post (the vertical
timber) designed to precisely fit the tenon.
For added str ength, builders used "trunnels" (tree nails
or dowels) to reinforce the joint. Modern timber frame construction
still uses these pegs for the main construction, but many builders
will also use modern nails for some minor parts of the construction.
Timber Frame construction, also known as "Post and Beam,"
creates a design that is strong enough to support itself without walls,
allowing for large open spaces and the ability to more easily change
or enlarge an existing building.
Tree nails or "Trunnels."
©Photo by Dan Simon for GreenWorks.
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Proponents of this building method point to a number of very old timber
frame buildings that have stood the test of time. William Shakespeare's
birthplace, George Washington's Mount Vernon, England's Winchester
Cathedral and Westminster Abbey are all timber frame construction.
Why did such a durable construction method fall out of favor? New
building techniques ushered in by the industrial revolution allowed
for the building of faster, cheaper houses. Thinner lighter boards
meant houses could be built with smaller teams of men and the frame
house style of buildings called for 2x4s, 2x6s, 2x8s and 2x10s sized
boards instead of the 7x7 and larger posts and beams used in timber
frame construction.
Hugh Lofting planes a beam. ©Photo by Dan Simon for
GreenWorks.
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Around 1930, a new form of construction took over. "Platform
construction," where the floor is laid, then the walls erected
on top of the floor meant housing could be built even faster and more
cheaply. This construction method is also versatile because a second
floor can be added as easily as a first floor and by the same method.
Lay a floor on top of the first set of walls, then erect more walls
on top of it. This is the most common type of home construction used
in this country today.
Timber Frame construction is starting to make a comeback, in part
because it permits such large open rooms.
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