At a demonstration of timber-frame methods, workers are busy preparing large wooden posts to become part of a shed. According to organizer Brian Snyder, from the Pennsylvania Association for Sustainable Agriculture, larger posts make durable buildings.

"Timber frame structures last much longer and they're much more versatile, therefore much less expensive to adjust later on if you want to change the function of the building."

Timber-frame buildings can be costly, often running from 20 to 50 percent more than a standard building. But according to timber-frame builder Hugh Lofting, the open spaces and wooden pegs used instead of nails and 2 by 4s add to a building's life.

"There's timber frames in Europe that are 600 years old. In this country there are timber frames all over the place that are 200 years old."

Lofting says these buildings usually have exposed frames, which lend structures an antique look, and are also easier to maintain. Lofting also encourages sustainable practices such as using high-quality wood from local sources, rather than importing expensive wood from across the country.