Many timber frame homes are built on basements, but some of us live on flat land and basements aren’t an option.
Concrete slabs, piers or crawl spaces all work, but the better way to build is over a conditioned crawl space. Ventilation and moisture are controlled. The result is less moisture to damage the underpinnings (joists/piers) and flooring (both subfloor and hardwood flooring). Because there is no moisture drawn into the home from below, your air quality is improved.
Conditioned crawl spaces are another, better way to build. There is a thorough, objective overview of the science of conditioned crawl spaces at BuildingScience.com . This is definitely worth a look!
Of course, conditioned crawl spaces are well suited to timber frames because they give you space to run duct work, install water heaters, and air handlers within a controlled area while not taking up valuable living space. Since conventionally framed homes have duct work and air handlers installed in (unconditioned) attics and most timber frame homes have no such unused, unconditioned space, a timber frame home and controlled crawl space are a good fit.
That said, I’ll sign off for now.
