Timber frame homes offer so much flexibility that you’d think it would be hard to select which design features are the most requested. But that’s not the case. We see several design options requested in almost every home. Many of these requests are what draw homeowners to timber frames in the first place.
- Smaller Homes – We have had more requests for smaller, manageable space in recent years. The smaller home costs less to build, less to heat and cool, less to maintain long term. Some people are drawn to a more “human” scale that a smaller timber frame home offers. Whether this trend is driven by economy or by a wish to have less home to maintain, I believe it’s a trend that is here to stay.
- Flexible Living – Timber frames are a natural for this option. Life is full of surprises. Flexibility allows you to adjust your space accordingly. A timber frame typically has no bearing walls, so adding a door, moving or removing a wall is an easy option.
- Energy Efficiency – Energy costs continue to soar, so most homeowners are looking for some insurance, in the form of an energy efficient home, to help them keep the costs in check. A timber frame home, wrapped in energy efficient structural insulated panels, will help to keep those costs in line…long term.
- Accessible Design – Wider doorways, room to navigate with a wheelchair, limited hallways, and living space on one floor are options that are always discussed early in the design process. Often homeowners opt for having a bedroom suite on the second floor for now, but plan to move downstairs when and if navigating stairs is a problem. Elevators, either installed as the home is built or in space planned in the original design for installation later are becoming a standard design discussion item.
- Open Kitchens and Dining Space – A look back at large country kitchens where families gathered at day’s end give insight into today’s kitchen and dining area design. Kitchens are no longer tucked in the back of the house, accessible only by a closed doorway. Dining rooms are seldom designed as separate formal spaces.
- Outdoor Living Spaces – Whether this means a great porch that expands the indoor living spaces through the seasons, a screen porch for dining sans-bugs, or a pavilion with an outdoor fireplace or kitchen, timber frames make living outdoors an easy option.
- Earth Friendly and Natural – Timber is a naturally renewable resource that is minimally processed and requires almost no maintenance. Natural wood floorings and wool rugs are a natural for timber frames. Wall to wall carpet is still an option in certain areas, but there are very few requests for it in great rooms and more public living areas. Natural stone for flooring and showers and low and no VOC paints and finishes top the lists of specifications that will help everyone breathe easier and live more comfortably.
So plan your home to help you live well and when you build, Build Boldly!
Bonnie Pickartz