In this country, vast and untouched natural resources made it easy for colonists to adopt their European architectural habits. Times changed through the 1800's. The craft went the way of others in an industrial age looking for cheaper methods of construction; and when homesteaders moved to the Great Plains forests were minimal, and large heavy timbers were too expansive to transport. Two-by-fours were cheaper to move, and the mass production of machine-made nails made building with two-by-fours practical. Now, timber framing is enjoying a modest revival due to the interest of craftsmen, and the compatibilty of some contemporary building materials. The timber frame presents an elegant answer to the quest for energy-efficient structures. Soaring ceilings and interior spaces enhanced by post and beams of the richest grain and color gratify the architectural need for warmth and finesse in a stable, secure building.
This is the process we chose for our TIMBERHOUSE. Steepleton Construction Company from Alliance, Ohio helped us put together a team of timber craftsmen from various parts of the country. They worked the winter of 1995-96 cutting and fitting the skeletal structure of our building. The raising of the building was begun on June 6, 1996. It was opened on June 7, 1997.
A number of people made known their desire to have some part in the construction of this building. It was decided that for a fee of $2, one could write their name on pegs, which would be used to hold the timbers together. A list of these people is posted at The Timberhouse.
As testimony to its strength, timber-frame structures built in Japan during the 7th Century are still standing. Timbers were the principle building material from the Stone Age to the 1800's in Europe where trees were plentiful. The craft was advanced through a system of guilds, which are associations of medieval origin. Within these guilds, literally hundreds of types of secret, hand-carved joints -- the nail-less connection of timbers -- were developed. Mortise and tenon, scarf, tounge and fork, and dovetail are just a few examples of joinery subsequently passed down from generation to generation of craftsmen.