For many, a cabin is a place to escape from the hectic world and reconnect with nature. Timber frame cabins fulfill this desire by combining the simple lifestyle with a framework of solid wood that connects to the outdoors.
These log cabins are made with premium grade lumber. They feature 16-in on center wall and ceiling trusses, 2×6 floor joists and a 3/4in tongue and groove plywood subfloor.
Small Footprint
This tiny A-frame cabin is a perfect option for people looking to build a backyard office, a peaceful retreat, a kid’s playhouse, or a glamping hut. It’s also a great choice for those who need a place to store a boat or car. The small footprint cuts down on costs and makes it easy to find a building permit.
The cabin features traditional timber frame design and construction, including wide windows to let in plenty of natural light. It has an open floor plan and cathedral ceilings, making it feel much larger than its small footprint suggests.
These wood cabins are ideal for a small family, and they can even be used as a guesthouse or rental property. They are also an excellent option for people who need a safe and welcoming home for aging parents or those with disabilities.
FabCab is an innovative company that designs and sells prefabricated environmentally friendly homes and accessory dwelling units (ADUs). They specialize in designing cabins that are universally designed to meet the needs of their clients, and they are dedicated to providing safe, inspiring spaces for everyone to thrive.
Each timber frame cabin is built using the same quality materials and craftsmanship. They feature a tongue-and-groove floor with substantial joists and floor boards, which ensures a strong and stable structure. They include skirting boards to ensure a neat internal finish.
They also use high-quality joinery made doors and windows with morticed and tenoned joints, which are the strongest type of joint in timber. These are designed to be less prone to distortion, and they come with high-quality handles and locks.
Another benefit of these wooden log cabins is that they feature laminated doors and windows, which are engineered structural timbers that are glued together under pressure. They are very similar to real wood, but they are a lot stronger and less likely to warp or twist.
This small cabin also has a loft that is over half the size of the main floor. It is also an excellent option for those who need a cozy space for friends or family to stay in. It also comes with a porch, which provides extra space for outdoor enjoyment.
Lean-To Roof Design
A lean-to roof is a popular design for sheds because they maximize the amount of space available within the building. They also provide a simple way to connect an addition to an existing structure without the need for complicated framing. They are also a good choice for adding shade and screening to a porch or carport, and they can be made with any roofing material that is approved for a low slope application.
The lean-to roof of this cabin combines traditional log cabin construction with a contemporary style. It has a small footprint and packs 284 square feet into the main floor and loft for an incredibly spacious feel.
It’s the ideal size for a studio, music room, or a small guest house in your backyard. It also has plenty of storage space to keep tools and equipment close at hand.
This 12×16 timber frame cabin is designed with a popular lean-to roof design. This means that there are fewer timbers to cut and more of the frame is used for the first floor and loft.
You’ll need 2×4 lumber for the rafters of your lean-to roof. Make sure to select straight boards that don’t have cracks or knots in them that can compromise the strength of the structure. These should be on center and secured with rafter ties and 1 5/8’’ structural screws to lock them into place tightly.
Next, you’ll want to fit the siding sheets to the back of the structure. Align the edges of the panels flush and leave no gaps between them for a professional finish. Insert 6d nails every 8’’ along the framing for a solid, secure attachment.
For the doors and windows, you’ll want to use laminated wood. These engineered structural timbers are a great option for log cabins because they are less prone to warping or twisting than traditional wood. They are also kind to the environment since they use offcuts and create less waste.
This log cabin is made from Nordic spruce, which is the most preferred type of timber for log cabin construction. This type of wood is grown primarily in well managed forests throughout Scandinavia, Siberia, and Northern Europe, and the dense growth rings help it to withstand weather conditions.
Open Floor Plan
You can create an open floor plan in a 12×16 timber frame cabin without sacrificing much in terms of square footage. This type of cabin is a great choice for those looking to build a small getaway or simply add more space to their existing home.
If you’re looking for a more contemporary look and feel, try building an A-frame cabin. These are easy to build, and you can find plenty of plans to help you make it happen.
Typically, these designs have a large glass surface in the center that lets in the outdoors, giving them an open and airy feeling. They also give you a lot of flexibility in terms of how you can utilize the space.
Another way to make the most out of the space in a 12×16 timber frame cabin is to include some kind of loft area. This can be a great place for extra storage or even a sleeping nook for guests. This can help you maximize the amount of space you have in your cabin while still offering an additional bedroom.
This is a great option for those who want to add an extra bedroom or bathroom to their cabin but don’t have a lot of room to work with. You can use the extra space to store anything from linens to a washer and dryer.
In addition to making the cabin more spacious, this design also helps keep it energy efficient by allowing you to use less insulation than you would have with a traditional construction. This will save you a lot of money in the long run and will help ensure that your cabin stays warm throughout the year.
A heavy duty tongued and grooved floor is included with this kit. This floor is designed to be fast and easy to assemble on site with no visible joins in the finished floor. It is made up of substantial floor joists and floor boards which are supplied loose for quick installation on your site.
This plan is a perfect choice for anyone looking to build an extra bedroom or a den in their cabin. It offers a small footprint and a lot of space to move around in, which is ideal for any family who enjoys being close together.
Loft Over Half the Space
If you’re lucky enough to own a 12×16 timber frame cabin, chances are that you have a loft above the main level. These spaces are usually tucked away under the eaves, but can be converted into sleeping quarters. Having a loft above the main floor is an excellent way to maximize your space without sacrificing your privacy or the functionality of the living areas below.
While a loft is not for everyone, it can be a valuable addition to any home. In addition to the obvious sleeping accommodations, you may also choose to convert the loft into a study, office or even an extra guest room.
The loft can be a great place to display your prized possessions, from antiques and family heirlooms to mementos of your most treasured memories. Using a loft for storage is another excellent idea, especially if you have small children who may not be as discerning about their belongings as adults.
As a final point, the best use of the loft is to make it a functional multi-purpose space for your family. You can build a kitchenette, en suite bathroom or even an additional bedroom in the loft space.
To be sure, the 12×16 timber frame cabin with its prow gable roof and kiln dried Douglas fir curved trusses is a beautiful structure in its own right. However, the tiniest details make this timber frame cabin a real standout.
The most important aspect of any small cabin is maximizing the space you have to make it feel like a home. There are a few tricks of the trade to keep your space feeling as large as possible. The best cabin plan features the aforementioned multi-functional areas, such as a loft over the main floor and an open space below.