Modern timber frame cabins are designed to reflect the natural beauty of their surroundings. They feature open layouts, oversized windows that frame landscape views and beautiful angled timber roof trusses.
Modern timber frames can incorporate steel components in their design to create a striking contrast with the wood. This style of modern mountain home also tends to have fewer walls in the interior which opens up floor space and makes rooms feel bigger.
Natural Wood
Timber frame construction is a centuries old art form that seamlessly blends with the clean lines of modern architecture trends. This best of both worlds approach to design offers the warmth and beauty of natural wood with a strong foundation that is surprisingly durable and energy efficient.
Timber frames are a stunning alternative to log homes for those who love the look of a timber home but find that too much wood can be too rustic. Timber frame construction is often referred to as a “green” or “sustainable” option because it utilizes less material and resources than other building materials like steel or concrete. In addition, a well-constructed timber frame is extremely durable and can be adapted to meet changing needs for generations to come.
One of the most popular features in modern timber frame cabins is the use of large windows and doors. This allows for natural light to fill the home and visually connect it with its surroundings. Large windows and doors are especially important in timber frame houses because there is no need for internal load-bearing walls. This means that space can be used more freely to create open-plan living areas that are ideal for entertaining or relaxing with family and friends.
Many modern timber frame homes also use square-shaped logs instead of round ones for the sake of uniformity and ease of construction. These square-shaped logs can be milled to create a more smooth appearance. Square logs also feature more flat surfaces, which can help with acoustics in the home. Another common practice in modern timber frames is utilizing a technique called “chinking” to seal the gaps between logs for added insulation and to prevent air leakage.
Another way that timber frames can be more energy efficient is by enclosing the framework in manufactured panels such as Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs). These panels are “a sandwich of an insulated foam core between two structural facings, typically oriented strand board.”
Large Windows and Doors
Modern timber frame cabins often feature large windows and doors to take advantage of the beautiful surroundings. This allows the homeowners to experience nature without ever leaving the comfort of their home. Large windows also bring in more natural light which can make any space feel larger and more open. Timber frame homes are also built to be more energy efficient than traditional buildings. They are insulated and designed to be air-tight. This reduces the amount of heat and cold that is lost in a house which can save money on heating and cooling costs.
The soaring ceilings of timber frame houses can be filled with large windows that offer amazing views of the surrounding mountains and landscape. Timber frame cabins can be built in a range of styles, but they are often inspired by mountain modern designs. Mountain modern blends modern architectural elements like flat and shed roof lines and lots of glazing with natural materials found in the mountains like timber, wood & stone.
Unlike traditional log cabins that are built on-site, most timber frame homes are pre-assembled in a controlled factory setting. This results in a higher quality finished product and significantly shorter dry-in time. Logangate timber frames are assembled using a precision peg system to ensure accurate and strong connections between components. The timbers are then shipped to the build site where they can be erected quickly and efficiently with minimal labor.
One of the main differences between modern timber frame and traditional timber framing is the use of steel in the construction process. Although not necessary, the use of steel components in a timber frame can add to the aesthetic of the house and provide a sleek contrast against the natural warmth of the timbers. Incorporated into the frame in a strategic location, steel can complement the beauty of the timbers and create a more cohesive look.
Timber frame structures have a reputation for being very noisy, as the timbers are known to transmit sound very effectively due to their acoustic properties. However, there are ways to improve noise levels in a timber frame home by incorporating acoustic insulation and ensuring that the frame is properly insulated.
Clean Lines
Timber frame construction can be used to achieve clean lines throughout the home, creating a modern feel. A large part of this is due to the fact that timbers are typically planed smooth and finished with a clear coat to showcase their natural wood tones and grain. This provides a very neutral color palette that will complement almost any type of wall finish or flooring choice.
Additionally, timber framing allows for a more open space and soaring window walls that are perfect for modern mountain homes. These features can easily be combined with the main tenets of modern design, such as a strong connection to nature and integration of indoor and outdoor living areas.
Another way to achieve a clean, modern look is through the use of metal components in the timber skeleton of your home. While this isn’t usually a frequent feature in timber frame homes, it can add an element of contrast that creates a striking appearance. The use of steel plates, brackets and tie rods is seen in this lakeside contemporary timber frame home in Colorado, allowing the structure to stand out from its traditional cabin neighbors while still conforming with modern aesthetics.
Lastly, it’s important to choose the right timber framing company for your project. A team with excellent problem-solving skills and a deep understanding of timber frame building methods can ensure that your home is completed on time and on budget. Additionally, a timber framing company that uses the latest technology in pre-assembled timber frame kits will ensure that your home is built quickly and efficiently.
When selecting a timber frame company, you should also ask about their experience with the use of Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs) in timber frame homes. SIPs are a highly efficient wall and roof system that incorporates a timber skeleton into an insulated shell for a truly energy-efficient home. Timber frame builders that are experienced with the use of SIPs will be able to help you make the most of this advanced construction method that offers a more cost-effective option than standard block construction.
Minimalist Detailing
Unlike traditional timber frame homes, which often display the structural skeleton of the house as a sculptural element, modern timber frames use a more subtle approach. The minimalist design allows for a focus on the natural beauty of the wood and the landscape around the home. This is especially effective with a lakeside cabin such as this one from Hunter Leggitt Studio, which is built into the hillside and features open shelving that showcases collectibles. The glazed surfaces also help to blur the boundary between indoors and outdoors, and allow you to feel like you are truly part of your surroundings.
Contemporary timber frame cabins also often feature fewer walls in the interior than previous designs. This creates open spaces that make the most of the natural light and the views of the surrounding landscape. This style works particularly well with modern architectural styles that seek to minimize the impact of a building on its environment.
Modern timber frame design is characterized by simplicity of form, an absence of applied decoration and the use of a refined finish. In contrast to the rough, rustic look of older timber frame construction, contemporary frames are usually sanded and stained for a clean appearance. The result is a beautiful, furniture-grade timber finish that adds warmth and beauty to the home.
A timber frame is also an ideal choice for a modern mountain retreat because it offers the best of both worlds — a connection to nature without sacrificing the comforts and convenience of a full-scale home. This is especially true when the structure is built to serve as a vacation or weekend getaway.
Whether you want to build a modern timber frame cabin as your primary home or as a vacation get-away, these unique designs are sure to inspire you. Timber frame builders, such as the team at OakBridge Timber Framing, can help you to design a home that will capture the natural beauty of your property and the unique environment where you live. Contact them today to discuss your options!