Designed to be a workshop/garage with a lofted half storey event room, this timber frame is representative of the work done by Traditional Timber Works. As with all our new cut timber frame structures, a local mill was the source for its materials. The wood is primarily unfinished, rough sawn white oak. Several timbers in the frame and all of the interior paneling were milled on site from red oak, poplar, and pine on the client’s property that were blown down during a 2003 hurricane.
The frame raising took place in two parts: hand raised portions and the lifting in by crane of the timbered roof trusses. The bents, that is, the gable line frame structures, which included the posts, beams, and accompanying knee braces, were raised using rope, block and tackle, and an electric winch, reducing the need to gather a large crew for the big heave-ho of frame raising. The continuous top plates were set by hand, as were the rafters of the lean-to shed. The timbered main roof and the shed dormer were assembled on the ground and lifted into place by crane.
Being involved in all phases of this project allowed us to accommodate the design as our client’s vision evolved. Seeing the awe inspiring space that was being created out of the woods behind their home led to the addition of a second storey porch that became the access and entrance to the second floor. The porch and stairs were cut from white oak and locust, utilizing some of nature’s most durable woods. The use of exterior timbered stairs freed an enormous amount of space inside the frame and helped to separate the spaces of the garage from the upstairs event room. Given the chance, we integrated such stylish details as the fully timbered shed dormer, scalloped rafter tails, king post trusses, and massive timbered lower doors with their four foot long, hand forged strap hinges.
Despite its status as an outbuilding, pains were taken to ensure that conversion to a state suitable for occupancy would always be an option. With its solid steel reinforced concrete foundation, heavy timber skeleton, interior solid wood paneling, oak board and batten siding, and a hand seamed copper roof, the Red Hill Barn will stand long enough, we are certain, to see many uses beside its current application as workshop, vintage-car garage, and gathering place.
Thank you, Kirby and Lili, as well as Jake and Keesey, for the satisfying experience!