“Using a whole peeled tree as a post can be startling to some; but never fails to provoke conversation while communicating the reality of the living trees we’ve invested in the process. There is no doubt that when moving through this beautiful space visitors will be reminded that they are strolling through a relocated forest; emphasizing the value and importance of the eco -friendly management of our timber lands.” ~Jack Costantino, President, TFU~
Although our obvious focus is Timber Frame / SIP, design assembly and construction, I must admit I LOVE LOG cabins. For years, as a youngster, my family and cousins spent every summer in two beautiful cabins at the base of Bish Bash Falls in Copake, NY. My Aunt Henrietta a well known NY artist painted a scene which hangs in our living room today. In fact I believe it would be difficult to find anyone who isn’t charmed by LOG structures. Our remnant pioneer spirit is stimulated by the experieince of spending time in one.
It’s still remarkable to me…that at Home Show’s, so many of the visitors exploring and researching LOG structures who stop by our booth; know very little about Timber Framed homes. Although they love the beautiful PIX and videos they see at the Timber Framers exhibits…very often they will…stand back thoughtfully…brow wrinkling and squinting to examine our display more closely, and then ask…”where do you put the LOGS?”
It appears obvious that the LOG HOME industry has done a great job of connecting with and educating the marketplace. Potential owners know about the building process and variety of styles and modern versions available. There have been lots of changes since Abe Lincoln studied by candle light and walked 3 miles to school…up hill…in both directions.
I explain to our booth guests the similarities and history of heavy wood home construction and then suggest that they …think inside the LOG. After all, in reality, it’s all about LOGS. It’s just that some are round and some are square. Personally, I like combining them when possible. There are beautiful examples of the natural timbers approach, crucks, split posts, flowing braces, etc. The live aesthetic of the soft curves adds a complimentary note to the otherwise linear dominance of the square cut corners of the structural posts, floor girts, rafters and other TF components.
Using a whole peeled tree as a post can be startling to some; but never fails to provoke conversation while communicating the reality of the living trees we’ve invested in the process. The examples shown here crafted by our TF colleagues Josh Jackson in Middlesex, VT and Josh Thornton in Durham, Ontario demonstrate this wonderful blend of the life of a tree in transition. There is no doubt that when moving through this beautiful space visitors will be reminded that they are strolling through a relocated forest; emphasizing the value and importance of the eco -friendly management of our timber lands. Thanks to his passion as an avid naturalist who enjoyed hunting and fishing, President Teddy Roosevelt encouraged the preservation of this sustainable natural resource. We are privileged to continue that tradition.
Jack Costantino, President
(908) 876.5262
jack@timberframesunlimited.com