[Greenbuilding] Sustainable post and beam construction

[Clarke Olsen]

Maybe it's time to revise traditional timber frame. A system of bolted connectors,
rather then tenons, would reduce both lumber and time, and make alteration easier.
Clarke Olsen
clarkeolsendesign.com
373 route 203
Spencertown, NY 12165 
USA
518-392-4640
colsen at taconic.net




On Nov 3, 2013, at 3:08 PM, "Ken Beiser" <woodwrights at centurytel.net> wrote:

> I have been a timber framer for over 20 years and concur that "it is in the
> details".  I have done whole homes of salvaged and recycled materials (my
> own is one of a few) and also built homes using old growth newly cut timber
> from the northwest.  As a conscientious builder, I am not sure anything we
> do is sustainable.  That would mean we can keep doing it the same way we
> have been doing it, which I have my doubts is possible.
> 
> Considering building construction using recycled timbers is a good step
> since it is dry and has less potential for shrinkage and we do not have to
> cut any live trees to get the materials.  I also think it looks better and
> has more interest than newly milled or sawn timber.  I have done less and
> less recycled timber projects as the economy faltered and also as the
> lumber/log market softened.  I am now getting green or even kiln dried
> timber cheaper than I did 15 years ago.
> 
> I propose that it also needs to be sourced locally to be even close to being
> a sustainable product.  Keeping the timber either wholly on the interior or
> exterior of the insulation envelope is also "better" design.  I am willing
> to penetrate the insulation envelope as long as the attention to detail at
> those areas is carefully considered and executed.
> 
> The total embodied energy within any building is probably what needs to be
> evaluated to determine true sustainability.  I love timber frame
> construction and try to use traditional joinery design whenever possible but
> I still have my doubts it is a lot better than other building techniques
> when it comes to sustainability.  One thing I have concluded is if it is
> done well (good craftsmanship), is a good design (architecture/engineering),
> and in a good location, it will be preserved and saved.  A good roof and
> foundation will also help longevity.
> 
> Ken in Whitefish, MT
> Western Woodwrights
> 
> 
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