[Greenbuilding] Sustainable post and beam construction >> wall systems

[Clarke Olsen]

What I was suggesting is a modularized system of anatomically correct hurricane clips. If they became an off-the-shelf
item, like joist hangers, timber frame could move back into main stream. Some can be hidden, with plates extending
out of the ends to become steel tenons.
Clarke Olsen
clarkeolsendesign.com
373 route 203
Spencertown, NY 12165 
USA
518-392-4640
colsen at taconic.net




On Nov 3, 2013, at 6:39 PM, Frank Tettemer <frank at livingsol.com> wrote:

> Hi Clarke,
> I have built a number of steel-plate-connected post and beam homes, over the past decades, and I'm not so sure that they are economical, for what you are getting, in a wall structural system.
> The cost of the steel plates and bolts, when fully exposed, aesthetically finished, and "properly" engineered, in our area (of Ontario, CA.) adds a tremendous cost to the system.  Each connection can cost hundreds of dollars, for the plates and bolts.  Total wall costs are high per square foot of coverage, by the time you add the costs of interior finish, insulation, and exterior siding.
> 
> I prefer to see traditional wood-pinned joinery, and pay the fees for that craft work, if the design_absolutely_  calls for exposed timbers.
> And if timbers are required for aesthetics, then
> I would personally prefer a round-timbered, hand-peeled wood frame, over square timbers and steel plates frame.
> I like the look of 6" to 8"diameter spruce rafters, with a flat edge chain-sawed to meet the ceiling sheathing, supported by 10"to 12" round spruce beams,
> with rafters scribed into place above them. These round timbers are just as easy to work with, even for complicated roof frames, and look good, when proportioned well together.  Still an expensive per/square/foot wall system, though.
> 
> So my_favorite wall system_  is a 2"x4" stud-frame wall, on 18" centres, with straw bales stacked vertically, between them. Very strong. Resists racking and shear forces, and easy to build, finish, and obtain Ontario Building Official approvals.  2 hour fire rating, with well plastered walls.   As affordable as any other R-35 to R-45 wall system.
> 
> Frank Tettemer
> Living Sol ~ Building and Design
> www.livingsol.com
> 613 756 3884
> ......................................................................................................................................................................
> 
> 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.
> 
> -- 
> 
> 
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