The ancient art of traditional timber framing
Yoga Studio
Traditional timber framing is a construction technique that uses joinery and wooden pegs instead of metal fixings and fasteners. This provides a strong frame that can be infilled with stud walls, plaster, timber cladding, and glass.
Timber-framed buildings evoke a sense of grandeur and stability.
The large timbers with exposed supporting braces are both structural and aesthetically pleasing. Traditional timber frames conjure images of medieval feasting halls, sweeping church roof trusses and rustic farmhouses.
The fact that many examples of such buildings are still standing hundreds of years later is a testament to the integrity of this building technique. Though traditional in nature, it is possible to add a contemporary edge to new framed buildings, making them more suitable for many of our clients, as shown in our Yoga Studio, Tiny House builds, and, recently, a double garage.
The technique we use is called ‘Scribe Rule’, which involves laying out timbers on trestles and using a plumb bob and spirit level to transfer any discrepancies in size or square between the two pieces being joined. This process enables us to achieve tight-fitting joints in rough-sawn, green timber, which often has twists and curves.
Though more time-consuming than modern construction methods, the result is a unique, organic structure which displays a high level of care and attention to detail.
Using Traditional Timber Framing on the Yoga Studio
Low impact
The yoga studio was a big area in a beautiful woodland setting. We wanted to be as conscious as possible; therefore, we used ground screw foundations, which, if and when the building is dismantled, can be removed, leaving no trace.
We designed the build with a low-pitch roof that blends into the hillside and is finished with an EPDM rubber roofing system under a green roof. All timber is locally sourced, and the entire structure is sheathed in insulating wood fibre board, which reduces the carbon footprint and minimises landfill at the end of the building’s life.
Ancient craftsmanship
The timber frame consists of over 60 hand-scribed and cut joints, continuing a tradition dating back over 1000 years in the British Isles. We are proud to continue this heritage in carpentry and joinery.
The best training
We trained for these skills at Hewnwood Timber Frame near Brecon, Wales. Alan Ritchie and his son Connor run 10-day intensive courses that provide a solid foundation in traditional methodologies and techniques. We can’t recommend the Hewnwood courses highly enough; they offer something for people of all abilities and backgrounds.
