Why Do We Only Work Custom?
There is no single origin of the timber framing tradition. Rather, it was invented independently multiple times throughout the world, including in ancient Rome, Medieval Europe, China, and the Pacific Northwest.
Wherever it has arisen, it has always been customized; conducted as a localized response to a specific set of building challenges. The available tools, materials, and skill of the craftspeople all were influential in determining how a particular frame was designed and built. Curved braces, for example arose out of necessity in Britain, where short, curved trees were more abundant than tall, straight ones. Likewise, king-post truss designs, which can support larger spans with less wood, were invented at a time when any suitable trees at all were hard to come by during the trans-Atlantic ship-building era.
Our commitment to working in a customized manner for each of our clients is in part a tribute to these origins of the timber framing tradition; making the best possible use out of locally available materials and skillsets. But also, it’s a reaction against the poor quality and characterless sameness of most new homes being built in today’s housing market.
A typical model home is built today using small-dimensioned, low-grade softwood, often shipped great distances. It is assembled onsite in a way that isn’t as precise when it comes to the joinery, often in the name of speed. Such homes are designed to replicate quickly and blend with one another for aesthetic uniformity.
The construction of a timber frame home, on the other hand, could not be more different. The logs we use don’t travel far to our workshop, sometimes even coming from the building site itself. Each timber is cut to optimize its best qualities and features. Joinery is conducted in our fully equipped carpentry workshop according to detailed custom drawings, using mainly hand tools and great care. The crafted frame is delivered to the building site and assembled upon its foundation by the same artisans that crafted it, ensuring it fits and performs perfectly.
The result is a frame that is like a piece of fine, heirloom-quality furniture on a much larger scale; full of character, the skill of the artisan evident, built to last and be passed down for generations.
If you’re looking for a luxurious looking house with a strong sense of tradition and a high level of craftsmanship, timber frames are the way to go. Ogonek Custom Timber Frames can make your timber frame dream come true.
