Log and Timber Home Living

Once up on a time three little pigs sought shelter from an infamous predator by building three distinct houses. According to the fable, two of the pigs failed miserably because they chose seemingly inferior building materials, including wood. Only the pig who built his abode with bricks was considered “wise.” Houses made of brick and stone have their place, but I’ve got news for the swine brothers, the Big Bad Wolf and the author of the story — wood houses are where it’s at, and their durability is no myth. Heavy-timber homes are among the strongest and longest-lasting houses on the planet. The oldest known timber-framed structure, a monastery in Tibet, dates back to the 7th century, and the oldest log cabin in North America can be traced back to 1638 and…

Maintenance is an aspect of custom homeownership most people feel they don’t need to think about for at least a few years after they move in. But the wise buyer will take upkeep into consideration early in the process — as the home is being planned, designed and built. I have a few tricks of the building trade that, if you integrate them into your home at the outset, will help minimize maintenance now and for years to come. Get in on the ground floor. When you talk about the preservation of any house, what you’re really doing is fighting against the elements the materials will have to withstand over the life of the home. This is why quality construction is essential, and that starts with the foundation. Having your foundation correctly set…

In putting together any landscape or garden area, ensuring good looks is obviously an essential first step, but what about the aroma? A fragrant scent doesn’t often top the blooming shrub and seedling shopping list, but it should: A garden’s “smell-scape” has been shown to have profound effects on stress reduction, according to researcher Dr. Anna María Pálsdóttir at the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences. She and her colleagues recently completed a five-year study that examined perceptions of a garden’s benefits based on scent. The results revealed that those subjects who appreciated the aromas the most showed improvements in mood as well as increased sensory awareness. “Natural scents that are perceived as pleasant can evoke a feeling of joy and have a calming effect on the mind,” says Dr. Pálsdóttir. After all,…

At John and Maria Fry’s three-bedroom, three-full bathroom, two-half-bathroom log home, the second-story porch looks out on pastoral views of the Pennsylvania countryside. Their vision for the home’s design and ability to age in place is just as clear. Here, the couple looks back on building the log home of their dreams with Timberhaven Log & Timber Homes, along with Todd Fisher and Nicki Young of Todd Fisher Construction. John: The story actually begins when I was little. My family has property adjacent to this house, and one time when my grandfather and I were there, I told him I wanted to build a house on this hillside. He told me the family didn’t own this piece of land. He says that I looked at him and said, “Well someday I’m…

In time past, most people would typically stay in a house for seven to eight years before moving on to another home, either smaller or larger in size, depending on their family’s needs or job location. But designers at many log and timber companies say that housing-progression philosophy has changed dramatically. With more people working from home exclusively, even young buyers are interested in planning and building their “forever home” now. Designing a home that will be comfortable and accessible during each phase of life doesn’t require a crystal ball; it just demands of bit of forward thinking and a team that can help you finesse the details. To ensure long-term functionality and satisfaction, here are the key elements designers are advising their clients consider. Make the Basement Warm & Inviting Regardless of the stage…

FIRST TIME BUYERS Taking the plunge into homeownership can be intimidating. So instead, dip your toe into the log and timber pool by choosing a design on the smaller, more manageable side. Appalachian Log Structures’ “Carolina” plan is an easy-to-care-for 2,416 square feet over two floors, affording ample elbow room. The simple, square footprint helps cut down on costs. YOUNG PROFESSIONALS AND FAMILIES Perfect for Millennials looking for a unique twist on the log cabin theme, PrecisionCraft Log & Timber Homes’ and M.T.N Design’s “Rockpoint” plan boasts two dramatic prows that provide big curb appeal. Inside, the angular layout creates nooks and crannies that are a far cry from your average home design, and there’s tons of room to entertain, work from home or grow your family. There’s even an oversized garage large…