Journal
Notes from the shop
What we’ve learned about timber, weather, islands and the long work of building a home.
Timber framing · 4 min read
What makes a timber frame
Joinery, species and enclosure: how a timber frame is put together, how it differs from post-and-beam and stick framing, and why it ages well.
Building on Quadra · 4 min read
Building on Quadra Island
Ferries, timber deliveries, wells, septic and permits: what it takes to build a custom home on Quadra Island, and how to plan around it.
Coastal construction · 4 min read
Designing for the coast
Rain, wind, salt and low winter sun: the details that keep a timber house on the BC coast dry, durable and comfortable for decades.
Coastal construction · 4 min read
Building on rock and at the water’s edge
Outcrops, pinned footings, setbacks and exposure: how to approach a rocky or waterfront lot on the BC coast without fighting the site.
Planning · 4 min read
Planning a custom home: where to begin
Site, brief, budget, design and permits: a realistic sequence for planning a custom timber frame home in BC, and the questions to ask any builder.
Ask us about your site
Every site is different. Send us the address or a pin on the map, and we’ll give you a straight answer about what building there involves.
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