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Heriot Island Timber Frames
Brace and post joinery against a blue sky

The process

From bare rock to the first fire

Nine stages, one crew. Here is what happens at each, and where you come in.

  1. Stage 1 of 9

    First conversation

    We meet, on your land if you have it, and talk about how you want to live, what the site is telling us, and an honest first range of budget and timeline.

    Your part

    Bring photos, a rough budget, and the things you love about places you’ve stayed.

  2. Stage 2 of 9

    Design

    Sketches become plans and a frame model. Every bent, brace and beam is placed so the structure and the rooms are designed together, not one after the other.

    Your part

    Review drawings with us, walk the stakes on site, and decide the details that matter most to you.

  3. Stage 3 of 9

    Permits & engineering

    Engineering, septic and well, and the building permit with the regional district, coordinated so you aren’t chasing paperwork.

    Your part

    Sign where needed. We keep you informed as approvals come in.

  4. Stage 4 of 9

    Site & foundation

    Clearing, access, excavation and footings: on rock, often pinned straight to it. Local excavators and concrete crews, scheduled around the weather.

    Your part

    Watch the footprint appear. This is when the view from each room becomes real.

  5. Brace and post joinery against a blue sky
    Stage 5 of 9

    Timber & joinery

    Timbers are selected and brought to the shop, then laid out and cut by hand: mortises, tenons, braces and pegs.

    Your part

    Come by the shop and see your frame being cut.

  6. Sunset over the water through the gable of a newly raised timber frame
    Stage 6 of 9

    Raising day

    The frame goes up in a matter of days. Bents are lifted, joints driven home and pegged: the moment the house first stands against the sky.

    Your part

    Be there. Bring friends. It is the best day of the build.

  7. Timber-framed house lit up at night
    Stage 7 of 9

    Roof & enclosure

    Roof, walls, windows and rainscreen wrap the frame and get it dry fast. Overhangs, flashing and cladding detailed for coastal weather.

    Your part

    Final choices on cladding, roofing and window colours.

  8. Kitchen beneath exposed timber rafters and a gable window
    Stage 8 of 9

    Interior

    Services, insulation, floors, kitchen and stove. The frame stays exposed, so finishing around it is careful, slow work.

    Your part

    Kitchen, finishes and fixtures, with us in the room as you decide.

  9. Knee braces framing the kitchen and wood stove
    Stage 9 of 9

    Handover

    Walkthrough, care guide for the timber and finishes, warranty documents, and the keys. We stay close for the first seasons as the house settles in.

    Your part

    Move in. Light the first fire.

Start with stage one

Tell us about your land and what you hope to build, and we’ll find a time to walk it together.

Book a consultation