The timber frame and SIPs panels for the Day House barn/guesthouse were delivered exactly three weeks ago. I’m happy to report that the frame and SIPs panels went together without a hitch, save for some trimming here and there. We’ve been balancing our efforts on the timber frame guesthouse with finishing the main house, and the roofers will have the guesthouse dried in today. The speed of this phase of timber frame construction never ceases to impress me.
The speed* is a result of the precision measurements and cuts that are made off-site, by Woodhouse. Their craftsmen have over 30 years experience in cutting timber frame homes and their reliability and consistency are second to none. As a general contractor and lead builder, I appreciate the ease with which Woodhouse frames come together.
The weather in Durango has been clear and beautiful, but hot. While the electricians continue their work, we’re holding out on completely drying in the guesthouse with windows and doors. They are, however, on-site. The electricians use the space around windows and doors to run wire so it’s important to leave them open until they’re done.
Mark is taking full advantage of the views of the riverside site and the flexibility of a timber frame design. We’ve kept windows on the roadside façade of the building intentionally small for privacy, but the home will still be flooded with sunlight from large window and door expanses on the east, north and west.
In the meantime, we’ve used the reclaimed lumber from the original Day House barn structure on the underside of the west porch. As this guesthouse is “replacing” the dilapidated old barn, we opted against refinishing the wood as a nod to the site’s heritage.
Today, we began installing 2×8 pine tongue and groove for the first floor ceiling. On top, we’ll add a four-inch sub-floor to minimize noise transfer and further insulate.
I’ve been building all my life and the excitement of watching a new home take shape never wanes. Give me a call if you’d like to come by and check it out!
Thanks!
Jared
(*Lead times for pre-cut timber frames range from approximately eight weeks to 12 weeks, depending on the size and complexity of the home. Upon delivery to the site, the frame and SIPs panels can go up in one to six weeks.)
Hi, Thanks for reading about this timber frame home. It’s an exciting process and this one has been a lot of fun using re-purposed materials from the old barn and incorporating them into the new one. I hope you enjoy the continued updates and thanks again for following us!