Timber frame design
Frame systems necessitate precise tolerances in length, height, and strength to comply with both national and local building regulations for timber frame constructions. A robust CAD system is essential for designing these frames, enabling detailed analyses of critical factors such as center of mass, resistance, and torsion in moment frames, braced frames, and shear walls. During seismic events, buildings endure various vertical and horizontal forces, making it imperative that structural elements—columns, beams, shear walls, and floor and roof components—are strategically positioned to form a resilient skeleton. Our advanced CAD technology, coupled with the expertise of our in-house engineers, ensures that this skeletal structure is optimized for safety against seismic forces. For particularly complex designs that exceed our in-house capabilities, we collaborate with specialized structural engineers from our partner network to deliver comprehensive analysis and design solutions.
Initial Design
We collaborate closely with our clients to gather essential project details, including floor plans, elevations, sectional diagrams, wood species, and preferences for solid or glulam materials. Understanding these specifications—along with wood quality, finish, and site requirements—is crucial, as they directly influence the pricing of your frame.
Our initial design phase is tailored to your project specifications, allowing us to accurately estimate your total budget and lead time. Once we have a comprehensive understanding of your needs, we move forward to the next steps in the process, ensuring a seamless progression from concept to execution. Your vision is our priority, and we are committed to delivering results that align with your expectations.
Revision
Once you choose us as your design partner for crafting the frame component of your project, we meticulously review the frame plan to ensure it aligns with your vision. Throughout this process, we present alternative options that can help reduce costs while enhancing project success. Our comprehensive approach includes strength assessments, craft simulations, and 3D modeling to refine the frame design, ensuring optimal performance at a competitive price.
We utilize two advanced CAD systems tailored to your needs:
- toaCAD for standard residential and smaller commercial projects, offering 3D visualizations, detailed frame layouts, and component lists to minimize material waste.
- hsbCAD for intricate wood joints and heavy timber constructions, facilitating custom frame designs with precision.
Our CNC machines, including Hundegger and Routech, alongside traditional craftsmanship, ensure that every detail is executed flawlessly. Your project is in expert hands, combining innovation with professionalism.
Approval
Prior to transferring component data to the cam data, our seasoned engineering team conducts a meticulous inspection of each frame plan. We ensure that the positioning of joints, metal fitters, and foundation anchor bolts remain unobstructed to facilitate seamless assembly and optimal performance.
