Timber Joinery & Structural Frame Design
Wooden Frame Joinery “Structural Glulam and Solid Timber Pre-cut Solutions”
At our company, we specialize in designing and supplying exquisitely crafted wooden frames for timber-frame projects, particularly utilizing the Post-and-Beam method with cutting-edge joinery techniques. Founded in 1966 as a small sawmill, we embraced innovation by introducing CNC precut machinery in 1989, allowing us to hone our expertise in timber crafting.
We cater to a diverse clientele, leveraging advanced CAD systems and state-of-the-art CNC technology from both Japan and Germany to meet a wide array of specifications. Our craftsmanship encompasses various joint methods, including robust metal joiners, traditional wooden joints, and hybrid systems that ingeniously combine the best of both worlds. With a commitment to quality and precision, we ensure that every project reflects our dedication to excellence in timber construction.
Our Field
We specialize in meticulously crafted timber frames tailored for a variety of projects, from residential homes to commercial spaces such as small accommodations, shops, and restaurants, as well as public sector initiatives like libraries, nurseries, nursing homes, and community halls. Collaborating closely with architects, contractors, carpenters, and project owners, we ensure each endeavor is a success.
Our joinery is focused on three key areas: structural integrity designed to meet Japan’s earthquake-resistant building codes, precision to facilitate seamless installation of floor, wall, and ceiling systems, and the use of high-quality materials, including glue-laminated timber and kiln-dried wood.
Committed to continuous improvement, we adhere to quality (ISO 9001) and environmental management (ISO 14001) standards, ensuring our frame design and production processes consistently exceed customer expectations.
Our Products and Services
Japanese traditional joinery frame for common home project
In the realm of residential construction, the traditional Japanese Post-and-Beam technique, known as ‘Zairai,’ remains a cornerstone of wooden frame buildings. This method features a robust framework of vertical posts and horizontal beams, reinforced by diagonal bracing for enhanced stability. The intricate connections between posts and beams utilize a variety of joint systems, including mortise and tenon, pegs, and holes, reflecting craftsmanship that dates back to the eighth century, originally employed in renowned shrines and temples.
Today, we seamlessly blend this time-honored technique with modern automation, delivering meticulously crafted wooden frame components directly to your project site. Additionally, we offer frames equipped with certified metal joint systems, recognized by Japan’s building authority, ensuring both structural integrity and compliance with contemporary standards. Trust us to bring tradition and innovation together in your next residential project.
Custum Cut frame ‘Timber frame for modern buildings’
In our workshop, we specialize in crafting an array of frames that feature sharp-angled connections, octagonal shapes, long-span beams, and trusses, utilizing both traditional wooden joinery and advanced steel-joiner systems. By integrating cutting-edge CAD/CAM technology with a 5-axis CNC joinery machine, we achieve precision-engineered joints that enhance the integrity and aesthetics of your components. Our capabilities extend to a maximum cross-section of 300mm x 1200mm and lengths exceeding 12 meters, ensuring we can accommodate a wide range of design specifications. Whether you seek innovative structural solutions or bespoke designs, our commitment to quality craftsmanship and modern technology guarantees optimal results tailored to your needs.
Timber Frame Planning and Design
To ensure customer satisfaction throughout the project, our seasoned designers engage clients from the outset, gaining insights into schedules, specifications, and budgetary constraints. We offer a seamless service, employing advanced 3D CAD technology to develop optimal frame plans tailored to your project’s needs. To enhance structural integrity and mitigate earthquake risks, we meticulously analyze vertical and horizontal load-resisting capacities for each floor, strategically placing shear walls, moment frames, and braced frames using appropriate materials. Collaborating with structural frame engineers, we tackle complex load analyses for unique and modern designs. Our dual CAD systems cater to diverse requirements: toaCAD specializes in conventional joinery for post-and-beam construction, while hsbCAD/cadwork is tailored for intricate designs involving custom-cut timber and metal fittings. With our expertise, your vision transforms into a robust reality.
Our Craft Shop
Our crafting operations are defined by their exceptional efficiency and precision. To ensure flawless joints and connections in timber framing, we employ cutting-edge automated machinery tailored for various components.
We utilize two distinct production processes. The first is a rapid production system featuring four specialized crafting machines, each dedicated to creating specific components such as columns, horizontal beams, angle-cut braces, rafters, studs, joists, and plywood elements like sub-floors and roof panels. This streamlined approach enables us to achieve a remarkable daily output of approximately 3,500 square feet for standard residential projects.
The second process focuses on custom cuts, utilizing fully automated CNC joinery machines (including the Hundegger K3i and Oikos HT) complemented by meticulous hand-finishing techniques. For optimal accuracy and durability, we recommend using Glulam and Kiln Dried Timber as our preferred materials.
By combining advanced technology with skilled craftsmanship, we deliver high-quality timber solutions tailored to meet the unique needs of each project.