Credits
From Desiree Duffy
An Architect’s Home Turns Modern Northwest Contemporary with Timber Framing
Bert Sarkkinen from Arrow Timber Framing Makes Stunning Transformation Using Modern Post and Beam
Even architects can use some outside ideas when working on their own dwellings. Arrow Timber Framing’s (ATF) Bert Sarkkinen brought a whole new look to the home of his client, architect Craig Collins. Sarkkinen is the owner of ATF, as well as the author of “The Art of Hybrid Timber Framing,” and he brought his unique expertise to create stunning, modern concepts that were not “too log cabin-like” in nature.
When we think of hybrid timber framing, we often have a certain image in mind. It’s often so much more than that, though. It’s not just a rustic log cabin look. In fact, there are quite a few styles that can bring a brand-new design to your home that is contemporary and modern. The project Arrow Timber Framing did for Craig Collins was in the modern Northwest contemporary style and might be very different than what you’d expect.
The project became a unique version of hybrid timber framing using modern post and beam styling. Collins didn’t want the full “log cabin look”, so using the modern post and beam style gave the feel of hybrid timber framing without feeling too heavy.
Collins explains, “I am personally an architect by trade and designed this house. From the beginning I knew that I wanted a combination of heavy timber framing and a contemporary design.”
This Northwest Modern Timber Frame project done for Collins almost didn’t happen. As Sarkkinen explains, “We, ATF, felt like we were in a crucible with the constraint of Craig’s budget squeezing on one side and the labor and cost of doing business squeezing on the other side. And I had to sell the yet unknown cool ideas which would be born of the synergy between Craig and ATF, just by talking and waving my hands.”
The project did come to life, however, with creativity and collaboration. The design concepts and subsequent adjustments and revisions, according to ATF, involved Mortise and tenon joinery, with steel joinery techniques. Massive posts adorn the back of the house with the Great Room and Balcony promoting a gorgeous open-concept timber design.
In addition, ATF used modern box-trusses to provide a balance and massing to the overhead rafters. They used wood flooring throughout Collins’s house, with a NanaWall opening from the living room out to the back, giving the occupants a gorgeous view of the yard and a lovely breeze when the weather is good.
Collins says, “I had the basic ideas for the house where I wanted to incorporate timber, and where Arrow Timber Framing helped me was in the sizes of the beams and some of the joinery Mortise and tendon joints that I don’t know that I would have even thought of during the design process.”
Above the kitchen, Collins would have placed a beam, however ATF recommended a large truss. “I am glad I went with that suggestion. Love that, love that idea. So overall, the experience is very positive. We’re extremely happy with the house. Love all the timber framing in it and get a lot of positive comments on it and I would certainly do it again with Arrow Timber Framing.”