Timberframe Construction: Charles Landau

Free Lecture 6:30pm Thursday, July 10, 2008

Charles Landau, founder of Timbercraft Homes

"Timber framing is a simple but elegant building system consisting of large wood posts and beams fit together with interlocking joinery and secured with wooden pegs. As in any post and beam structure the timber framework supports its roof by transferring roof loads to principal posts and onto the foundation of the building eliminating the need for load bearing interior partition walls. The result is a strong, self supporting timber structure in which heavy timbers frame large, open living spaces.

This talk will place the modern craft of timber framing in the context of its historic development and describe some of the unique features of the contemporary timber-frame building system. Examples of recently constructed timber frame residences and public buildings will demonstrate the flexibility and energy efficiency of modern timber frame structures. It is my hope that the strength and beauty of the buildings you see, will persuade you that the future of timber framing promises to be as rich as its past and that if you choose to work in this field you will be inspired to design and build buildings that stretch the existing aesthetic and structural boundaries of timber frame construction."

Charles Landau founded Timbercraft Homes (based in Port Townsend). Charles sold the business several years ago, now in retirement (and no less busy), Charles will share his love of Timberframing in this presentation.