The term timber frame invokes a variety of images: post and beam, timber column homes, Adirondack style, or perhaps an 800 yr old temple in China or Japan.  Timber frame is a traditional form of building construction utilizing timber posts and beams.  According to Annemarie Mitchell, co-owner of Legacy Timber Frames, the strength and longevity of a timber frame structure is what makes it truly a more environmentally sustainable structure and extremely long lasting (multiple generations), thus ‘Legacy Timber Frame’ is a befitting name for the business.
Co-owners Annemarie Mitchell and Dan Roseberger have both been working in the building industry for over 20 years.  As the only girl in her middle school class to take ‘shop class’ instead of home economics, Annemarie has “always been interested in how things go together”.  After high school, she studied Interior Design in Montreal.  After college, she returned back to the Saratoga area, where she grew up.  Her first job was as an Interior Designer for a timber frame company.  That company, Kaatskill Post and Beam, eventually went out of business.  She and her business partner, Dan Roseberger bought the company, which became Legacy Timber Frames.  Dan was a subcontractor and knew the field side, and Annemarie knew the joinery and aesthetic.  However, in such a new and small shop like theirs, everybody did everything.  Said Annemarie, “I was in the field for about ten years; I still run the shop. Dan runs the field.”

A Traditional ‘Green’ Efficient Option

What differentiates timber frame construction from regular construction is the unique and specialized attention to the frames.  Commented Annemarie, “We bring the tool to the timber.  All our tools are hand operated.  We do true timber framing, it’s a type of post and beam construction, all the connections are done with joinery and oak pegs.”
According to Annemarie, the advantage of timber frame construction is that everything is point-loaded, this allows you to get a lot of expansion – allowing such things as cathedral ceilings. The point-loaded timber frame also means there are no load-bearing walls in the center of the house.  This provides a lot of flexibility with the floor plan.
Post and beam is one of the oldest forms of building construction.  Said Annemarie, “I was in China last year in a building built in the 7th century using post and beam.  This was a temple still being used today.”  Timber frame buildings are noted for their longevity, like the building Annemarie was in, “they last significantly longer than ordinary construction; timber frame buildings are engineered to last 100’s of years.”

Legacy Timber Frame constructs predominantly residential structures, though they do some commercial work.  Their structures are both long lasting, and highly energy efficient, making them an excellent ‘green’ option.

Residential

Legacy Timber Frame’s residential structures are custom-designed and built.  They use a variety of local woods, primarily white pine and eastern hemlock, which are harvested and purchased from local saw mills.  Their team of expert carpenters specifically trained in timber frame construction, prepare and cut the timber to size, which are joined using the oak wood joint pegs.  These structures are extremely long lasting and durable. 
The homes are typically constructed using SIP’s (structurally insulated panels.)  The SIP’s form the walls of the home – these ‘panels’ are made from a rigid foam insulation and provide extremely high energy efficiency (typically an R37 in the roof and R29 in the walls).  The SIP’s also have no studs, so there is no thermal conduction or heat loss through the studs, as is the case in standard residential construction.  “The SIP’s are air tight and thermally tight with the only holes being the windows.”
Legacy Timber Frames works with a number of architects who have expertise in timber frame design.  Their business currently focuses solely on constructing the frames and panels.  They can provide customers with information on local general contractors (electrical, plumbing, flooring, etc).  Though, as an Interior Designer by training, Annemarie is well qualified to work with homeowners to ensure the aesthetic and quality they are seeking in a home is reached.

Commercial

Legacy Timber Frame’s commercial work is extremely varied, often done in concert with standard construction.  Recently, their commercial work has included a number of entryways or other individual spaces which are part of a larger building.  “The aesthetic of timber frame is becoming very popular,” commented Annemarie.  They just finished a project for Sienna College which included timber frame construction in public areas of new dorms.  They also recently completed the entryway of the Comfort Suites in Lake George.
Cost
Typical of custom-built homes, cost is varied and completely dependent upon the design, style and materials used.  “We can be comparable with conventional built homes,” said Annemarie.  She added that most of their customers seek timber frame construction because they understand their advantages: longevity, energy efficiency, and of course, the aesthetic. “Our clientele typically are more concerned with efficiency and longevity.”
She added that they have built many homes where customers put their priority in the timber frame and panel construction, and if they’re on a budget, chose to save costs in other areas, such as lower-cost sink, faucets or other interior elements.

An Active Member in Building Trade Groups

As a woman working in the construction trades, Annemarie is very active in a variety of building trade groups.  She is a member and Board Member of the Capital Region Builders and Remodelers Association (CRBRA), and co-chair and one of the founders of the Professional Women in Building Council, an affiliation of the CRBRA.  Encouraging and assisting other women in the building and remodeling fields is one of her passions.  As a woman in the building trades, she feels very fortunate, “I think being a woman in this field is an asset.  As one of the few women, I’ve gotten a lot more attention, and men in the industry are extremely helpful.  Also, women tend to be the decision makers (when it comes to how they want their homes built.) I tend to listen to them.”  And this makes for satisfied customers. 
Started just a year ago and with 33 members strong, the Professional Women in Building Council is focusing their efforts on educating and empowering women, both in the building trades and the general public.  Their first-ever showcase mixer will be held at the Hyatt Hotel in Malta on February 8, 2011 from 5-7pm, with members showcasing their businesses.  They will also be sponsoring four separate classes, all open to the public, designed to teach women basic carpentry skills, including such topics as ‘using power tools and safety’, ‘sheetrock, taping and painting’, and others.  They hope these classes will help increase the volunteer base of several local organizations that focus on building homes for those in need, including Rebuilding Saratoga and Habitat for Humanity. 
Through the CRBRA, Annemarie is also an ambassador to the Green Resource Group.  The group, consisting of members of the CRBRA, meets once a month to discuss new products and topics related to green building, providing members an opportunity to exchange information and educate themselves on the latest trends and products.  Green Resource Group members include builders, suppliers, architects, designers – anyone involved in the construction industry and interested in ‘green’ building.  The group also provides educational information and talks to the public.

Timber Frame, a Specialized Trade

Timber frame construction is definitely a specialized niche.  According to Annemarie, there are approximately 400 businesses nationwide that build timber frame structures.  Through the Timber Frame Guild of North America, individuals working in the industry have the ability to network and receive training and attend conferences to share knowledge.  According to Annemarie, this type of joinery requires a level of knowledge and engineering of construction most contractors wouldn’t have.  “There is a learning curve involved here.” 
Given the limited number of timber frame companies nationwide, combined with national advertising, their website, and attendance at home shows, Legacy Timber Frame has the fortune of a broad customer reach.  They’ve built homes throughout the northeast and Midwest including Florida, Michigan, Delaware, Maryland, Illinois and New Jersey.  “Everything we do is pre-made.  We cut the frames here, and bring the cut frames to the site and install them.” 
With over 100 homes built in the area, Legacy Timber Frames has the knowledge and expertise to move their business forward.  According to Annemarie, she sees 2011 as a “great year”, with several homes already planned for construction in the Lake George, Sacandauga and Oswego areas.

For more information on Legacy Timber Frames go to www.legacytimberframes.com or call 518-279-9108.

Amy L. Stock is a freelance writer and environmental educator living and working in Saratoga Springs.  Her writing focuses on sustainability and supporting local products.  She can be reached at www.goinggreensaratoga.blogspot.com or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

 

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