Whether building a home from scratch or just remodelling, a modern timber house can be a great addition to any property. This type of architecture has a clean, minimal look that is perfect for those who want to live in a mountain setting. It is also an excellent choice for those who don’t have a large budget.
Glulam
Glulam timber frame houses are growing in popularity. They offer a durable and reliable structure while providing a contemporary look and feel. They also have a minimal impact on the environment.
Glulam timber is an engineered wood product that is used in a variety of residential and commercial applications. It is manufactured from a series of timber laminations bonded together using a moisture-resistant structural adhesive. This technique allows for longer spans and more robust load-bearing capacity.
Glulam is a popular choice for projects that require long structural spans. It is a highly stable material with a similar strength to steel. It is also available in custom sizes and shapes. It can be a cost-effective option for tall columns and beams.
Glulam is a type of stress-rated engineered wood beam. It is produced from softwoods. It is commonly used in structural timber framing, floor and roof beams, vertical posts and columns, and simple purlins. It can be made into shapes, from simple straight beams to complex curved members.
Glulam can be combined with other construction materials. It is an attractive, high-performance alternative to steel, concrete, and other materials. Glulam offers a cost-effective, sustainable solution for projects that demand long-span, high-stiffness construction. It can be integrated with other building materials to create a more manageable finish.
Glulam is a strong, stable, and efficient material for any project. Its versatility allows for various projects, from simple to complex, and can be integrated with other building materials to create the most innovative designs.
Its low embodied energy compared to steel and reinforced concrete means a smaller carbon footprint. As a result, it is ideal for projects prone to extreme weather conditions, including hurricanes. It has become a popular alternative for large residential and commercial buildings.
Passivhaus
During the past decade, Passive House has been a growing movement. Its goal is to build affordable homes while reducing the building’s ecological footprint. The facilities are designed to maximize natural daylight and solar gain while using minimal energy for space heating.
A Passivhaus home is a fabric-first, energy-efficient, thermally stable structure that prioritizes airtightness and renewable technologies. It also uses high insulation levels and mechanical ventilation with heat recovery systems. As a result, it uses less than 30 per cent of the energy needed for space heating. In addition, its design is highly optimized for solar gain and flat-elevation positioning.
The first Passivhaus was built in Darmstadt, Germany, in 1990. Its concept was further developed in research projects. Financial assistance from the German state of Hessen helped support the projects.
The original Passivhaus design was an MVHR system. The micro-heat pump extracted heat from exhaust air. The heat is then used to heat the ventilation air. This system is highly efficient and is necessary for bringing fresh air into the building.
A sizeable south-facing opening on the ground floor enables the building to capture solar gain. In addition, in winter, the roof overhang helps to reduce heat loss.
The exterior wall colour is based on the predominant year-round outdoor temperature. Cedar cladding adds interest and breaks up the facade. Siberian larch is used on the rear face for a softer aesthetic.
Timber framing is a traditional construction method with a low cost and is well-suited to modern building science. It is a great way to meet the Passivhaus specifications.
The roof overhang protects the glazing from excessive solar gain. A super-duper heat recovery ventilator is required to bring fresh air into the building.
PolarHouse
Located on Union Street in Park Slope, Brooklyn, the timber-clad micro unit is a worthy competitor in the ensuing competition for real estate and lifestyle choices. One of the highlights of the new-fangled team is the swanky lobby, complete with state of a art kitchen and a slew of chic reception areas. Two upscale two-bedroom suites dominate the first floor. The palatial main suite features a dual-headed shower, floor-to-ceiling windows and a full-sized bathtub. In addition, the house boasts many amenities, including an elevator, laundry facilities, a fitness centre and concierge services. The home is also stocked with the best quality furnishings, including a high-end chef’s kitchen and a slew of fine fittings and fixtures. The house is also staffed by a slew of dedicated and courteous staffers, including a butler, a sommelier and a custodian. Aside from the amenities above, the home offers an open floor plan, a full-size snoot of a main suite, a generously sized guest bedroom with an en suite bathroom, and a formal sitting area with a plethora of sultry hardwood flooring.
Mountain Modern
Using natural materials from the surrounding environment, Mountain Modern blends modern architectural forms with a rustic aesthetic. This design style emphasizes clean lines and uncluttered interiors. It is also one of the most environmentally-friendly architectural trends.
The mountainous landscape inspires modern mountain timber house designs. They incorporate modern architectural elements, such as glass walls, to create an open space. Many of these homes have floor-to-ceiling windows, which allow natural light to flow into the room. In addition, they feature reclaimed wood and reclaimed stone. These materials add to the home’s authenticity.
The Fairways at Pole Creek timber house, located in Winter Park, Colorado, reflects this eclectic modern design aesthetic. It features grand views of the Continental Divide and Winter Park ski area. It also incorporates a unique mix of traditional and contemporary mountain homes.
Another example of a modern timber house is the Big Sky ski home in Steamboat Springs, Colorado. The main bedroom wing of the home showcases luxury accommodations, including a spa-sized bathroom. It also showcases raw organic doors and timber ceilings. The dining room features diagonal plank walls.
A modern timber house will often be finished with a clear coat, emphasizing the wood’s organic grain. It will also help to create a cohesive look, as well as reduce colour variance. The finish will also help to blend the wood into the surroundings.
In addition to using natural materials, modern mountain designs consider weather and wildlife. They may feature engineering features, such as a hot tub or shed roof. These homes are designed to require less maintenance, making them an excellent option for those who enjoy the outdoors.
MESH Architectures
Developed by MESH Architectures and The Brooklyn Home Company, Timber House is the city’s first mass timber condominium building. This 27,000-square-foot mid-block condo development features 14 units. This includes studios, one-, two-, and three-bedroom units.
Designed to Passive House standards, the building’s facade rests on a glulam structural system and steel angles. The building is also fitted with energy-recovering ventilation and solar panels. The project will receive DOB approval for GLT in 2020.
Besides the obvious benefits of using mass timber, the building is also environmentally friendly. It does not require combustion and uses a lot of wood construction and recycled materials. It also incorporates solar panels, which reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The building also has a garage with car charging stations.
The kitchen is outfitted with an induction-powered cooktop, which improves indoor air quality. The countertops are Italian porcelain from Infinity. These are scratch-resistant and elegant.
The bathroom floors feature hand-crafted cement tiles from Zia. This is an appropriate choice for this location, which is a stone’s throw from Grand Army Plaza and Prospect Park.
The building also has a “handmade” brick facade, a clever use of recycled materials. The bathroom also features a nifty-looking hexagonal tile floor. The aforementioned is just one of the many innovative features at Timber House.
Other features include Energy Recovery Ventilators, a low-profile step lighting system, and an 11-foot wood-beam ceiling. There are also custom-engineered wood floors and Roots Custom engineered pine planks in the residences. The design of the building has been a collaboration between MESH Architectures and The Brooklyn Home Company. This is the company’s second integrated design/development project. It is also a testament to the team’s ability to combine old-school building methods with modern building technology.