Roundwood Timber Framing
At Woodcraftian we have almost 10 years of experience in roundwood timber framing, including roundhouses, cruck/A frames, and a variety of other structures.
The beauty of the roundwood and its organic form creates a particular beauty and ambiance that runs counter to the effect of conventional square processed timber.
Roundwood timber framing requires treating each timber as a bespoke component with a specific relationship to each other timber. Whilst working with roundwood requires a great deal of additional complexity in the framing process it also allows us to utilise local materials that have little embodied energy.
Visit our gallery of featured structures to find out more about roundwood timber builds
To start your journey and commission your own bespoke roundwood timber framed structure then get in touch with us today
Bespoke Commissions
Each roundwood frame is a unique structure and is tailor made to the specific needs of each build. We source all our timbers from local and responsibly managed woodlands, specifically choosing each timber to ensure it’s the right fit for the project.
We can produce a roundwood frame that fits whatever your needs are - we have made roundhouses only a little bigger than 2m in diameter, and cabins and longhouses that are over 12m in length. Whilst we can provide just the frame structure itself we offer a range of additional features, including roof systems including green roofs and cladded or straw walling systems.
Each project begins with a series of detailed meeting with a client to discuss their particular needs and we take this feedback into creating an initial individualised and custom design. Once the specifics are agreed we begin our procurement process and begin the framing process.
Our roundwood timber frames are typically coupled with our participatory build process, allowing a range of individuals to be involved throughout and allowing for the creation of elaborate and hand crafted structures at an affordable price.
How does roundwood timber framing work?
Roundwood timber framing uses the natural tree pole, while square wood creates a frame using sawn sections of timber. While both styles have their advantages in most instances a roundwood frame will cost less to construct for materials, due to less manufacturing and no need for milling, whilst the amount of labour be will higher. The mechanical work that does take place uses hand tools almost exclusively, creating less waste.
Given each log has its own unique shape and chararteristics we have to add some geometrical planes onto the timber. This allows us to project reference lines along the length of the timber, which we can then use for figuring where joints are placed on the timber.
For more detailed information on the specifics of how roundwood timber framing works we provide consultation services, training courses, or participatory building projects.
There are some good resources out there that we would recommend:
Wholewoods are an incredibly experienced roundwood framer who offers excellent training courses
Ben Law’s Roundwood Timber Framing is a helpful introductionary resource
Tony Wrench’s book is an accessible and pratical guide to roundhouse building
Contact us
Interested your own roundwood timber framed structure? Drop us an email and we’ll get in touch to explore your idea with you.