At Riverbend, we are used to clients telling us that they plan to build their timber frame for generations of use. This usually means they plan to pass their home down to the next generation, but in the case of Paul and Suzanne zumFelde, they decided to build a home not only for the generations to come but for those before them as well.

For Paul zumFelde, family and tradition are two things that he holds very dear. Coming from a proud line of dairy farmers, he wanted to keep the history of his family alive for years to come. Having lived all of his life on 67 acres of Ohio farmland that has been in the family since 1905, Paul wanted this land to be kept in the family and preserved.

Knowing that his parents were getting along in their years, Paul began the process of designing a home that could house several generations, comfortably at once. He sought out Riverbend Timber Framing to design a 5,500-square-foot home that evoked the timber barn charm from his youth, but could also accommodate a multi-generational family.

A professor of energy sustainability at the local junior college, Paul knew the importance of energy efficiency in the home. That is why Riverbend was the perfect fit for building his custom home. Riverbend’s unique and highly efficient use of hybrid home construction utilized timber framing, Insulspan’s structural insulated panels (SIPs), and Advantage insulated concrete forming (ICF) for the foundation and walls. The result: a well-integrated and highly energy efficient home that is insulated from the footings to the roof.

The final product included a main floor with a large great room and sound-proof wing for Paul’s parents, a second floor featuring a second master suite for Paul and Suzanne as well as a loft, and a spacious basement with two more bedrooms and a family room. “There are four generations in this house every day.” Paul happily reports.

The breathtaking red and white oak of the interior timbers as well as the double-hammerbeam truss system are a beauty shared by all in the family. “My dad grew up around dairy barns and the timber framing replicates the feel of a barn,” Paul says.

Walking through this home, you will notice that while the timber framing is magnificent, it does not dominate the space. Handmade quilts made by Paul’s mother decorate the walls and cabinets throughout the home highlight glass collectibles and varsity awards from every generation. “This whole house is about heirlooms and family,” Paul says.