Of the 5,000-plus homes we have brought to life across North America, a good percentage are found in Canada. From the misty shores of Vancouver Island to the vast vistas of the Great Canadian Plains, the tradition of timber framing flourishes in the Great White North. Subsequently, this article spotlights some of our favourite Canadian
Incorporating energy efficient materials and methods into our timber frame homes is so popular that some homeowners now choose to go beyond energy efficiency; they aim for energy certification. This article outlines Riverbend’s approach to energy efficiency in a timber frame home—and how our process can easily incorporate your desire for certification—be it the United
Engineers, builders, and architects know that energy codes across Canada [i] and the United States have become increasingly rigorous. Nowhere is this perhaps more true than when these codes are related to the energy efficiency requirements of a new home. While existing homes can be retrofitted to a degree, professionals and buyers in the new
There are a number of benefits to building a Riverbend Timber Framing home. It will be beautifully designed to reflect your lifestyle and lovingly crafted by timber artisans. It will protect you and those you care about, enduring for generations. There is, however, an additional benefit to entrusting our experienced professionals with your dream home.
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
Over the past several weeks, we have been exploring the history of timber framing. From Ancient Rome to the Baby Boomers, the crescendos of timber frame building have gracefully ebbed and flowed to present times. And, while traditional techniques, such as the use of mortise and tenon joinery, remain an important standard of good craftsmanship,
When Stephen Lefebvre and his wife Johane started brain storming for their new custom home outside of Calgary, Alberta, they found inspiration in the 400-year-old architecture of Quebec City. “We were trying to bring old Quebec City to Calgary,” said Lefebvre. “We love the architecture of old Quebec City, so the house is designed with
Imagine how much energy and cost you could save if you generated power for your timber home from the sun. Most people would agree that the ability to generate their own solar power sounds great, but how practical is it? Residential solar panels, or photovoltaic (PV) panels, have been around for a long time. When
Even though you may not be at your vacation home for the majority of the year, energy bills will likely comprise a majority of the cost to maintain the home while you are away. Selecting energy efficient appliances, such as a refrigerator or LED exterior lighting, can help shave a few dollars off your monthly
Should you convert an old barn or build a new barn-style home? The beauty and legacy that is seen in conventional timber framing began as a natural building choice for barns. Even today, some of the oldest buildings standing, many still in-use, are classic timber frame barn structures. So, what is it about a timber
