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Commercial Timber Frame Buildings

Posted on Feb 2, 2018

Timber framing is more than just a lovely idea for residential buildings. It is also a creative way in which to build commercial structures. Many commercial buildings use timber framing because it results in iconic and memorable spaces. From churches and shops, to bridges and clubs, timber framing’s traditional beauty helps define and enhance commercial and community structures alike. This is why timber framing has remained a popular style of construction throughout the years; its impact on a building’s atmosphere, versatility, and energy efficiency is undeniable.

Why Timber Frame?

Timber framing’s popularity spread many centuries ago. In much of the western world, for example, it was used to build churches. In medieval times, church buildings often played multiple roles in the community, serving as both churches and homes or trading halls. As a result, these buildings needed to be quite large. The structural strength of timber framing made it an ideal building method for creating the necessary wide open spaces. Subsequently, timber framing’s practical building solution evolved into an art form that collects admirers to this very day.

Timber framing adds warmth and interest to this Michigan club’s dining space

These days, churches, community centers, and other types of businesses choose timber framing to add interest to their buildings. Timber framing adds both beauty and strength to buildings making them unforgettable.

Unlimited Design Options

Modern? Traditional? One-of-a-kind? Timber framing can fit any style of building you wish to construct. In fact, the commercial building design possibilities with timber frame are endless.

This monastery chapel exhibits the design flexibility available with timber framing

Your design will have an impact on the “feel” the timber framing creates in your commercial building. Trusses and timber frame bents offer the most opportunity to customize your commercial structure. Further, your timber trusses can be simple or complicated. Can you imagine a curved chord spanning your building or a dramatic scissor truss configuration welcoming customers into your business?

Other Benefits of Timber Frame

In addition to beauty, timber framing offers several other benefits. For example, it provides an unobstructed layout. As a result, it is perfect for gathering places and retail spaces. Additionally, timber frame buildings are well known for their vaulted ceilings and ability to spread natural light.

Riverbend’s repeating timber trusses grace the vaulted ceiling of a church

Further, timber framing’s symbiotic relationship with structural insulated panels (SIPs) creates additional benefits for commercial buildings and their owners. SIPs create the walls and roof of commercial buildings because they easily incorporate timber framing. And, since SIPs have a tighter seal than typical stick frame construction, they help prevent air and heat leakage from the structure. The result is a beautiful building that is also energy efficient and costs less to heat and cool. The addition of SIPs can also help a building qualify for Energy Star, LEED, and EnerGuide certifications.

Lastly, the timber frame structure and SIPs need less labor to install than traditional stick framing, speeding along the construction of your commercial building while reducing labor costs to build.

Types of Commercial Timber Frame Structures

Timber framing can be used in many forms of commercial construction. Included below are some off-site links to projects with which Riverbend has been involved.

  • Restaurants
  • Retail spaces
  • Additional commercial and community projects with which Riverbend Timber Framing has been involved are listed below along with their respective Riverbend website links. Or, browse all our commercial projects here.

    • Clubhouses
    • Wineries
    • Libraries
    • Hotels
    • Shops
    • Park Shelters
    • Barns/Stables
    • Gyms
    • Churches
    • Towers
    • Community Centers
    • Museums
    • Golf Courses
    • Recreational Buildings
    • Bridges

     

    Ready to Build a Timber Frame Commercial Building?

    If you would like more information about building a commercial building with timber framing, or have a project you would like to discuss, please contact a Riverbend Client Representative today.


    Need More Information?

    Whether you’re looking for more information or would simply like to learn more about us and our services, don’t hesitate to contact us. Please follow the link below to access our online form or call us at 888.486.2363 in the US or 888.999.4744 in Canada. We look forward to hearing from you.

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