Goshen Timber Frames Discusses Timber Framing Industry
(from Timber Homes Illustrated December 2008 Issue)
Business for timber frame companies remains strong overall, despite a significant recession among conventional homebuilders. Still timber framers are watching for a possible slowdown next year, according to a recent survey by the industry's largest North America trade association.
The Timber Frame Business Council conducted the survey in June; it was sent to 220 companies in the United States and Canada whose primary business is the construction of timber frames.
The timber frame industry is faring well compared to conventional residential construction because it attracts disproportionately more empty nesters and baby boomers who tend to have relatively good incomes, said Bonnie Pickartz, a co-owner of Goshen Timber Frames who sits on the Council Board. Still, she added, the mortgage crisis has caused a "little bit of a slowdown" for timber framers.
For complete survey information or to learn more about the Council, go to www.timberframe.org.
Goshen Timber Frames Featured in Custom Wood Homes
from Custom Wood Homes Magazine
Timber frame homes are known for being upscale, and for good reason. Timber frame home producers are not embarassed to call their homes high-end. But in an effort to reach more potential customers, and in light of both the economy and the green movement, Goshen Timber Frames and Woodhouse have introduced smaller homes that come in kit-like fashion to reduce costs.
Goshen calls its new offering the CottageBuilt series, which focuses on small homes of 2,000 square feet of living space or less. The series includes 25 styles. The architectural plans are included in the company's timber frame package and not sold seperately.
"We're designing smaller, charming homes that energy efficient," says Goshen co-owner Bonnie Pickartz. "Our goal is to maximize the use of space. People want small homes but don't want to give up the amenities." READ MORE
Goshen Timber Frames Wins Three 2007 Excellence Awards
from Residential Design & Build Magazine
Designing and building an upscale rustic timber frame home with all the
necessary amenities in a small footprint was the key to this project by Goshen
Timber Frames in Franklin, N.C. The owners were seeking a place to escape from
the city and to enjoy the tranquility of the mountains and the stream that
meanders through the property. They wanted to bring the outdoors in and take
advantage of the mountain views from most rooms in the home.
An open floor plan would allow them to entertain friends and family, but they
wanted the home to have a cozy feel with nooks and intimate seating areas. In
addition, they wanted to use the natural local materials as much as possible and
to have the house reflect the warm and calming feel from the moment one enters
the home.
Challenges included: taking advantage of the mountain views; locating home
and site improvements with minimal site disturbance; creating an open floor plan
to accommodate the owners’ desires for double master suites, home office and
gourmet kitchen into a smaller footprint; designing a soaring ceiling and
massive heavy timber presence without sacrificing the cozy, relaxing and warm
atmosphere; a year-round outdoor living space; keeping design and finishing
details in the Mission/Arts and Crafts style; and accommodating the owners’
request for natural materials.
Goshen Timber Frames was awarded: Best Timber Frame,
Best Custom Homes Less Than 3,000 Square Feet, and Best Vacation Home
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Goshen Timber Frames Media Coverage