Blue Ridge was selected to provide and install the timber frame elements shown here. We are pleased to have the opportunity to publicly showcase our work to the City of Asheville.

Heavy cypress timbers frame the entries and outdoor rear patio. Designed by Asheville architect Keith Hargrove this structure beautifully blends wood siding, glass, stone, timber…and books.

Blue Ridge's Harry Hannah (owner/general manager) recently presented two custom crafted timber benches to Ann Mayeux (North Asheville library manager).

These pieces will be right at home in the outdoor reading area, just one of the large cypress timber frames that Blue Ridge is proud to have provided for the new library building.

If you're in Asheville, the library is located on Merrimon Avenue - you can "check out" a book and our handiwork at the same time.

    

Timber frame construction is a method - not a style. Homeowners, Fred and Denise Lewis worked with our design staff to develop this hybrid clerestory plan reminiscent of a home they had built some years before. Trademark to that contemporary building form is the upper shed roof separated vertically from the lower roof to incorporate a bank of windows. These windows will provide ventilation while bringing abundant light deep into the second level loft area. The timbers for this home were raised with the aid of a crane in just one day…once they were on site (which proved a bit of a challenge, but that's another story).

    

Blue Ridge was selected to provide the pre-cut entrance, rear patio and other architectural timberwork for the Cherokee EMS building in western North Carolina. The massive timbers were fabricated in our shop then shipped to the site. There, the commercial contractor assembled the timber frames - with the assistance of an on-site advisor from our group.

The architect designed the EMS building as a hybrid structure; combining our handcrafted timbers, with steel frame construction. This will be a large public building with wonderful character - inviting, secure and aesthetically pleasing.

    

When a local bank wanted to add artistic character to their own office construction project they chose to use Blue Ridge Timber Frame. Timber frame trusses (like the one shown) can set a marvelous tone - adding exceptional warmth and visual interest. Business and commercial spaces come alive when exposed timberwork creates a unique and inspiring atmosphere.

This small kiosk structure designed by Samsel Architects and built by Blue Ridge Timber Frame, is located at a gated entry to Biltmore Lake (an upscale residential community near Asheville, NC).

Many resorts, developments, retail stores and lodges realize the importance that their buildings play in attracting public interest and in establishing their own unique identity.

If your group is considering a lodge, cabins or commercial space let Blue Ridge help you create an image that communicates to guests and patrons the reassuring qualities of strength, warmth and character.

Our framers test assemble this timber roof truss in the Blue Ridge shop prior to shipment. Crafted from western red cedar this will be part of a dramatic entry structure, and serve to introduce the timber frame element to the exterior of the home. Note the ogee detail at the rafter tails and the thru tenon on the king post, artistic embellishments such as these illustrate the skill and pride our framers have in their craft.

    

This open riser stairway featured pine stringers (which were ultimately stained to a dark color) and contrasting ash treads - it certainly looks right at home in the timber frame design. When done well, work like this becomes a functional and artistic focal point - adding to the “WOW! factor.” We think of them not merely as stair parts but as stare parts as well.

    

Pre-cut oak timbers from Blue Ridge Frame, Inc. are assembled at a local job site. The result – this stack of beautiful 32' long classic king post trusses.

Due to the weight, a crane proved invaluable for expediting the assembly process and then again in hoisting the completed trusses one-by-one into position.

This application involved anchoring these timber trusses on walls built utilizing I.C.F. (Insulated Concrete Form) technology. Once this home is complete, the timber work will be fully exposed adding character and drama to the interior space …we like to think of it…as the icing on the cake.

Perhaps you're planning a construction project (utilizing conventional or alternative methods) that could be enhanced by incorporating a similar approach?

    

Blue skies, a talented crew and crane operator combine for a safe, fast and efficient timber frame raising. The crane flew in roof timbers in the morning and our pre-built wall panels immediately after that. Careful planning and flawless execution meant that the crane could be sent away by mid-afternoon.

This custom frame, north of Asheville, NC features stained pine timbers which are right at home in these surroundings. The great room will have a beautiful window wall oriented to the view, while a walk out lower level adds significant square footage to this home.

    

The Blue Ridge crew erects a beautiful oak timber frame under difficult winter weather conditions. This project was in the mountains just east of Asheville. The views are spectacular; the driveway – vertical.

    

This "sweet looking" timber frame features a hammer-beam truss (shown reinforced here with clamps called "strong backs" during the raising). Aesthetically attractive and steeped in tradition, hammer-beams are often employed to create dramatic space while eliminating interior posts.

Our clients often comment that once their timbers are assembled, the frames are so beautiful it seems a shame to close them in. The setting sun highlights and casts shadows…when it hits the timbers just right - it is like magic!

        

Our crew test assembled this hammer beam bent to verify that it would "make the grade" out on the jobsite.

Cypress (a species growing in popularity), curved braces and pendants combine in this classy frame…definitely an A+.

    

Bitter cold is more like it. This traditional bent style frame was raised in weather that would make the staunchest proponent of global warming recant.

A crane lifted the bents in place making for a safe and efficient raising. Notice the arched lower member of the double tie beam and curved braces; these touches soften the angular lines and give this home an artistic flair.

    

A variation of our Brookside design, this local project afforded us the opportunity to invite area architects and builders to join us for a light lunch at the jobsite. We were pleased to have the opportunity to show off our work and acquaint them with timber frame construction. While many had heard of timber frame construction, few had experienced one in person. It is wonderful to see design professionals have an “Ah-ha” experience…discovering something they love – that they didn’t even know existed. The weather cooperated and it was a very enjoyable day.

Though not quite finished this project has received a lot of local attention and favorable comments. We were pleasantly surprised to have this home prominently featured in the Asheville Citizen-Times. We got our "fifteen minutes of fame" when that article was subsequently picked up by newspapers across the country.