GREEN BUILDING

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Conserving Forests
Timber Frame uses less wood now - and in the future.

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Conserving Forests

Since building construction in the US accounts for nearly half of the wood consumed, strategies are needed to ensure wood is used appropriately, efficiently and reverently.

There are a number of approaches to optimizing the wood used in construction. One of these is heavy timber framing, which uses less lumber overall than stick framing.  Additionally, timber framing celebrates the beauty of wood by using it visibly and reverently, where stick framing generally hides the wood under drywall.

Timber framing is time-tested; it has been used for more than 600 years and was widely used in Northern Europe before being brought to America. The oldest timber-frame structure in the United States was built in 1637 and remains in use. 

When the probable lifespan is measured in centuries rather than decades, as is typical for a heavy timber frame building, the material and environmental costs of the building are shared by several generations.   Timber frame homes need to be replaced less often, allowing for forest re-growth over time. Less replacement also decreases construction waste and landfill use. 

The EPA estimates that more than 1.8 million residential buildings are built annually.  If a residence lasted many generations, the number of homes and need for wood could be vastly reduced.

Source: General Housing Characteristics: 2000. Census Bureau. U.S. Department of Commerce