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I understand there is a small community of Timber Framers in Hawaii. Anyone on this forum has any experiance with this type of construction?
What kind of issue are there? What type of wood is used for the beams, What are the issues with the planing department? Any information is appreciated.
Mahalo
Ajit
Edited by - adias on 06/09/2007 13:15:55
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I did alot of timber framing on the mainland, and I really enjoy that type of construction. I havn't seen much of it over here, probably due to the expense, but if you have an engineer approved set of plans I cant really see having any issues that you wouldn't have with any other structure(other than higher cost). You would definitely want to have all the timbers treated. As far as the type of wood for the beams, generally you would use glue lam beams, and the engineer calculates the sizes required for each location. If you would like to chat more indepth about this feel free to email or call me: jm_minica@yahoo.com; 938-2540.
Aloha,
Mark
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Hi Mark,
Thanks for your response. I sent you email.
Aloha,
Ajit
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Some folks use "telephone" poles and build pole houses. Others use solid sawn timbers with post and beam construction techniques.
With anything other than "standard" construction on slab foundation your plans will require an engineer's stamp. The Building Department doesn't seem to process permits for these types of construction any differently than any other building permit request.
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Kurt Wilson
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Hotzcatz,
Thanks for the tip on the engineers stamp, that’s exactly what Mark said as well. We have looked at pole houses and gone back and forth between Post & Beam vs. Timber Frame.
We were fortunate to contact a guy who built a small Timber Frame on the Big Island using Western Red Cedar; similar qualities as Red Wood, but readily available on the West Coast, although not sure how well historically Western Red Cedar has held up in Hawaii.
We are exploring different options, looking for something small, rustic, environmentally friendly and easy to maintain.
Ajit
Edited by - adias on 07/09/2007 13:59:29
