To have a place to call home is among life’s sweetest luxuries. We live in a day and age when homes come packaged in a plethora of materials, sizes, layouts, and whatnot. While some families opt for classic, ranch-style living, others prefer the modern sky-high condominiums and penthouses.

One housing option that is still gaining firm footing is the timber-framed cottages. Custom-built in a variety of sizes, these houses are giving tough competition to brick-and-mortar constructions. They are usually built based on specific floor plans that match the family’s budgetary and lifestyle needs.

In this article, we will discuss why and how investing in a timber-framed floor plan can help you set up your dream home.

Why Timber-Framed Homes?

Timber-framed homes are receiving public approval for more than one reason. Perhaps the most important one is the reduction in after-construction costs. People often forget that there are ongoing costs involved after a home’s construction. Two of the most major ones are maintenance and utility bills.

According to Hamill Creek Timber Homes, a home built using quality materials, with an ideal layout, and well-maintained will last for generations. Maintenance could include something as simple as reapplying a wood stain coating after five to seven years. Moreover, other wood finishes and modern preservation techniques are available to help the home stand against the ravages of time.

Besides this, the following reasons make timber-framed homes a good housing option –

     •  Timber-framed homes are easy to remodel as there are no heavy-walled structures involved.
     •  The framing itself is durable and robust because of the high-quality lumber used in the process.
     •  Due to wood’s inherent nature, timber-framed homes absorb sound waves and prevent noise pollution within.
     •  The framing or floor plan is highly customizable and flexible. For example – you can have most of the floor plan focused on the master suite. 
     •  The construction process is fast compared to concrete structures.
     •  The aesthetic of timber-framed homes is unique and appealing and shows true craftsmanship.

For Living Big on Small Acres

Modest homes, or those under 2000 sq. ft., are not just beneficial from the affordability viewpoint. When planned efficiently, they can accommodate the needs of a nuclear family, are easier to maintain, and free up time for other pursuits in life.

If your definition of a dream home is living big on a small piece of land, the following flooring plans are suitable.

Mt. Lavina

The Mt. Lavina floor plan is the ideal cozy vintage cottage built as a lakeside or mountain retreat. At just 514 sq. ft. (excluding an optional basement), you can enjoy the open-floor concept of living. The main floor includes a spacious kitchen, dining area, bedroom with attached closet, and a bathroom.

On the second floor (or the loft area), there is room for further sleeping accommodation. Besides these, there’s also a large covered porch area to sit and bask in the beauty of the outdoors.

Sugarloaf

As the name itself might suggest, the sugarloaf strikes the sweet chord between vintage aesthetics and a spacious ambience. The entrance is intricately timber-framed to give that rustic, village-like appeal. At the same time, the open living and dining areas come with a vaulted ceiling for an airy atmosphere.

There is a master bedroom on the main floor along with an additional one for the guests. The loft’s seating area offers breathtaking views of the great master suite below. A non-timber-framed basement (excluded from the standard 1643 sq. ft.) creates an extended living space. This cottage is the perfect getaway from urban living, especially when nestled high in the mountains.

For Everything in Between

Designed between 2001 and 3999 sq. ft., mid-sized timber frame floor plans are among the most popular choices. These homes come with amenities that meet the needs of a typical modern family, including –

     •  Large kitchens where the entire family can cook and spend time together
     •  Sufficient number of bathrooms and bedrooms
     •  Gaming rooms for the kids
     •  More than one master suite
     •  Home office setup
     •  Multi-car garages
     •  Separate laundry rooms

If you want your cabin to encompass these features, the following floor plans are a good place to start.

Wichita Ridge

At 2,076 sq. ft. with an optional basement, this timber-framed home can provide shelter, style, and comfortable living. Most of its main floor’s ceilings are cathedral-like, allowing the roof trusses to be the architectural focal point.

There is a mega kitchen area which resembles a bread and breakfast leading up to a more formal dining space. A master suite is present on the first floor along with a walk-in closet, a private deck, and a bathroom. The second floor has a great loft overlooking the master suite below.

A spacious laundry room and pantry are easily accessible from the kitchen, front and back of the cottage. The outdoor living space includes two-car garages with an attached loft on the top. This loft can be converted into extra accommodation if needed.

Tristar

Closest to the largest size available in this floor plan category (3955 sq. ft.), the Tristar is ideal for families welcoming guests or entertaining friends all year round. As you enter, a large entry porch greets you home.

Then there’s the equally large and airy kitchen area attached to a pantry and laundry room. The dining area leads to an open deck, whereas the covered porch is accessible from the family gaming room.

Some of its standout features include cathedral-like ceilings, vintage semi-circle windows, and a curved staircase leading to the second floor. The master suite comes with a walk-in closet and private bathroom.

What’s more, is that it is only one of the four bedrooms. The second floor also has the library, office, and loft, thereby completing the layout needed for a comfortable family home.

For Living Life King Size

If ultimate luxury in wood is what you’re after, it’s time to invest in timber-framed houses that are over 4000 sq. ft. You can build a large country estate, a destination lodge, or a resort of sorts. The large houses feature all modern amenities and exude a sizable degree of opulence and class.

Some of the top features include –

     •  Luxurious master suites
     •  Gourmet kitchen area
     •  Bars and breakfast nooks
     •  Saunas and gyms
     •  Home theaters
     •  Formal dining halls
     •  Multiple boat and car garages
     •  Covered patios and porches

Westcliffe

With a massive square footage of 7,130 sq. ft., the Westcliffe flooring plan is a stunning mix of architectural innovation and natural beauty. The ceiling is timber-frame vaulted under which sits a large gourmet kitchen, master suite, and formal dining area.

All the three spaces are seamlessly connected. An intimate parlor connects to the master suite with large windows. Then there is the spacious seating area and fireplace within the master suite.

Moreover, the second floor is entirely a bedroom suite with majestic cathedral-like ceilings. Finally, there’s a four-car garage that completes the layout.

Princeton

The Princeton is an even larger layout, occupying 10,710 sq. ft. of space. A covered front porch greets the visitors, and the interior foyer ceilings are just an extension of the architectural beauty. Even the alcove, master suite, kitchen, and seating areas have cathedral-like ceilings.

The kitchen is based on an open-floor concept with a breakfast nook located by a bay window. From the hall, one can find a large formal dining area. The master suite on the first floor has large windows to allow ample light.

The second floor consists of a roomy kitchen, guest room, bathroom, and living space. Even this home comes with multiple parking facilities.

How to Choose a Timber-Framed Floor Plan?

Now that we’ve discussed a few different floor plans, let’s establish how you can choose your ideal timber-framed floor plan. Keep in mind the following pointers –

     •  Start by setting a budget, as affordability is often the most important factor to tick off.
     •  Consider the building plot’s site and size. This will help you decide the layout that fits within the specifications.
     •  Decide whether you’re in favor of open-floor concepts where every living space is seamlessly connected with the other. If not, you can opt for discreet rooms that are walled from each other.
     •  Determine the number of rooms needed. For instance – perhaps you want two master bedroom suites along with two for any visitors or guests. Also, decide the location for each. Would you want the master bedrooms to be on the same floor, first floor, second floor, etc.? Will there be other rooms like a gaming room, home office, and more?
     •  As for the number of stories, it depends entirely upon your family’s needs. If you have three or more children, a modest two-story home where the kids get a whole floor to themselves is the best. 
     •  Think about the extra basement space. This is usually optional and can be developed as an extension of the house. You can choose to build one if you need additional storage space.
     •  Look at your current home and prepare a prioritized wish list. Note down what you would change and what looks great the way it is. If anything, this will simplify the process of selecting a floor plan.

Ready to Carve Your Dream Space? 

Did you know that the timber frame market is currently valued at $487.3 million? It is expected to have a net worth of $973.3 million by 2032, growing at a CAGR of 7.1%. More and more people are realizing the benefits of these homes and embracing their various floor plans.

To ensure you’re happy with the final results, have a plan in place. This includes developing a realistic budget, considering your family’s needs, and choosing a reputed timber frame company. The architects should be able to offer unique flooring plans that juxtapose the beauty of the outdoors with modern amenities.