Macdonald & Lawrence Timber Framing Ltd.
Conservation of Historic Barn, Olson-Long Ranch, Washington
The Olson Long Barn is a large and complex banked barn that reportedly dates from 1887. The core of the barn is a timber and log-framed structure that measures 40ft x 100ft in plan, with access on 4 different levels. An imposing structure that measures 24ft to the eaves beneath high gabled ends, it was originally made for storing loose hay. The whole structure sits upon a foundation of coursed fieldstone rubble with lime mortar (walls at the lowest level are battered and very beautifully made, showing exceptional craftsmanship).
Conservation of Captain Robert Falcon Scott's Terra Nova Hut at Cape Evans, Antarctica
The completion of the Implementation Plan for Cape Evans is a milestone for the Antarctic Heritage Trust, and M&L has been playing a key role in the development of these important planning documents.
Private Residence, Vancouver Island, BC
This contemporary residence is the vision of architect Brian Hemingway, and blurs the distinction between timber building and timber art. Extremely high specifications for material selection, craftsmanship and detailing are the hallmarks of Hemingway's work.
Private Residence, Gig Harbor, Washington
This contemporary 6,000 sq ft residence was designed by John Buday of Cascade Crest Design, and is a study of our northwest lifestyle. With room for large gatherings as well as plenty of places to hide away; this home will allow the large and active family great flexibility of living.
Eco-Build on Vancouver Island, BC
The Woodland Workshop is situated on a forested acreage within the Cowichan Valley on southern Vancouver Island. This innovative building consists of round logs and timbers that were harvested from the property, and will be enclosed by a straw bale wall system.
Kinsol Trestle
The Kinsol Trestle is a significant wooden rail bridge that crosses the Koksilah River at Mile 51.1 on the decommissioned CNR Cowichan line. Originally conceived by the Canadian Northern Pacific Railway in 1917, construction was delayed by the First World War and it wasn't until 1920 that the bridge was finally completed. The Kinsol is the highest wooden trestle remaining in the Commonwealth (125 ft), and with over 1.2 million board feet of timber it is one of the largest wooden bridges in the world.
Training & Workshops
One of the most wonderful things about the timber framing community is the spirit of camaraderie that so many of us share: people who work with big timbers just seem to be of the 'cup half full' sort. Among other things, this means that there is a willingness to share ideas and skills within our fraternity, and a widespread belief that what is good for our industry will be good for our individual businesses too. There is no better way to share such ideas than through practical, hands-on workshops.
Conservation & Restoration of Sir Ernest Shackleton's Nimrod Hut at Cape Royds, Antarctica
Working alongside other international experts, Gordon has been supervising the on-site repairs at Cape Royds, and helping the Antarctic Heritage Trust to develop a comprehensive set of tools for the care and maintenance of this iconic building.
O.U.R. Eco-village
One of our team recently spent several weeks at O.U.R. Ecovillage near Shawnigan Lake, providing instruction to participants of their natural building program. The coursework focused on timber frame construction using round logs (Yellow Cedar forestry waste). The students made a structural frame for an art studio building that will be completed with cob walls and a green (living) roof later this year.
Private Residence & Studio, Galiano Island, BC
Situated in the Southern Gulf Islands, this building will serve as the primary residence and workspace for two professional artists. The strikingly spartan lines of the timber frame are intended to offset the building's complexity and make for a crisp and creative interior space with long sight-lines towards the sea.
A Wee House For Meghan, Vancouver Island, BC
Designed, built and finished entirely by M&L, 'A Wee House' is a traditionally-scribed frame made from local materials. Fashioned by the hands of Meghan's many friends and family, this carefully made home is intended to embody the notion of craftsmanship and community spirit.
A Timber Framed Pavilion for Conservation International
The Timber Framers Guild (TFG) recently travelled to the South American jungle, where Gord, Steve and 14 other timber framers from Canada, Europe and the US joined 12 locals for the raising of a 140ft long, 3-storey frame for Conservation International (CI). CI's mission is to conserve the Earth's living natural heritage, our global biodiversity, and to demonstrate that human societies are able to live harmoniously with nature.
Rotary Pavilion with the Timber Framers Guild
This beautiful and complex building was the product of a 2-week project run by the Timber Framers Guild in Salem Oregon.
Carpenter Oak & Woodland Co Ltd
For over 10 years both Gord and Steve worked as senior project managers with the UK's leading timber frame company Carpenter Oak & Woodland Co Ltd (COWCo), where they led more than 100 successful new projects, and helped to conserve some of Britain's most precious architectural treasures including: Windsor Castle, Stirling Castle, Dolbelydr and many other important medieval buildings.
© 2008 Macdonald & Lawrence Timber Framing Ltd.
