Inspired by Bernard Maybeck’s West Coast designs
Using Bernard Maybeck’s West Coast designs as inspiration, a large timber frame was commissioned to provide both the structure and the principal design element. This vision presented some significant challenges – specifically the trusses and the long cantilevered gable. The owner wanted to avoid visible metal fasteners while maintaining the wide span and open plan interior spaces – European structural screws were used to achieve the critical joints at the rafter and collar connections and aluminum dovetail fasteners were used at purlin and rafter connections, preserving the continuity of the wood.
The large gable overhang was constructed by using cantilevers on the ridge and purlins; 10” structural insulated panels were used on the roof throughout and at the gables; and LVL structural splines within the panels were used to help support the large overhangs.
One hallmark of Maybeck’s work is the use of native woods, and the timber frame itself is fresh-sawn Coastal Douglas fir from second-growth British Columbia forests. Surface texture on the frame was achieved by media blasting in situ, followed by two coats of custom-tinted, locally-produced CBR Broda Pro-Thane Ultra Clear.
Other features of the home that reference Maybeck’s influence are the large windows, handcrafted details (particularly the custom designed and local artisan-created metal works, use of colour, and integration with the surrounding landscape.
The wooden structure is used to great effect as a framework for balancing traditional and modern elements, and for evoking the magnificence of the Coastal forests while retaining the simplicity of the wood’s inherent warmth and beauty (please refer to image #19).
