In-House Design and Drafting at Hickory Circle - Creating Timeless Timber Architectures
Welcome to Hickory Circle’s In-House Design and Drafting page. Behind each of our stunning timber structures lies the meticulous work of our experienced design and drafting team! Don’t feel the need to hire a completely different team just to draw up your plans! With Hickory Circle, you get everything you need for your construction, from the beginning planning stages to the finishing touches.
Drawing from years of expertise in timber construction, our professionals are adept at translating dreams into tangible realities. Whether it’s designing a charming timber residence, a dynamic barn, or a scenic pavilion, we infuse functionality, durability, and timeless aesthetics into each creation. By working directly with you, we are able to draw up and design buildings based entirely on your specifications.
Our proficiency extends beyond architectural knowledge. We keenly understand timber as a versatile medium, using its unique characteristics to accentuate the beauty and structural integrity of homes, barns, and pavilions. Guided by your vision and our expertise, we ensure the design and drafting process is seamless, transparent, and weaves the narrative of your building project, resulting in a standing testament to your aspirations.
Step into the realm of unique timber-focused drafting with Hickory Circle, and discover how we craft spectacular structures with a blend of innovation, superior craftsmanship, and a deep reverence for the timeless charm of timber.
See Our Previous Projects!
We have experience in several forms of construction. From commercial buildings to homes, and even beautiful pavilions! See all our finished work by clicking on one of the links below. We hope seeing these will inspire you to
Explore our portfolio of completed drafting and design projects, showcasing the embodiment of our expertise and the steady contentment of our clients in the architecture and construction industry. As you journey through our work, you will recognize the unique value we infuse into every project, distinguishing us as a leader in the drafting and design for architecture and construction of timber frame homes.
Dive into our gallery, serving not only as a compelling display of our drafting and architectural design prowess but also as a source of inspiration for your upcoming project. From sleek pavilions to rustic barns, our portfolio showcases a wide range of our work, each piece resonating with Hickory Circle’s essence.
At Hickory Circle, we are passionate about drafting and design for architecture and construction. We excel at creating compelling commercial building projects that stand out while meeting your unique needs. See what is possible when you choose to work with us at Hickory Circle!
The Materials & Techniques We Use To Make Our Beautiful Buildings
Timber Framing: A Testament to Time and Beauty
The exquisite realm of drafting and architectural design offers an incredible opportunity to explore time-honored and contemporary construction methods. The resilience and allure of timber framing have been defining characteristics throughout history, serving as the skeleton of numerous buildings. This construction method, which relies on heavy timbers interlocked with mortise and tenon joints, is renowned for its durability, visual appeal, and longevity.
Let’s delve into the core advantages of timber framing:
Durability: Timber-framed structures have stood the test of time, with some enduring for centuries. The inherent strength and resilience of timber enable these structures to withstand nature’s destructive forces.
Aesthetics: Timber frames infuse a structure with a captivating appeal, distinguished by their bold lines and intricate hand-crafted joinery. They evoke a sense of history and rustic charm that echoes through time.
Energy Efficiency: The natural insulating properties of timber make it highly energy-efficient. As such, timber-framed structures often surpass their counterparts when it comes to thermal performance.
Timber framing features two standout techniques: traditional and modern. Traditional timber framing, as described by the Forest Products Laboratory, typically employs hand-crafted, larger pieces of timber—showcasing remarkable workmanship and artistry. On the other hand, modern timber framing merges timber with materials such as steel plates and hardware connectors, thus streamlining construction time and cost without compromising durability.
Glulam: The Engineered Marvel
Emerging from the intersection of tradition and innovation, Glulam presents itself as a game-changing construction material. Short for glued laminated timber, Glulam is an engineered wood product crafted by bonding layers of timber with durable, moisture-resistant adhesives.
Glulam boasts a stellar array of benefits:
Strength and Flexibility: Thanks to its laminated timber layers, Glulam demonstrates remarkable strength and flexibility — outshining solid timber in terms of load-bearing capabilities.
Sustainability: Glulam echoes the sustainable nature of traditional timber, maintaining a reduced carbon footprint throughout its production process.
The exceptional characteristics of Glulam have inspired architects and engineers worldwide to include it in their designs, allowing for creativity, versatility, and innovation to flourish. This has led to a wide range of exciting construction projects that accentuate the artistic possibilities of engineered wood in architectural design.
Ultimately, whether you opt for the time-proven appeal of timber framing or the innovative features of Glulam, understanding these construction methods can empower you to make informed decisions for your building needs. Delve deeper into these materials to unleash their full potential and uncover the path to your next architectural masterpiece.
Wondering About Glulam? Read Our FAQ
Glulam, short for glued laminated timber, is a type of engineered wood. It’s created by gluing together several layers of timber, resulting in a composite material that’s highly strong, durable, and flexible.
Glulam often outperforms solid timber in structural applications, mainly thanks to its strength and durability. It also offers more design flexibility, as it can be shaped during the manufacturing process. Unlike solid timber, Glulam can span very large distances and carry heavy loads, making it suitable for a variety of construction projects.
Yes. Glulam is made from a renewable resource, timber, which effectively stores carbon dioxide. Additionally, the process used to manufacture Glulam produces fewer emissions than the production of steel or concrete, making it a more environmentally sustainable alternative.
While Glulam can be more expensive than traditional timber, its superior strength and flexibility often lead to savings in other areas of a project, offsetting the material cost. Compared with other materials such as steel and concrete, costs can vary based on project specifics, but Glulam often presents a cost-effective solution for large spans and complex designs.
Glulam is an incredibly versatile material and can be used in a wide range of construction projects, from residential homes and commercial buildings to bridges and other infrastructures. Its strength, durability, and design flexibility make it an excellent choice for architects and builders looking to create both structurally robust, and aesthetically pleasing constructions.
Wondering About Timber Framing? Read Our FAQ
Timber framing is a building construction method where heavy timbers are used to create the skeletal structure of a building. This technique creates a unique, aesthetically pleasing style and is notable for its strength and durability.
Some benefits of timber-framed homes include:
- Aesthetics: Timber frames are beautiful and give homes a warm, organic feel.
- Strength and Durability: Timber-framed buildings have been known to stand for hundreds, even thousands of years.
- Energy Efficiency: Timber has natural insulating properties, and with proper design, timber-framed homes can be incredibly energy efficient.
- Speed of Construction: Because the frame can be premade, timber-framed homes can often be constructed more quickly than those using many other construction methods.
Yes, timber framing can be very sustainable, especially when the timber is sourced responsibly. Timber framing uses a natural, renewable resource (wood), and timber-framed buildings are often more energy-efficient than other construction methods due to the insulating properties of wood.
The cost varies widely based on the specifics of each project, including size, complexity, location, and timber chosen. While the upfront cost of timber framing can be higher than some traditional building methods, the long-term savings due to durability and energy efficiency can offset the initial investment.
No, while timber framing is popular for residential buildings like homes and cabins, it’s equally applicable for commercial and public buildings. Timber framing can be seen in a variety of structures, including churches, community centers, commercial spaces, and more. The aesthetic and structural benefits of timber framing can enrich any architectural project.