A few years back we had the pleasure of designing, raising, and enclosing this right-sized timber frame in Ithaca, NY. A forever home for antique collectors, this New York Finger Lakes timber frame is farmhouse/craftsman aesthetic. The full timber frame has an open living area and master suite on the main level with smaller privatized spaces. Our thanks to Log & Timber Living magazine for featuring it in their Small House Savvy & Downsizing Done Right edition. Download a PDF of the article by clicking here.

“How many blocks did you say?!” My face must have shown my surprise as Charlie chuckled at me, staring down on custom wall panels in our fine woodworking shop. At this point they were ready for shipping, so while not fully assembled, the undulating wave of dimensional blocks of colors was none the less impressive. 4000 (yes, 4000) at 5 varying heights was the answer. In all—12 different colors, each expertly applied and finished by Hans in his otherworldly looking finishing room. 

Poplar, Maple, and Douglas fir were used for this “Pixel Wall” art project. Completed, it is 7’ tall by 18’ spanning behind a reception counter in a newly built apartment complex in New Jersey. Balongue Design brought our team this project, including the specific colors but no specific pattern. That was up to the creativity of NEWwoodworks. We love when they have creative freedom!

What can I say about my first timber raising event?  Who wouldn’t jump at the opportunity to watch some timbers fly on a sunny February day in Western New York?  Honestly, if it wasn’t a sunny day, we’d probably be discussing first aid tips on recovering from frostbite - so it’s a win so far. Raisings, it turns out, don’t stop for cold or snow- timber framers don’t have time for that. 

Tucked away on a private road along Canandaigua lake, the property had an excellent view of the waterfront and ample access to any desired water-related activities.  If it wasn’t frozen, I’d probably been tempted to stay a while and cast a few lines.