Trail Ridge Timber Frames, Inc.
Germany Tour 2002
Trail Ridge Timber Frames, Inc. Germany Tour 2002 |
Open Air Museum
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This open
air museum displayed several classic building styles in
Germany. Above,the large barn in the background was built
in the 1600's. Like most Black Forest barns of the time
it housed both the family and the farm animals (which I
find is currently true in our country, that is mostly in
college roommate situations. I remember living with many
animals.) What I found fascinating was that even at the
time these buildings were built there were strict
building codes, especially ones concerning fire safety. A
part of the thatching on the roof had burned and,
according to code, that part of the roof had to be
replaced with tile. To the left you see the kitchen, notice the legs of the trestle table. There's that architectural theme you see on so many German timber frames. |
| This barn, slightly older than the one above shows the date of construction. Shingles were used on the roof of this one and every one was held in place with a peg, sometimes requiring several thousand. |  |
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Here we see a corner detail that was typical of many German timber frames- let in braces. These were probably housed in after the main timbers were erected as opposed to installing them the way we do it, that is as the frame is going up. Also you'll notice that the brace had a nice curved profile. Structurally unnecessary but definitely adding to the charm of the building. The pegs were almost always left proud with a large chamfered head. |
| The porch railing detail of the above barn shows the use of traditional joinery in every part. |
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This was our bus driver - Jorgen. He sold us beer at all times during the tour but would not sell me one of his carvings. These reliefs were carved in Linden (which I know is a great wood to carve). One is of a wine cask bordered by grapes. The other is a forest scene. |
