The cruck frame has been shaping sacred spaces since medieval England — its sweeping blades and soaring interior arch a natural fit for places meant to inspire. The 20×36 Timber Frame Chapel brings that same architectural soul to a purpose-built scale: wide enough for a congregation, long enough for a proper nave, and dramatic enough to leave an impression the moment someone steps inside.
Cruck blades are joined at their apex to serve as both post and principal rafter — a structurally efficient form that eliminates interior posts and opens the entire floor plan. At 20 feet wide, the result is a genuine open-hall experience. The Gothic arch overhead isn't decorative — it is the structure, and it reads that way from every seat.
To make this historically demanding form buildable with modern tools, the curved cruck blades are engineered as two-piece assemblies, sized for CNC precision cutting without sacrificing the form's organic sweep. Traditional mortise-and-tenon joinery carries throughout, with structural bracing that doubles as ornament — exactly as it was meant to be.
Frame Specifications:
Footprint: 20' × 36' (outside to outside of posts), Multi-bay design, Steep roof pitch for soaring interior volume, Two-piece cruck blade construction for precision fabrication
Common Uses:
Small chapel or wedding venue, meditation or retreat center, community gathering hall, event pavilion, covered outdoor sanctuary, or artist studio.
Leave it open to the elements as a covered outdoor sanctuary, or enclose it fully for a year-round sacred space. Either way, the 20×36 Cruck Chapel is Ready-to-Raise™ — and the kind of structure people will drive out of their way to see.
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What's Included
We take immense pride in our team of exceptionally skilled timber frame designers. Each member is not only equipped with the finest tools but also possesses a profound understanding of how different materials intricately come together to realize your vision. This deep expertise in both design and material synergy is crucial in crafting the ideal timber frame structure tailored just for you.
Our commitment to excellence extends to our engineering team, specialists in timber frame structures, many of whom hold doctorates in their field. Sharing your passion for timber framing, our engineers work closely with you, ensuring that every aspect of the frame's design is customized to suit your specific location. This collaborative process guarantees that you receive all necessary documentation for permits, including detailed engineered reaction diagrams, ensuring your construction proceeds smoothly and stays on schedule.
The culmination of this meticulous process is a comprehensive set of construction drawings. These detailed plans not only provide a clear guide for your kit's assembly but also include a complete list of timbers and fasteners, serving as an invaluable reference throughout the installation of your frame. Our goal is to ensure that every step, from initial design to final construction, is seamless, transparent, and perfectly aligned with your project's needs.
After we've collaboratively chosen the ideal wood type for your project, we proceed to source the highest quality timber through our network of trusted mills. Ensuring that every piece meets our exacting standards, we then transport the timber to one of our cutting facilities. There, the joinery is meticulously crafted using CNC machines. Every joint, drilling, mortise, and tenon is cut with precision, adhering to tight tolerances for impeccable quality and fit.
Following the cutting process, all timbers are systematically labeled according to the production numbers assigned during the creation of your model and plans. This meticulous process ensures that every component of your timber frame is prepared with the utmost attention to detail, ready for the next phase of your project.
Included with your package are all the pegs, fasteners, screws, and connectors you need to put your ready-to-raise frame together. You will also get a detailed list for you to refer to while raising your frame.
We carefully package and securely transport your timber frame and all necessary hardware directly to your location. In sync with you, we'll coordinate the delivery schedule, ensuring that we agree on an approximate time on the designated date. To facilitate a smooth and safe unloading process, it's important to have equipment on hand capable of lifting up to 5,000 lbs. Once everything is delivered and in place, the exciting phase of bringing your project to life begins.
At Timber Frame HQ, we embrace the philosophy of 'One Person, One Project.' This approach ensures that each client is paired with a dedicated Project Manager who will be your point of contact throughout the entire project. We believe in offering personalized, consistent support to make your journey with us as smooth and fulfilling as possible.
Our commitment extends beyond just providing exceptional timber frames. As your construction resource, we'll be by your side for the duration of your project, ready to offer expert advice, support, and answers to all your queries. Our goal is to make the process of raising your timber frame not just successful, but also a deeply rewarding experience.
We invite you to visit our 'About Us' page to learn more about our values, our team, and how we can bring your timber framing vision to life with a touch of personal care and professional excellence.
We understand that every project is unique, so we offer extensive customization options for our plans and kits. Choose from various sizes, roof styles, and finishes to match your style and landscape. Our design team is dedicated to helping you create the perfect plan that reflects your vision.
Here's How You Can Get Started:
- Phone: Call us at 888-552-9379 (9–5, M–F) to speak with one of our experts.
- Email: Send your questions to projects@timberframehq.com, and we will respond within two business days
- Online Form: Please complete the form below, and we will respond promptly.