This timber frame project in Ellenboro, North Carolina was built by Randy Brewer using loblolly pine harvested directly from his own property. His journey into timber framing began in 2019 after discovering Timber Frame HQ, which provided the foundation and guidance that made the project possible. Early conversations about the trees available on site and how to work with them helped clarify the process and gave him the confidence to move forward.
Rather than sourcing pre-cut timbers, Randy logged his own trees, purchased a used Wood-Mizer sawmill, and milled every timber himself. He was particularly impressed with the accuracy of the drawings and ultimately purchased a bundled plan for a 24×36 heavy timber barn. While following the overall layout, he modified the drawings to incorporate his own connections and added a 9×9 cupola to the design.
Coming from a background in welding and metal fabrication, including piping, plumbing, and both ornamental and structural steel, Randy initially planned a post-and-beam structure using custom steel connections. He designed and fabricated tie beam connectors and base plates and used steel hardware in several areas of the frame. As the work progressed, however, he found that traditional timber joinery was often simpler and more efficient, leading him to rely more heavily on classic mortise-and-tenon connections.
The timber frame is built over a basement designed with a suspended slab supported by a steel frame and twelve-inch solid concrete-filled block walls. The result is an exceptionally solid foundation, one that Randy jokes could qualify as a bunker. Beyond the main frame, plans include a wraparound porch, a mudroom, and a master suite extending from the structure. While the original intent was to stick-frame these additions, his growing timber framing skills led him to instead build a 24-foot-wide hammer beam frame for the master suite.
