Timber frames have been on the cutting edge of sustainability for far longer than there has been a “green building” movement. Building with minimally processed timber, using minimal embodied energy, and building homes that will be in place for centuries without degrading is pretty much a definition of green.
As we designed and built our timber frame home, much thought went into not only what went in, but what might come out in the future. We understood that while nothing lasts forever, timber frame homes should last darn near that long.
Recently we received an email that stated ” The Smart ForTwo is 95% Recyclable”. I had to step back and think about our timber frame homes. Can we make the same claim? Are we doing everything possible to build homes that will not only sit lightly on the land today, but will not be a burden in a landfill in years to come?
The choices we make today as we build, and as we live, don’t only impact us, they impact generations. So think about each step you take and remember that the footprint you leave is there forever. It won’t wash away with the next rain or be covered over easily.
