From the 1970’s onwards a distinctive style of frame and home has developed in North America, now generally referred to as ‘post & beam’. In the virgin forests of North America, European traditions of carpentry soon gave way to an identifiably domestic tradition. Characterised by a lack of secondary members (hence the term ‘post & beam’) this style has developed from two major influences. The first was the plentiful supply of long straight timbers that could be found in the new colonies of the Americas.

The second was the complete cladding of the structure necessitated by the more extreme temperature differentials. These two influences have given post and beam houses their principal characteristic of open plan design with huge fenestration. The effect of this is a light airy feel but retaining the beauty and splendour of principal timbers.

An added advantage is that because these houses are completely encapsulated it is possible to use any external finish to suit the local planner’s requirements.