West Grove, PA -June 19, 2007: Hugh Lofting Timber Framing, Inc. has just completed the raising of a 1,800 square foot timber framed boat house for a client in Cape May, NJ. Designed with many green building aspects, our client is pursuing LEED certification for the project.
Influenced by coastal New England architecture of the late 1800 and early 1900’s, the boathouse is designed with a full length monitor to allow natural light to fall throughout the interior spaces and is finished with period interior and exterior finishes.
The timber frame is constructed of band sawn, standing dead Larch that was salvaged from the forests of Canada and was left untreated to allow the natural warmth of the wood to show. With time, the Larch will mellow and grey. Flooring and interior siding are reclaimed oak and pine from Pennsylvania barns. The interior roof sheathing and exposed sub-flooring is 1x6 tongue and groove Forest Stewardship Certified (FSC) Douglas Fir. Next week the timber frame will be clad with structural insulated panels (SIPS) to provide significant R-value insulation on the roof and walls. Cedar shakes and a standing seam metal roof will complete the exterior finishes.
The boat house systems have been designed to optimize efficiency, reduce waste and to maximize occupant comfort. An existing windmill on the site is in the process of being retrofitted and will be grid tied. The wind resource potential for the project site is fair to excellent. Utilizing natural gas, hot water will be supplied on demand, a high efficiency forced air system will provide heating and cooling.
The landscape design for the site features100% impervious surface to maximize drainage and calls for capture of all rainwater shed by the boathouse roof. In keeping with the architectural design, downspouts will be run through old oak barrels into underground storage tanks. The captured water will be piped into the toilets and used for irrigation.
Hugh Lofting Timber Framing, Inc has long encouraged clients to incorporate sustainable technologies into their designs. “Many of our clients are well versed in green building techniques and we are seeing a significant increase in demand for recycled and FSC certified timbers.” says Lofting.
To assist clients, Hugh Lofting Timber Framing has a LEEP-AP on staff. The LEED certification process was established by the US Green Building Council to foster the production of a new generation of buildings that deliver high performance inside and out. The process encourages a synergistic approach that focuses on optimizing systems and design resulting in more comfortable and healthy environments for building occupants, reducing operating costs and reducing demand for energy and water resources.
Company Information
For over 30 years, Hugh Lofting Timber Framing, Inc has been committed to the highest level of professionalism. Incorporating advanced technology with old world craftsmanship, Hugh Lofting Timber Framing, Inc. is dedicated to hand-crafting energy-efficient homes and structures that are elegant and distinctive. One at a time.
