• The Builder

• The Company

• The Future

• Exploring European Timber Framing

 

The Builder

I have been working with wood all my life…but not with those undersized sticks you normally see at the hardware store. I like really BIG pieces of wood.

As a kid I learned most of my woodworking from my grand dad, spending summers working in his shop. Another strong influence was visiting the woodworking shops on the back streets of Taos, New Mexico.

I’ve always found enjoyment from carving wood. When I was a small boy, I once drug a log 12 miles behind my bicycle so I could have wood to carve a black bear. Later, I took 2nd place in a wildlife-carving contest.

In the past, I have worked many facets of construction and carpentry. During this time, I began to educate myself about timber frame construction. I poured over timber frame books and magazines. I began doing small timber frame projects such as; saw horses, furniture, and trusses.

I’ve participated in several timber frame workshops, became a member of The Timber Frame Guild, and visited and studied timber frame homes and barns throughout the U.S., Canada, and Germany. Finally I built my own timber frame workshop and thus began Trail Ridge Timber Frames, Inc.

My passion is to design and build quality, handcrafted, timber frame homes. I take great pride and ownership in each project no matter how large or small. It is my goal to work along side each homeowner and create an inspiring, comfortable, and lasting home.

 

The Miller Family ::: Mark, Molly & Kathy 

                                             

 The Company

 Our Philosophy:

Our goal is to handcraft a home for you and with you. We want it to be created with your needs and desires in mind. We also want it to bring a sense of comfort, pride, and inspiration to you. We started building custom timber frames in 1997.  It is our desire to promote responsible and sustainable building through the beauty, functionality and craftsmanship of timber framing.

We feel if we can get the majority of people to start doing a little towards promoting good stewardship of resources; human, natural and man made, we will make a bigger overall impact on the building industry and our communities at large.

Our Shop:

We built our first shop in 1997.  Currently, we are building a new 50' x 80' "State of the Art" timber frame shop.  Mark designed the trusses after a 17 century cathedral roof system. The Doug Fir timbers for the shop were provided by Reliance Specialty Building Products.  We will be enclosing the shop with structural insulated panels provided by Enercept. The heating source will be in-floor radiant heating.  Our shop will be a very energy efficient bulding.  Eventually we hope to utilize solar and wind power to provide electricity  for the building.

The shop will serve a two-fold purpose.  First, we want to provide a safe and comfortable work space for our employees that is not only inspirational but functional, allowing us to focus on quality and efficiency for each project. Secondly, we want to use the space as an educational center to promote sustainable building through the craft of timber frame.  We welcome a visit from you!

						* Masonville
			New Shop Elevation		Shop Location

   Building Techniques/Materials:                                    

We use a combination of modern power tools and hand tools. We work with doug fir, pines, spruce, oak, and any other species you’d like.

 The Future

 

Besides your project, I keep telling my wife that I will start on our own home. The frame will be made from oak timbers that I have been logging in Missouri.

        

 Click Here To Visit  European Timber Framing

 

"A home should be a well crafted space that brings comfort and inspiration to everyday life."