Timber Construction, Paramount Construction, LLC.

Midwest Post and Beam construction dates as far back in history to the first Nebraska European settlers of the 19th century. They would infill or out-fill between posts with straw bale insulation which we can still do today. The milling of the wood and joinery by wood pins requires high skill by “Timberwrights” and, since they had no way to dry the wood, it was green (i.e.,untreated) and aged at the job site to adapt the wood to the local environment and dry it.

This lost architectural art form gave way to concealing (hiding) manufactured “stick framed” dimensional wood post Industrial Revolution era. Timber construction is currently undergoing a resurrection, now kiln dried by some since it reduces the aging process.

These large Douglas Fir timbers at our Enid, OK construction site are sensitive to the damaging effects of sunlight and heat that result in a grey discoloration. Thus, an outer wrap in this case SIPs (Structural Insulated Panels) are erected in a timely manner to protect against sun degradation. The inner wood is protected by a coat of natural linseed oil or stain. The outer wrap can also be traditional framed lumber with insulation or other materials and building methods. The combination also provides very high structural value and wind resistance. In this design the Timbers are taking most of the load and SIPs are providing insulation. Paramount provides many of the trades for this project and consulting services for the build, redesign. Client utilized a local Architect for the initial design.

Paramount Design, construction material choices, and construction techniques are all natural, non-toxic, low energy, low to zero utility bills and pollution to the atmosphere. Timbers Framing is one option we endorse along with other natural material insulation wraps that are not food for mold growth, moisture containment, and resist wind driven rain and wind washing. We offer a wide choice of options to fit any budget.

Do not become a victim of a "Sick Building Syndrome" due the lack of material and building science, education and experience, most builders and contractor's do not have to offer, nor in-house Engineers with the proper education and experience.  We are pleased to offer these educational blogs to our clients. Upon request more detailed data is available showing the health related issues of many of the materials being used to construct the majority of building's in America and how ours differs. The term "Green" is now a misnomer, it was suppose to correct these issues but it did not. In some cases it made matters worse such as building's that are "air tight" and cannot breath or get rid of moisture, toxins, fungi. The best method is to not introduce them into the building in the first place. If you are being talked into high cost heating, cooling, or ventilation devices that should be the least of your cost, to attempt to fix these issue give us a call. Do not let that green word fool you, there are many or most "green" certified LEED, Energy Star, and other green-washed programs that companies and builders use to false advertise.

Our home or office is a place most of us spend a lot of time, we should feel safe there, do not place your health in the hands of unqualified "home designers".  Give us a call today! Ask for Terry.

Terry Portier
Design-Build Engineer, Building Scientist
316-644-9941
Terrylport@gmail.com