A Timber Frame is Raised!

Massachusetts’ first hempcrete building is underway with the structural frame reaching skyward in early March. The timber frame was designed by Shelby Howland and cut by the carpentry crew at Village Carpentry and Landscaping (with a wee bit of help by Catalyst). As a family-focused business, this frame was raised over several days by a cheering crowd of relatives, close friends, and the support of a crane!

Village Carpentry and Landscaping (VC&L) is a family-based business. Owned by Shelby, he took over the company from his mom, Sarah Stull, who ran the business for 30 years. Wynter, Shelby’s brother, is a construction foreman for the business, and several other employees are lifelong friends - who either live with the two brothers, or live nearby. Rounding out the crew, veteran carpenters like Cory who have worked alongside Sarah, are also in the business.

Which meant, on timber frame raising day, it really felt like a family affair, even though VC&L is a business. What a sweet and loving company to be affiliated with!

Timber frames are a vernacular construction method which continues as a small but committed profession throughout the country, and is especially viable in New England where hardwood timbers grow like weeds. These timbers travelled less than 50 miles from their original home to their current one, and will continue to lock carbon in their mass for centuries to come. In combination with hempcrete, cellulose, and wood fiberboard, this home will store a significant amount of carbon within it’s footprint. Just how much? We’re about to find out, and we’ll share that information with you, soon!