Hybrid questions

[nateauty]

Hi I'm trying to plan out a new house for myself. I have a small construction company but I've only done stick building. I would like to have the benefits of a timber frame on my first floor but I don't want my second floor layout to be dictated by post positions. Is it possible to build a timber framed platform and then stick build the second floor and roof?

[Don P]

The reverse of what is often done, normally its a TF roof on stick framed walls, but yes. What are the benefits of a TF wall?

[nateauty]

I want to have the first floor all open except the bathroom and I love the character of the Timbers showing. The upstairs will be bedrooms and my girlfriend and daughter want Sheetrock walls so you won't even see the Timbers. Also to get a good layout for 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms in a 24 x36 I'm having trouble working around the posts and braces if I do it all timber framed 

[Don P]

Welcome to the board  
I was wanting you to think about that. Change the word "benefit" in your original post to "aesthetic". If I'm following what you are wanting it would be exposed timbers not only in the walls of those rooms but to a greater or lesser degree, overhead as well. The framing is easy either way, think about getting the trades through the frame. There was another thread by Poquo in the last week or so getting into that.

Exposed dropped floor girders could be supporting a stick framed floor with concealed room for MEP, or, exposed heavy timber joists with either flush or dropped girders might require some creative work for plumbing and possibly mechanical. Think your way through the whole job and figure out how to get those guys through.

Turning that over a little more, posts supporting plates on the exterior walls can support 24' heavy timber trusses without interior posts on the second floor level.