Relationship between interior rooms and TF design

[jb9]

Hello,

I am trying to find ways to "phase" the construction of my Timber Frame so that I can inhabit it in a timely fashion, but at the same time, leave some of the finish work for myself at my own pace.  I am curious how interior partitions are constructed and how the designs of the bents and frame should reflect the layout of the floor plan (and room division).  Is there a general rule?  It seems to make sense that designing a floor plan first and then letting the frame design be informed from that is what I am aiming for.  For the record, my site is a simple 1/4 acre town lot (in a mountain town).

I am not sure I have the budget for an architect but I do have a GC.

Thanks.

[timberwrestler]

I don't think there any real rules in design, other than I like to stick to 'don't make ugly stuff.'

I think that the TF and floor plan (and elevations) should be designed in unison, informed off of each other.  The partitions can be wherever, but it probably makes the most sense to have them coincide with the timber frame.  Even in a very open plan design, the grid of posts can help define the spaces (like this is the living room, and that is the dining room).  You can change the joist direction or heights of things to also define different spaces. 

[D L Bahler]

In general, I am a proponent of designing the floor plan and the frame together. But at the same time, I am against the concept of a total free-form floor plan, that is placing things on a whim. I am of the school of thought that floor plans are best based on some kind of traditional design, not because of staunch traditionalism so much as recognizing the fact that these floor plans do a good job of balancing comfort and functionality.

So my suggestion is to start of by looking at the design of old houses and start from there, making adjustments as you see fit.

Now I know your question is more about sequence of design, so I'll get on to that.

I personally view floor plan as the basis of frame design, and so did the old builders. If you have design centered around the floor plan, I think you will find the structure 'fits'.

I'd echo what timberwrestler says, informing the two off each other. A good floor plan is designed with framing in mind, and then the frame design flows naturally out of the floor plan. I'm a big fan of the idea of form following function, and I guess this is the direction you are looking too.

[jb9]

Thanks for these helpful suggestions! I think I will start with the floor plan and then let the frame design flow from that.  I am definitely going to let the frame bays and timbers (which I intend on exposing) define the spaces as you suggest.  I am strongly considering a 2 story saltbox/barn design in which the downstairs will be fairly open and the upstairs will probably have all of the partitioned spaces (bedrooms).  I am going to start the bubble diagram now.

I really appreciate the suggestions!

Thanks.