Tweto Architecture
South-facing farmhouse exterior with wraparound timber porch, farmhouse gable with half-round window, and mature pine trees, North Plains Timber Frame by Tweto Architecture

North Plains Timber Frame

New Home · North Plains, OR

A new 3,200 SF home, the North Plains Timber Frame was designed and built as a replacement for the clients' home, which was lost to fire in 2012. They knew they wanted a farmhouse feel and loved another home they owned in Central Oregon, built from a salvaged timber frame. This home combines a modern timber frame with a farmhouse design on a south-facing hillside with open views and excellent southern exposure.

Contractor: Weitzer Company
Photography: Shannon Butler

Dining room with exposed Douglas Fir timber frame, farmhouse table, and south-east windows, kitchen peninsula with wine rack and cookbook storage to left, North Plains Timber Frame by Tweto Architecture
Living room with exposed timber knee brace, wood stove, leather sofa, and south-facing windows, North Plains Timber Frame by Tweto Architecture

The home is two stories plus a loft, with three bedrooms upstairs. The first floor is an open plan, with a central staircase dividing the living room from the kitchen and dining area. A wraparound porch provides south-facing protected outdoor space and screens the interior from summer sun. The open stair connects all three levels visually.

The second level includes a primary suite and two bedrooms with a shared bathroom. A vaulted family room takes advantage of south views and connects the bedrooms. An open loft provides space for the clients' hobbies and storage.

The home is built around a timber frame by New Energy Works. The Douglas Fir frame adds warmth, rhythm, and structure to the spaces, while exposed 2x6 Douglas Fir decking forms the second-floor ceiling and loft floor above.

The timber frame allowed for advanced construction assemblies. SIPs were used for the roof, and prefabricated 2x6 wall panels were hung from the frame, supporting a fast construction schedule. The SIPs provide continuous high R-value roof insulation and an effective air seal. The walls include exterior continuous insulation, making the home efficient and comfortable.

A wood stove provides backup heat. South-facing windows allow winter solar gain, while the covered porch and eaves help prevent overheating in summer. Tall vaulted ceilings, the loft, and operable windows support effective night cooling.

Kitchen with walnut shaker cabinets, marble island, pendant lights, and exposed Douglas Fir timber frame overhead, North Plains Timber Frame by Tweto Architecture
Open plan view from dining table toward central stair and living room with wood stove, exposed timber frame columns connecting all levels, North Plains Timber Frame by Tweto Architecture
Covered south porch with exposed timber columns and knee braces, outdoor dining table, and sweeping views across rural hillside, North Plains Timber Frame by Tweto Architecture
South elevation of completed home with wraparound timber porch, farmhouse gable with half-round window, and surrounding fir trees, North Plains Timber Frame by Tweto Architecture
Home set into south-facing hillside among mature trees, wraparound porch with exposed timber structure visible from meadow, North Plains Timber Frame by Tweto Architecture
Corner view of farmhouse exterior showing west and south elevations with exposed timber porch columns and wraparound porch deck, North Plains Timber Frame by Tweto Architecture
Main level and second level floor plans showing open kitchen and dining, central stair, three bedrooms, wraparound porch, and loft stair, North Plains Timber Frame by Tweto Architecture
Kitchen from dining side showing walnut island with cookbook shelf and wine rack, farmhouse sink at counter run, exposed timber frame overhead, North Plains Timber Frame by Tweto Architecture
Second floor bedroom with vaulted ceiling, exposed timber knee brace, sage green walls, and white painted closet doors, North Plains Timber Frame by Tweto Architecture
Second floor family room with curved south window bank and sweeping views over treetops, exposed timber frame and vaulted ceiling, North Plains Timber Frame by Tweto Architecture
Open stair railing at loft level looking across to second floor landing with arched window and exposed Douglas Fir decking ceiling, North Plains Timber Frame by Tweto Architecture
Loft hobby space with model train layout, exposed timber frame and Douglas Fir decking ceiling, open railing to second floor below, North Plains Timber Frame by Tweto Architecture
Open stair with wood balustrade rising from main floor through second floor to loft, timber frame columns and exposed decking visible at each level, North Plains Timber Frame by Tweto Architecture
Looking up from loft into vaulted timber frame apex with half-round arched window, ceiling fan pendant, and south-facing windows below, North Plains Timber Frame by Tweto Architecture
Loft level looking toward hobby table and model train, open railing at stair head, vaulted Douglas Fir decking ceiling, North Plains Timber Frame by Tweto Architecture
View from loft landing looking down open stair with exposed timber frame knee braces and Douglas Fir decking ceiling overhead, North Plains Timber Frame by Tweto Architecture
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