Here is a rough overview in no particular order.
I feel that a timber framed home using materials milled locally, using as many natural materials as possible, (i.e. no vinyl siding, asphalt shingles etc.) is going to provide a building that is superior in many ways. Timber framing does not require kiln drying, surfacing, or transporting materials a great distance. TF can make use of trees that would otherwise be unusable in commercial lumbering practices. A timber framed structure can be built with tools that can be hauled into the woods by one person, in one trip. A well thought out TF home, using local materials, sized to your needs, can be built with less energy, and use less energy to maintain, than current building practices.
Timber framed structures have already proven themselves throughout time, and I see no reason to abandon them now. With rapidly rising energy costs I foresee a greater need for homes that can be built using as little petroleum products as possible. This means using the materials at hand and processing them as little as possible, and moving them the least distance.
As you can see, I am interested in the more traditional approach to timber framing. Building somewhat basic structures that have been designed to fill a specific need. By building a TF of local materials, you can take yourself out of the global supply and demand loop, and have a better control over the outcome of your project, and also keep your hard earned dollars in your local economy. I am not a proponent of pressure treated materials or gooping on chemicals at every opportunity, or building homes that are half windows. (I hope I don't upset people who do build the higher end homes, they are certainly beautiful, I just feel that may not be the most effective use of our energy)
As I stated in the first post, this is an ever evolving philosophy, as I learn more about timber framing I make changes to reflect new ideas. I am actively seeking a career in timber framing and writing down my thoughts and editing them has really helped my decide where I want my focus to be, and where I will draw the line as far as what I would feel comfortable doing in timber framing. I worked breifly for a contractor this summer, however there where too many differences in our view of the work we were doing and it did not work out.
I have my own views, however, I don't feel that my outlook is the only one to take. My ideals certainly don't agree with everyone elses, and I think it is important to maintain the diversity of the craft, even if we all don't agree with every interpretation of it.
Well, that's my long winded "breif overview". I would certainly appreciate some commentary and discussion.
Dave
