First of all, TF is still seen as a artsy-craftsy curiosity by many home owners who also have limited pocketbooks, especially now. Many people like the craft, but its not a cheap approach so this does limit who can afford it.
Andrew, I look at your words here and can almost mistake them for my own! This is the very issue that I have devoted a considerable amount of time and research into solving. I thinking the biggest stumblingblock here is our own mindset. Timber framing is seen as an artsy-craftsy style in league with log building and other such, and I think the biggest reason is because that is how timber framers tend to look at it. A timber frame is a work of art. period. John Q. Public isn't gonna live in a work of art. John Q. Public can't afford to live in a work of art. John Q. Public doesn't want to live in a work of art. He wants to live in a nice, clean, normal American home. It may seem dull and perhaps even a bit depressing, but the fact is it is true.
Perhaps we should create a whole new category of home building that fits nicely somewhere in between the stick frame and the timber frame. For now we will just call this the joined frame. What I have in mind here is a system that is designed from the ground up with the intention of making the timber frame accessible to everyone. A way of not just saying that everyone should build timber frames, but actually making it possible.
I have a system that I think will work, but I'm not ready to let the cat out of the bag just yet. I assure you that these forums will be the first place I make it known. There are still lots of issues to be worked out, and I am sure you will find even more. But I think that this will work.
These homes are designed to be permanent. They are designed to last, and to retain their value. Their biggest purpose for existing is to eliminate the wastes created by our horrendously inferior modern homes. They are also designed so that they can be built entirely of local materials with minimal impact. It It is also designed to work well with natural or modern enclosure methods. You might infill with brick, loam, or even stone. Or maybe instead you will enclose it with foam and fill the cavities with cellulose or fiberglass.
This system has taken a lot from many different sources. It has taken inspiration from the American TF revival, from the green building movement, from European traditions and innovations, and has even taken some inspiration from modern methods. It is really a total rethinking of things in many ways, but at the same times is in many ways a return to much older practices.
My wish is this, that others might do the same thing. Take a look at what you have and find out how to use it. The World is an endless source of inspiration; there are traditions all over that we can learn from. Start with a clear goal in mind, not just a distant wish upon some unseen star, and go for it with all you have. If we do this, we can change things in a good way. We can sit back and complain about things all day long, but we are foolish if at the same time we do nothing about it. The only way positive change is ever going to happen is if someone actually starts it, and if someone brings out an idea that doesn't seem 'flaky' or weird. Something that the average American will be comfortable with. This may mean making a few compromises, but perhaps that's what we must do, and slowly introduce people to the better way.
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