Looking for design ideas for a pavilion in a high wind zone that is open on all sides.

Specifically roof design ideas, gable vs hip roof and effects of roof pitch.

Thanks

Where are you located and do you have a PE to consult with?

Regards,

jay

I'm in the mountains of NC - I've started discussion with a local timber framer - but not a PE yet. I'm sure we'll have to get a permit / plans before we start. Right now we are trying to get a rough plan / idea together for a cut list as I have a large number of Hemlock we are thinking about using that are dying off from the wooly adgelid. Tentative plans are to drop and saw up the timbers this summer and season them over the winter.

elevation is 3200 feet, high wind zone - requires DP50 windows for the house we are currently remodeling.

the sky really is the limit.
with a good timber framer, and good engineer or design team, you can likely get anything you want to work... and of course $$ to pay for it all.

you don't mention what size footprint, what the program for the space is, how it will sit on the ground, etc. etc.

i'd recommend web searching for pavilion ideas, and then working with your local TFr and engineer (or calling on a specialist TF engineer or designer from the TFG, TFBC, or the engineering council) to come up with a buildable design based on your site, program, potential logs available, wind, snow, etc. requirements.

Hi Suntzumd,

Mike B. said it best. I would add that most timber frames are cut from green wood, so you do not have to "season" anything. If you are taking them down for logistical reasons, get them milled and stickers as soon as you can.

If you email me, I can send you a Sketchup plan of a pavilion that we are building in the DC area this summer. It was design by one of my students and is getting PE approval from Ben at Fire Tower PE. The plan is copy righted but I'm sure Jeff would not mind answering question, nor do I.

Good luck, and keep us informed.

Thanks for all the advice: Looking at a 16 x 20 footprint, space is for family picnics, etc. Like the idea of concrete piers / footers with a fine pea gravel floor / defined with edging. Favor a gable roof -but unsure how that will react in high winds

High wind area - particularly our location on the eastern edge of the blue ridge mountains - 3200 ft elevation. Average snow falls, heavy summer rains.

That is almost exactly what we cut for our client. I will sit next to a public pool, has a gable and is attached to 250 mm (~10") concrete piers.

Regards,

jay

My advice is to get the plan done first. So you know the size of the timbers and their lengths. No need to cut 16' logs if you need 12' timbers. And if you need 16' timber and cut 12' logs then you're out of luck.

Cut to the stock list, don't design to the timber pile.

As mentioned, no need to "season".....

Jim Rogers

Thanks for the advice, waiting on the cut list - timing / money will likely lead to cutting the timbers this summer and build next summer.

Would wait till next summer, except the hemlocks I plan on using are all nearly dead from the wooly adgelid and it would be helpful to get down and cut before the next winter.

Whats the wind exposure? Just so happens I'm building one now down on the coast with sustainable wind loads of 130mph 3 second gusts.