Does anyone know of or where to obtain a set of plans that can be used to erect a Timber Frame Carport with an Apartment above it? Approx. 24' x 36'

For free...perhaps one of the Sketchup forums, but in general you should draw your own, or pay someone to do it...then accept responsibility for the engineering or hire a timber frame experienced PE to sign off on the project. There are many in that range in several books, or they could be adapted as well.

Regards,

j

I am certainly not opposed to paying for a design to be completed. If at all possible, I would like the upper floor of the apartment to be constructed of Hammer Bents. The drive-in entrance on the first floor would be on the 24' side and I would like not to have a post in the middle of the two car opening. Any suggestions on someone to design this?

Phew! Tough design criteria Chrissy.

The structure is top heavy and vulnerable to wind loading and uplift especially since it is open below (carport).

Hammerbeams are notoriously poorly implemented, their design is inspired by the great european cathedrals where massive stone buttresses were required on the exterior to resist the subsequent horizontal forces at their bases.

Finally the floor (carport roof) is a long span and will probably require a manufactured wood or steel beam.

Your location will also have a significant bearing on the design. Hurricane, flood, seismic, snow loads, soil?

If you are concerned about the cost you might want to reconsider some of the criteria and I would strongly recommend a specialty timber frame engineer, you can find one on the Timber Framer's Business Council website www.timberframe.org

That is a tough program, without knowing more details about what exactly you need. I agree with Paul on the hammer beam - but I'll leave my comments out of it, as they are generally uncharitable to modern interpretations of that design. (I have full respect and often awe for historic examples though...)

There are quite a few folks who post here that are designers / engineers.

And Paul mentions the TFBC as a great resource to find someone from the engineering council (their direct web address is:

http://timberframeengineeringcouncil.org/index.html

Think, massive crucks! and do away with the hammer beams.

I agree with all of the comments above. I just wanted to add that these guys, http://www.holderbros.com/ are in GA, and are some of the best timber framers around. And I believe they do design in house as well.