Hello Timber-frame World,

This message comes to you from a relative novice. After many hours browsing the forum's pages and links, I would first like to thank so many folk for sharing their knowledge and experience.

We brewed up a construction project about six years ago, and originally thought to implement it with stud (stick) framing. That was before my brother-in-law handed me Tedd Benson's books and voila!, the philosophy changed.

I have spent many hours on this design, and followed every lead available. My source materials are the Benson books, plus TFG Workbooks 1&2. Beyond this, I have spoken with local artisans and am in dialogue with one in particular who can help me with technical info. Problem is, though I speak passable franglais, there is a language barrier and further, my designs of American origin may not be readily comprehensible to a native. So, I turn to you for advice.

The design is for a saltbox form with lots of plates supporting a common rafter roof system. My first inquiry relates to optimal positioning of struts and braces in the roof. The plan is accessible here:

http://informal.izaut-rustica.com/graphics/selfbuild/frame_west_sm.jpg

In respect of the braces supporting the queen posts, must these be angled at 45deg, or can I keep the aesthetic choice at 35deg?

In respect of the strut under the shed roof, should this remain perpendicular to the roof, or go more steeply to the midspan (option ghosted in)? Position of the foot strut is limited to allow passage with the inner two bents.

For complete overview of frame design, go to:

http://informal.izaut-rustica.com/selfbuild.htm