What is Post and Beam Construction?

Post and beam is the use of large durable timbers connected by means of mortise and tenon joints and sometimes construction of large trusses. The timber frames remain exposed to create a permanently visible expression of the structure. Essentially post and beam work is joinery. It is a specialist activity requiring people experienced in design, engineering and manufacture. It is not something you would attempt to do without someone with previous experience helping you.

A Historic Method

Building with posts and beams is a historic form of construction sometimes referred to as ‘timber frame’ in other countries. Post and beam construction originated in Europe before nails and mechanical fixings were invented in the Industrial Revolution. Before that time, the English, French, Germans and Dutch took these methods to America and used them in early colonization. Today this has become a desirable and refined form of construction often seen in affluent sites and locations where lodges, chalets, resorts and estates are built.

Our Experience

In New Zealand there are only a handful of companies that provide this service and High Country Homes are proud to be one of them.

Examples of post and beam work in North Canterbury and Rangiora can be found in the High Country Homes Gallery. Some examples are: The Mai Mai House, The Hunting Guides House, The Art House, The Bridge Builders House.

High Country Homes often collaborate with Heritage Timber Craft in Mohaka, Napier. Where they provide high end joinery and ‘a raising’ on site, we provide design for the structure and the balance of on site building.

Log Home Construction

Log homes are similar in a way to timber frame homes. Usually, a log home has elements of timber frame in the roof such as big timber frame trusses or loose rafters. A log home shell is provided by a specialist in the same way that a timber frame structure is provided by a specialist joiner.

High Country Homes can also provide full project management for a log home. Contact us today.