Timber Frame Homes Made from Exotic Hardwoods

The forests of Brazil contain hundreds of different species of trees, and those that are being reclaimed by ATF and ZIB represent the finest hardwoods on earth. ATF is the first company in the world to offer exotic hardwood timber frames to the construction industry. Rick Paid recognized the potential of these incredibly beautiful, strong and rot-resistant hardwoods early on. Using this great, otherwise wasted resource eventually resulted in the birth of ATF. An “average” tree in the Amazon can be over 200 feet tall. The logs cut from these trees range from 18 inches to over 6 feet in diameter, and they are often free of any knots to 120 feet in length, so every inch is usable. “They lend themselves particularly well to commercial projects,” notes Paid. “Commercial requirements often call for timbers that are stronger and can span greater distances.” Massaranduba, a common native species of the Amazon region, is two-and-a-half times as hard as white oak, the American hardwood most commonly used in timber frame construction. In addition, Brazilian woods are less prone to twisting, splitting or warping than many domestic woods. When incorporated into the interlock timber frame design (sometimes called post-and-beam), the result is an incredibly strong, aesthetically pleasing structure.

Brazilian woods are less prone to twisting, splitting or warping
than many domestic woods.

Over 100 Species of Brazilian Hardwoods (click here to view samples)

Brazilian wood species Architects can do some amazing things with these woods because of their size, shape and strength,” says Rick Paid, owner of Amazon Timber Frames. “And since the beams in a timber frame are exposed, the incomparable beauty of these woods is a major design element.” ATF's timber frames make it easy for architects to design homes with more open interior spaces, because great distances can be spanned with such large timbers. This can be used to dramatic effect – with massive cathedral ceilings, expansive windows, and soaring fireplaces, for example – aside from the obvious practical aspects. In addition, the structures are very energy efficient. The panelized system used for exterior walls and roofs has a very high insulation and safety rating.

Brazilian woods are less prone to twisting, splitting or warping than many domestic woods. When incorporated into the interlock timber frame design (sometimes called post & beam), the result is an incredibly strong, aesthetically pleasing structure. And while there are only three or four types of domestic woods suitable for this type of construction, ATF offers over 100 Brazilian species to choose from, in an amazing variety of natural colors and exotic grain patterns, allowing for a great deal of creativity and customization. Ensuring that the end product will be a one-of-a-kind home.