Dedicated to custom timberwork, Timber Creations specializes in traditional mortise and tenon timber framing. As the owner I have committed Timber Creations to principals
of integrity and honesty. Over the past twelve years I have sought out unique projects
that inspire both client and craftsmen.
It is my belief that beautiful homes are a result of enthusiasm and skill applied to natural
and common materials, and it is my goal to build homes that touch the heart and will last for generations.
Please take a few minutes to browse the web site and view some of our projects in 'Our Work' section. Then give me a call, and set up a tour of my office, design studio and home.
It is my belief that beautiful homes are a result of enthusiasm and skill applied to natural
and common materials, and it is my goal to build homes that touch the heart and will last for generations. Please take a few minutes to browse the web site and view some of our projects in 'Our Work' section. Then give me a call, and set up a tour of my office, design studio and home.
Thank You,
Leif Calvin
Owner: Timber Creations
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Leif Calvin first established Timber Creations in California’s Mill Valley in 1993. Back then, Leif was a journeyman timber-framer, with several years of experience gleaned from his mentor Terry Turney, as well as through his brother Kris Calvin.
Leif remembers too much time tinkering, honing tools, and seeking jobs in his first few years, as he sought jobs of his own. Still, when he did find timber-frame opportunities in the timber-frame void of California, he delighted in cutting the very best frames possible. He also enjoyed every chance to share this strange historical framing technique with helpers, building professionals, and potential clients. In so doing, Leif set the standards for his future employees to emulate – exceed expectations and build long-term relationships.
During those first 10 years, Leif and his crews cut their frames exclusively ‘by hand’. They laid-out joinery according to the square-rule method developed by colonial American timber framers, and cut their mortises and tenons using portable power tools. Finally, they refined their paper-tight joinery with chisels, mallets, and hand planes.
Then in 2003 Timber Creations expanded operations to include the precise joinery cut by a quality-focused operator of CNC (robotic) machinery. Leif’s smaller core team brought their timber-carpentry experience into the CAD office, to develop advanced computer models of timber joinery. These are then utilized to instruct the CNC machines in precisely how to cut each joint. Tight-fitting timber ‘puzzle-pieces’ result, and more handsome frames can be built by fewer people.
Now in 2005, we operate as a very small core group, enjoying the benefits of Leif’s original commitments. Because Leif chose to exceed expectations, we enjoy a reputation for quality work, and professional service. And because Leif wished to build lasting relationships, we are able to assemble project-specific teams of talented professionals and old friends, each of whom has collaborated with Timber Creations on previous projects.
So it is in the spirit of the traditional “Topping Off Party” that I invite Timber Creations’ many friends and grateful clients to raise our glasses “high, high, high” to Leif Calvin, founder of Timber Creations.
Sincerely,
Mark Sowers
Timber Creations CAD detailer and project manager
Timber Creations practices an old European and Colonial American tradition of the "Topping-Out Fest". Upon reaching the highest point of the building, the homeowners collaborate with Timber Creations to host a traditional party to celebrate and bless the new dwelling.
By tradition, carpenters mark the peak of the new frame with a pine bough, to signal townspeople of an impending party. At this party, an appeal is made to a higher power, both promising not to encroach any further into heavenly domain, and also seeking blessings for the house and its occupants. At Timber Creations, we enjoy sharing these traditions with our clients and peers alike.
Once the pine bough has been raised, and friends have gathered, the Topping-Out Fest kicks-off with three rhymes, told by the master carpenter, from atop the building frame. The master lifts his wine glass "high-high-high" as he calls upon the crowd below to toast the prosperity of the owners, the design professionals, and the trades-people. Neighbors and builders follow his lead, first lifting their glasses "high-high-high", and then enjoying a swallow of wine as the master empties his glass and shatters it on the house floor below, symbolizing good luck.
When the last rhyme has been told, the socializing begins, with opportunities for the owners to meet their neighbors, converse with friends, and chat with trades people. Once the party has ended, a copy of the master carpenter’s rhyme will serve as a reminder of the early construction, the personalities involved and of the Topping-Out Fest.
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GETTING TO KNOW US:
One of the best ways to better understand the design and construction process with us is to come by the office and take a tour of my home and our shop. Expect to spend two hours here; reviewing our work, going over design and construction systems, looking a samples, and discussing your ideas and your project.
SETTING UP A TIME TO VISIT:
All visits are by appointment only. When you are ready to plan a trip to our shop in Santa Rosa, just drop me an e-mail or give me a call. Below are listed the best times to visit, however I can always set up special times to meet your schedule.
BY APPONTMENT ONLY:
| Tuesday and Wednesday | 8am – 5pm |
| Friday | 2pm – 6pm |
| Saturdays (limited availability) | 9am – 12pm |
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Owner/Project Manager
Calvin@timbercreations.net
Mark Sowers
Project Lead/Manager
Mark@timbercreations.net
Office numbers:
| Phone: | 707/584-1829 |
| Fax: | 707/585-1645 |
Mailing Address and UPS:
405 Horn Ave.
Santa Rosa, CA 95407
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If you are contacting us for the first time, please take the time to fill out the questionnaire below. This will help us provide you with better and more accurate information. If you are using AOL and have trouble using this form please Email Us.
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TIMBER FRAMING:
www.timberframe.org : Timber Framers’ Business Council – information about our industry.
www.tfguild.org : Our Guild: spreading the word about timber framing, through fun and generous workshops, ‘rendeavous’, and conferences.
www.earthwoodhomes.com : Our ‘sibling’ company, Leif’s brother Kris operates Earthwood Homes out of Sisters, OR.
COMMERCIAL CLIENTS:
http://www.nickelandnickel.com/Winery/Farmstead/FB.html : Nickel and Nickel Single Vineyard wines. We designed and built the frame of the fermentation barn.
ARCHITECTS (who know our work):
http://christianhumann.com : Christian Humann of East Bay Design & Architecture. This link is direct to the Cloud Ridge Cabin project, our first collaboration with Chris.
http://www.commonsensedesign.com/ : Architect Pete Gang collaborated on TC president Leif Calvin’s home. We are excited to collaborate on a client’s home.
http://www.btl-arch.com/projects/nickel_nickel.html : Brandenburger, Taylor, Lombardo. We designed and built unique timber trusses for our 2nd collaboration with BTL in 2003.
BUILDING PROFESSIONALS / ASSOCIATES:
www.earthwoodhomes.com : Our ‘sibling’ company, Leif’s brother Kris operates Earthwood Homes out of Sisters, OR.
MANUFACTURERS / VENDORS:
www.pbspanel.com : Premier Building Systems. Manufacturer of SIPs (Structural Insulated Panels).
www.r-control.com : R-Control. Maker of SIPs (Structural Insulated Panels).
ENERGY EFFICIENCY & GREEN BUILDING:
www.usgbc.org : U.S. Green Building Council. Review ‘LEED’ programs here.
www.energystar.gov : Energy Star program, for improving energy efficiency in our homes, and in the products we buy.
“The magnificent timber-frame structure you designed and built for us will give us tremendous pleasure for many years to come and to our children for many more.”
Cecile Isaacs: 11/02/03
“I have no doubt that I am getting what I'm paying for-professional, quality work. That's why I hired you guys. I talked with a lot of timber companies before I chose TC. If you say it's going to cost "X" amount to do something then I trust you with that. That trust was not there for a lot of the other companies I talked to.”
Greg Meader 5/3/05
“You are already beyond the call of duty...Thanks a million”
Paul Campion 6/15/05
“This looks terrific, thanks for all of your great work.”
John Cooper: 12/3/03
“Thanks for those magnificent trusses you built for our house.”
Todd Everett: 8/06/03
“You have exceeded my expectations” “It warms the cockels of my heart”
Gill Nickel 5/18/02
“We could not be happier - the timber work is outstanding”
Katie Cooper: 12/15/03