Log Homes and Log Cabins

Time and trends mean nothing to the perennial beauty of log homes. The most basic of construction, yet the most dynamic of structures, log homes are a favorite of those people who long for simple comfort and beautiful design. Hand-crafted or milled logs of eastern white pine or other species are used with the utmost precision to create a home that uniquely fits your personality and lifestyle.

Many Americans have a love affair with log homes. Perhaps it’s because these unique homes are a big part of our national heritage. Can you imagine what the early American pioneers must have thought about all that beautiful timber? Perhaps the renewability of logs also plays a part in the mass appeal to Americans. Just think where we would be if we had not had these valuable resources to build our nation with. And think where we will be if we ever fail to manage these resources properly.

Natural Element Homes’ founder is a degreed and certified forester, and Natural Element Homes will always practice responsible, sustainable forestry and will only do business with like-minded mills and land holders. With these practices in place, Natural Element® Log Homes will be around forever, for your kids and mine! Please note that all Natural Elements® are either RECLAIMED, RECYCLED, RECOVERED, or RENEWABLE.

Hybrid Homes

A hybrid home utilizes conventional stick-built construction to provide the super structure of the home. Typically, some degree of timber frame is also included in the construction. The timber frame is employed in specific areas of the home where “the wow factor” is most desired, such as in the great room, kitchen and dining areas. The remainder of the home can be constructed without the use of timber or with limited use of timber.

Why is this so important? Flexibility and style. Perhaps you prefer the simple beauty of logs for your entrance, but want the drama of timber frame in your living room. Or you must have a stone fireplace in your living room. Using a combination of building techniques and structural or decorative elements, hybrid homes appeal to homeowners looking for the best of all worlds.

Timber Frame Homes

Timber frame homes feature large structural wooden beams visible throughout the interior which act as the structural skeleton of the home. The timbers are cut to fit together and connect with specialized joinery such as mortise-and-tennon connections held tightly together by wooden pegs. The timber frame serves the dual role of providing structure for the home as well as artistic beauty. Timber frame construction techniques have been used for hundreds of years throughout the world.

Natural Element Homes uses CNC equipment to produce high-quality, precision-milled timber frame systems. We offer Douglas Fir as our primary timber specie. We also use White Pine, Oak, Cypress, Western Red Cedar, and Southern Yellow Pine timber species. We produce both EPS and URE SIP panel systems to enclose our frames — keeping the elements out. Conventional stick-frame enclosures are also utilized.