Woodhouse’s custom lofts play a key role in adaptable forever homes that support your exact lifestyle.
The loft, a trademark element in timber frame cabin designs, takes your home’s style and function to the next level. With near limitless design flexibility, Woodhouse designs these spaces so you can make the most of every square inch.
Lofts 101
Why are lofts such an integral part of timber frame designs — particularly cabin styles? Unlike a conventionally built stick home, a timber frame’s gorgeous posts and beams carry the weight of the home. Not only are interior walls structurally unnecessary, but the timber frame construction system creates voluminous space in those interiors. Timber frame floor plans take advantage of this space by filling a portion of it with a loft.
The combination of massive, panoramic window walls in the great room balanced with loft space above is a stylistic marker of a timber frame. In addition to increasing the useful, livable square footage within the home without adding to the footprint, lofts can be configured and stylized to enhance the home’s interior aesthetics.
While lofts work in any timber frame home style, those in timber frame cabin designs feel particularly enchanting — and practical. Keep reading to see how versatile and sophisticated a loft can be.
Lofty Ideas
A timber frame loft is the chameleon of cabin spaces. From dreamy nooks in expansive floor plans to multipurpose space in a cozy abode, discover the many ways the humble loft can be transformed into something special.
Guest Rooms
A cabin may be a destination or your full-time residence. In either scenario they are a place to make memories, privately or shared with friends and family, and the loft expands your ability to do so.
A bunk room is a variation on traditional guest quarters. Consider stacked bunk beds, or use a partial wall to designate cozy sleeping nooks like this RockyView ultra-modern timber frame cabin design that accommodates a bunk room under its mono-roof on the top floor of its loft. It’s a perfect crash pad for the young and young-at-heart.
Just for Kids
Kids bring a special sparkle to family get-togethers. Like an indoor treehouse, loft hideaways are an irresistible space for children to call their own, giving the adults much-appreciated privacy. See how it’s done in this Breckenridge cabin loft (shown above), which positions the loft over the great room, offering views that expand to the slopes beyond the wall of windows.
A Porch-Like Perch
Woodhouse timber frame cabin designs take full advantage of their inspiring locales, and a loft is the perfect place to take it all in. Striking views set the scene for a reading nook or private sitting room.
To wit, the loft in this lakeside getaway in Deep Creek, Maryland stands out for its chic, contemporary style.
For a more out-of-the-box approach, just look to this this enchanted take on a loft, which has symmetrical alcoves that float above the great room.
Staircases and Catwalks
Speaking of stairs, lofts are a clever way to put luxury artisan touches on display. Stair banisters and balustrades can be forged from iron, milled from timbers, or take an organic, wooden form to conjure rustic ambiance.
See how this White Lake, NY lodge was inspired by the regional craft of turning tree stumps into wood statues. Instead of a tree trunk, a woodsy scene is carved into the stair’s main balustrade. The timbers’ natural bumps, knots and imperfections throughout the stairway and loft railings complete the traditional lodge look.
Catwalks are a stylish, fun element and the lofts in timber frame cabin designs let you take advantage of this distinct architectural feature. Ornate wrought iron railings along the stair and perimeter catwalk bring dimension and texture to this timber frame home that looks like it stepped right out of the European countryside.
Flex Space
Just like your customized floor pan, lofts can be configured to a design that works best for you. This includes creating a flex space that gives you room to fulfill your needs now and in the future. Today’s office may be tomorrow’s hobby room where you can escape and get lost in your projects.
While almost all of Woodhouse’s designs boast some sort of loft option (and everything is customizable!), look to the WildPeak and HanfordV1 as examples of timber frame floor plans that feature spacious, particularly dynamic loft space. Because timber frames feature design flexibility, any of our plans can be fully customized for your forever home lifestyle, even anticipating and supporting your needs down the road.
Get Started
Elevate your lofty ideas with our online gallery and timber frame home plans. Contact us for an introduction and conversation.
