Our Timber
Sustainably sourced from dead-standing trees
Our timber primarily comes from dead-standing Engleman spruce found at high elevations in the Rocky Mountains. Beetle epidemics kill the trees but do not harm the wood, leaving a tree dead but still standing and sound. There at high altitudes trees stand for years, sometimes decades, and along with the dry climate and natural curing process these dead standing trees become dry, producing stable timber for homes. Natural Habitat Homes do not have to make allowances for drying and aging of the wood as this has occurred naturally with most of the timber being milled at less than 15% moisture content. Providing the walls of your home Engleman spruce takes on a new life – it’s beautiful, durable, and energy efficient. Western red cedar is commonly used for exterior trim, gable ends, porches and internal doors adding amazing texture, warmth, and that wonderful smell that only natural wood can offer.
Have the Look You Want!
The great thing about Natural Habitat Homes is that you can have the look you want, both externally and internally.
While logs and timber will set the amazing framework of your home a variety of building materials, textures and colours can be incorporated to make your home exciting, unique and filled with character inside and out.
On the inside how about adding special stone and wood features, a variety of floor coverings and rugs, which will all give you the look you want – whether it be modern, rustic or country. Your ceilings may be tongue and groove or painted plaster. This will all be highlighted with your choice of kitchen and bathroom cabinetry and accessories, with your furniture and accessories completing the picture. This is what makes your home individual and very special.
For the look outside let’s start with your choice of log shape and size – D shape, round, rectangle (see our log profile information below). What colour stain will you choose for your logs, or how about painted logs and stained or painted window sills and doors? Now what about roof angles - mono pitch, or hip roofs with high or low gables? These options will give you the look you want whether it be at the seaside, in the mountains, on a farm or in the city.
There is no need for any stress as the team at Natural Habitat Homes are here to help you achieve what you want right from go to whoa!
Building System
Natural Habitat Homes are solid – they have survived tornadoes, earthquakes and other natural disasters when most other homes have not.
Our homes are constructed with a simple tongue-and-groove building system making the building of your home easy.
The timber locks together when lengths are stacked on top of one another, with two beads of polyurethane caulk placed between each course, then they are reinforced with 30cm log screws every 60cms. Doors and windows are framed in as normal, with most of our homes topped by a conventional lofted or non-lofted roofing system topped with long-run iron or shingles. Most electrical wiring is run behind the interior window and door trim, with plumbing installed in interior stud partitions.
Natural Habitat Homes are fun and exciting to build as you will see the walls of your home go up quickly, and you can choose how much involvement you have in the building of your future dwelling.
Log Profiles
The timber is available in a wide range of shapes and sizes – from the look of a log home to a home that has flat timber interior and exterior walls.
Most profiles feature a double tongue-and-groove for a tight fit and a drip cap for shedding water. The best selling D-shaped log retains a rounded appearance on the outside with a flat interior face on the inside which provides decorating versatility. Log home connoisseurs appreciate the massive look of the double round log with rounded interior and exterior surfaces, or you may opt for the traditional Swedish Cope log with the coped bottom and an old-fashioned saddle notch corner system. If you prefer a more rugged appearance logs can be adze hewn or draw-knifed for the texture you desire. Interior logs are popular finishing items that add an individual touch and beauty throughout a home’s interior or in selected areas.