From Daizen News
七転び八起き /
nanakorobi yaoki /
stumble seven times but recover eight. /
Perseverance is the key.
Building wisdom 1 February 2012
February 1, 2012 – 5:02 pm
Daizen at BUILDEX Vancouver
February 1, 2012 – 5:00 pm
From Daizen News 1 February 2012
BUILDEX Vancouver is one of Canada’s largest tradeshows/conferences, with over 13,000 design, construction, and real estate management professionals each year. This year it happens February 8 and 9.
Daizen will be at Buildex Vancouver with the BC Wood Specialty Group, in booth 1809. We are launching our new timber accent system and will be displaying this exciting new product at the show.
There’s always a big crowd, so it’s a good idea to register in advance. The show is free for attendees if you sign up before February 6, but you must register too. (You can register online.) UPDATE—when registering, put in discount code BXV12 for free admission to the trade show.
See you there!
Nanoose: a study of elements
February 1, 2012 – 4:56 pm
from Daizen News 1 February 2012
The 20 units in the Nanoose townhouse development (Vancouver Island) were spruced up with timber elements that Daizen supplied to the site. The accents added rhythm, perspective, interest, and the beauty of natural timber without costing an arm and a leg.
Exterior elements include a header on the garage and some porch details.
Knee braces are traditional joinery: mortise and tenon pegged through the horizontal member. To make on-site work clear and easy, the assembly screws into the wall.
Our new timber accent system launches
February 1, 2012 – 4:53 pm
From Daizen News 1 February 2012
Timber accents are a great way to add value to either a new house or an existing one. But creating the design and specifying details can be tedious and difficult—and, therefore, expensive.
Here’s where Daizen is stepping in.
We have invented a system of design components to adorn the façade of a building that still offers the flexibility to modify them as your project demands. You simply choose accent type (end, bracket, beam, truss), style, size, pitch (if appropriate), and quantity. We do the rest.
Here’s a quick look at our system.
This is the perfect use of your time. The designer, contractor, or building owner can select and order building components with ease. More complex requirements are an indication that
the variety of timber needed has “graduated” to a custom design. In this case, just send us your plans and we’ll develop a custom proposal for accents.
The Daizen Timber Accent System is fresh and new. We’ll be refining it for a while, so please visit our web site frequently to keep informed.
Building wisdom 1 January 2012
January 4, 2012 – 11:58 am
From Daizen newsletter
Raise high the roof beam, carpenters.
—Sappho
A look at timber connections
January 4, 2012 – 11:55 am
From Daizen News, 1 January 2012
In the Whistler round-to-square home, we saw some timber and heavy steel together. Now, let’s talk about joining timber to concrete. When frame posts have concrete bases–not uncommon–there must be a way to connect the timber to the concrete. Key factors are stability: prevention of horizontal movement, vertical
movement, and pivot; uplift; gravity; and moment. Further, since concrete retains moisture, a vapor barrier is needed between the two materials.
Daizen focuses on three methods: epoxy to epoxy, epoxy to mechanical, and steel plate.
As part of our epoxy testing, we compared four epoxy samples, two with a ¾-in. ready rod into timber of 6- and 12-in. sides and then two with a 1-in. ready rod into timber of 6- and 12-in. sides.
We’re summarizing our ideas about connections–an issue right at the heart of timber framing–through a series of articles: the Timber Connection Series. The first, Post to Concrete, is now available as a download
from the daizen.com website.
Valdes lighthouse in Cottage magazine
January 4, 2012 – 11:51 am
From Daizen News, 1 January 2012
The designer Carl Willms, a frequent Daizen collaborator, worked with Daizen to build a lighthouse-style dwelling onto an existing cabin on remote Valdes Island. All of the timber was transported by boat, and it needed to be of manageable size for a hand-raising, since there was no way to get a crane or other heavy machinery to the island.
Not only can you read of this project in the Daizen portfolio; it’s also on the cover of the January–February 2012 issue of Cottage magazine.
A photo from the magazine: Carl Willms, standing, in the main room with his son Kyle, back left, and Kiyo Hagiwara, a friend and employee of Daizen.
The wood appointments in the cabin’s kitchen–the first floor of the lighthouse–were created by master carpenter Jim Willms.
The magazine article tells a slightly different story from the Daizen portfolio; both are interesting. To read the Cottage magazine article, download it here.
Whistler round-to-square home
January 4, 2012 – 11:44 am
from Daizen News, 1 January 2012
Combining log and timber framing is an interesting blend of two different joinery systems and even basic shapes–in this case, round, organic logs serve as the upright structure (posts), with timbers for the rafters and roof.
Such a spacious house (in a marvelous setting, overlooking the Blackcomb ski hills) can easily feature the massive logs and timbers. In this photo, the house may look something like a hobbit house, but it’s got 23,000 board-feet of wood in it!
The project was a collaboration with Nicola Logworks, in Merritt, B.C. Daizen did the timber framing elements. Such a mix can be tricky at the point of connection between the two framing methods, but we are accustomed to these challenges and prepare well.
The job also featured the use of steel. Heavy steel I-beams may seem intimidating, but when combined with structural timber, it’s not hard to use them. Three-dimensional hidden steel connectors are designed to receive the ridge and the valley, and steel I-beams are inserted into the log purlin.
Learn more about this, other exquisite timber structures, and how Daizen approaches timber framing in our new portfolio. You can download a full-color PDF by clicking the link in the right column on the Daizen website. You can also obtain a beautifully-printed version of the 82-page book for $15 (shipping/handling); email us for more information.
Happy New Year!
January 4, 2012 – 11:38 am
新年明けましておめでとうございます
We wish you the very best in the new year–health, joy, prosperity.
In Japan, in the new year’s morning, we look to the east at the sun coming up and celebrate the peace of life, renew our appreciation for living, and make the commitment to achieve something.
This is the flag of Japan: the rising sun.
Valdes island project featured in Cottage magazine also cover page
December 21, 2011 – 7:01 pm
One of our project for Karl Willms is introducing by Cottage magazine for Jan issue.
Building wisdom 1 December 2011
December 5, 2011 – 2:45 pm
みめよりこころ
Romaji:
Mime yori kokoro
Literally:
Seen from the second heart; Heart rather than seeming.
Meaning:
Handsome is as handsome does.
A thing of beauty: the Daizen portfolio
December 5, 2011 – 2:41 pm
from Daizen News, 1 December 2011
We’ve told our story! This portfolio is a sustained look at what we’ve accomplished, our work philosophy, and our thoughts on everything from standing out to improvising. Download it free, or receive an alluring offset-printed version for $15 (includes shipping).
27 projects. 76 pages. B.C. timber meets Japanese precision.
Choosing timber
December 5, 2011 – 2:38 pm
from Daizen News, 1 December 2011
A never-ending challenge at Daizen is to help both homeowners and associated building professionals understand the multi-layered, interdependent options in choosing timber for a building project. As they say, it’s not trivial.
Dai recently made a concerted effort to explore and demystify the several choices everyone faces when clarifying their vision of the ideal
dwelling (or other construction). The resulting eight-page article, Understanding the Timber, is now available for download from the Daizen website.
It’s worth your while to peruse this document. If you do, you’ll understand much better why there is no one answer to what seems to an outsider like such a simple question. In fact, wood is a profound personal choice.
Timber connection design workshop
December 5, 2011 – 2:35 pm
from Daizen News, 1 December 2011
Dai Ona is one of four wood connection specialists who will present at a two-day workshop hosted by WoodWorks BC and Canadian Wood Council. It takes place Thursday, December 8 and Friday, December 9 of this year, at the Marriott Fairfield Inn in Kelowna. The workshop, geared toward structural engineers, begins with connections in the CSA 086 Wood Design Standard and progresses from there, covering both timber frame and log structure connections.
Other speakers include Adam Robertson (Canadian Wood Council), Ghasan Doudak (University of Ottawa), and Robin Zirnhelt
(Cascade Engineering Group, Canmore).
For more information, call Linda Schauer, 877-929-9663 (ex 6); email her; or see the Wood-Works.ca web page about it, including a PDF fact sheet.
New Wood Design Manual
The Canadian Wood Council’s new 2010 Wood Design Manual will be available at the workshop, at a deep discount: $117 (list price $190).
Less is more
December 5, 2011 – 2:30 pm
from Daizen News, 1 December 2011
Have you noticed? In the spirit of going deep rather than wide, we’ve
changed our newsletter to monthly rather than every two weeks. Less email for
you to read . . . more call for us to be thoughtful.
Building wisdom 1 Nov 2011
November 28, 2011 – 2:48 pm
from Daizen News 1 Nov 2011
What I wanted to do was to paint sunlight on the side of a house.
—Edward Hopper
Ian Petticrew | Wikimedia Commons
Sharing knowledge at BC Wood
November 28, 2011 – 2:45 pm
from Daizen News, 1 Nov 2011
The BC Wood Global Buyers Mission, September 8–10 in Whistler, B.C., was a productive conference. It’s an invitation-only networking and tradeshow event for international wood buyers and Canadian manufacturers.
Interested participants at the Daizen booth.
My presentation to architects was focused on why and how timber twists, and how we can control it. In my talk, I also compared glulam to kiln-dried timber, both of which I use. I clarified the optimal size and length of both glulam and kiln-dried wood (based on cost-effectivbeness) to use in timber designs for public buildings.
A twisted timber.
A log that has split.
Shear at upper peg connection after timber has shrunk.
Fun at the bonsai fundraiser
November 28, 2011 – 2:37 pm
To help in a new fundraising effort for Japan Tsunami Relief, Daizen joined a bonsai day held in the Japanese Bonsai Garden Art, in Surrey. The event was very successful.
Lots of bonsai lovers got together for intensive demonstrations of the growing art.
The Taiko drum performance (complete with dancing dragon) truly touched and energized the audience.
We prepared six benches and eight blocks to donate, and all of them sold.
In our Daizen gate-building relief effort, we have just three gates left for sale. They are displayed at Japanese Bonsai Garden Art, 16164 24th Ave, Surrey, B.C.
Thanks to all volunteers, and to all of you who came.
Epoxy anchor tests: cold cure
November 28, 2011 – 2:26 pm
from Daizen News, 1 Nov 2011
Epoxy is a very reliable substance that bonds wood, steel, and stone. The epoxy itself must be precisely formulated for the specific materials it will bond. In our continued testing, we have found some epoxies that pass the test of a bond between wood and steel, and some that fail.
Here, at a Wood Works! BC conference in December, 2010, the steel rod broke (at 12) before the epoxy or the wood did.
Our testing apparatus.
Recently, we’ve been testing and using an epoxy fastening system from Japan that bonds wood, steel, and stone together. The other benefit of this system is its epoxy delivery method: it allows us to place all structural members and inject the epoxy afterwards. It injects from the middle of the rod, flows out from the end, and fills out from all the injection holes so we know the entire space is filled with epoxy, ensuring that the connection is properly done.
Above, square hole in the very bottom of the post, with the injection gun in place. The nose is within the wood, not visible.
Once the epoxy is applied, the only visible sign is a small square hole in the post bottom. We can leave as is or we can plug it with wood.
The Japanese diagram below explains how the epoxy is filled inside the timber by using red colored epoxy and two different types of rod. The rod comes in various lengths, and application is not limited just to a post connection.
If you’re interested in wood, there are some upcoming Wood Works! BC luncheon conferences in November and December.
Building wisdom 15 Oct 2011
October 25, 2011 – 4:37 pm
亀の甲より年の功
Romaji—
Kamenokō yori toshinokō
Literally—
From the wisdom of an old turtle.
Meaning—
Years know more than books.
—Japanese proverb
Bending timbers
October 25, 2011 – 4:25 pm
from Daizen News, 15 October 2011
Some clients desire the look of bent timber. To achieve this, we decide first whether the timber is structural or not.
The strength of structural timber depends at a very basic level on the fibre connections in the wood itself. If the fibres are severed by a cut-out curve, the wood can no longer act as a structural member.
Our approach to a structural curve is to start with solid timber sliced into the optimal thickness. The exact thickness depends on the radius of the curve. We then bend the timber (using a vise like the one below) and achieve the desired final thickness by laminating the slices.
For curves, we use Free of Heart Center (FOHC) timbers. The laminations are very hard to spot, since we slice from the same grain. We test this by asking our colleagues to find the individual slices in the final laminated wood. Over 95% of the people we show our solid bent lamination to think it is a natural bend. This bent timber retains the integrity of the wood’s fiber connection. Further, since the wood is sliced longitudinally, it is in fact more stable than solid timber, which can twist and warp. Note the twist in the straight timber below, where the curved timber has no twist.
Remembering this distinction in approach should help in design. If timber is non-structural, a cutout from wide timber should be free of heart center for best appearance. If the timber is to be structural, it will likely require slicing, bending, and relaminating.
Multi-purpose windows
October 21, 2011 – 4:47 pm
from Daizen News, 15 Oct 2011
The jobs of a window are to (1) bring light in, (2) expose a view, or (3) exchange air. A classic picture window accomplishes the first two, usually becoming a focal point in a room as well; all other opening windows (such as hinged casement, horizontal sliding, or double-hung sash) exchange air. They may also bring light in or allow a view, but windows that open rarely accomplish all three goals equally well.
Certainly a uniquely-shaped window can be best at adding light and showing off a view. Integrating an opening mechanism is a challenge for an odd-shaped window, such as the circle in this example. My first thought was to place an electric fan in window frame that works both ways (air in and air out), but the air pressure differential is sufficient on its own to exchange the air.
I prefer a low-tech, non-mechanized solution where possible, so I simply placed ventilation holes in the window frame to fulfill the important third function of exchanging air.
House inspection and repair
October 10, 2011 – 4:22 pm
We got call from lady who own 30 years old famous design Cedar home. She said house is shifting so I went down to inspected. There are few design failure, roof beam were exposed but not serious damage from weather are affected yet. Main issue was that Purlin (roof beam) were spliced in middle that has no compression beam to prevent beam to push towards in middle, also beam were sitting on post with few nails only. Timber were used in green boxed heart so it twisted as much as the beam wanted. Steel plate were added sometime later after its build that is bended. At same time tension rod was place in between the roof beam but it was wrong, it needed compression beam or rod.
We will be placing middle compression beam and push back a roof a bid.
This example shows how important to get the structure engineer and understand how wood react down the road.
Whistler round to square house update
October 10, 2011 – 4:13 pm
While we were at BC wood AGM, BC wood made tour and two out of four were the frame we provided. Round natural log and square timber are for sure good combination for any resort set up and makes one of kind building. This project is build by Craig Ross who is contractor in Whistler, great job in design modification and finishes, we provided timber structure and stairs. Kalwall by the stair tower is insulated and bring very warm light in to the building.
Kinnear Woodland Hills, entrance mill work
October 10, 2011 – 3:58 pm
Here is good example of how 3D computer rendering help for client to see final result and make decisions in color, size and all aspect. Designed by Willms Design Service.
We modified the design a bid and worked out very well.
Chase Joyce Dunn Theater, dome cover added
October 10, 2011 – 3:47 pm
There are many request from musician that they wanted to cover the ring to protect from rain for performance. This was against my design point of view but I also understood their reason so we made dome that will make minimum sound reflect and installed. Main focus for manufacturing was how to be water proof, we made groove in any fitting can be water leak concern and placed Hanno tape, then placed 5 layer of RV repair paint on top that match the color of roof single.
BC Wood GBM Whistler
October 10, 2011 – 3:39 pm
BC Wood GBM in Sep 8th to 10th were successfully done. My presentation to Architect was focused on why and how timber twist, and how we can control. Also Gluelam to kiln dry timber comparison in size and length were made clear what is optimal size to use in design with timber for public building design.
Bonsai event
October 10, 2011 – 3:28 pm
As a part of fund raising for Japan Tsunami Relief, we joined this Bonsai event held in Japanese Bonsai Garden Surrey. Event was very successful, lots of Bonsai lovers got together and great demonstration and Taiko drum performance were truly touched performance. We prepared 6 benches and 8 blocks to donate and all sold in this event. We have three gate left to sale to raise funds, gate are dispalyed at Japanese Bonsai Garden, 16164 24th Avenue Surrey, BC.
Thanks for all volunteers.
Building wisdom 1 Oct 2011
October 2, 2011 – 6:03 am
Buildings, too, are children of Earth and Sun.
—Frank Lloyd Wright
Project profile: lighthouse cabin
October 2, 2011 – 5:58 am
from Daizen News, 1 Oct 2011
This three-story timber framed getaway, inspired by traditional Japanese carpentry, was designed by Karl Willms (willmsdesign.com), a strategic partner to Daizen.
Inward-leaning corner posts make a very strong structure, especially for a tall building.
In the Japanese model for this building—like a bell housing atop a temple—the four lengthwise planes of the corner posts are not square timbers, but instead intersect in a diamond shape. The diamond angles are carefully calculated so that once the timber ends are leveled horizontally, those ends are square. The horizontal plane is then entirely plumb and square for best connection to intersecting joinery and finish material.
There were no public roads to the site: all materials were transported by boat and raised by human power!
None of the raising team complained about the hard work of a hand raising. We all enjoyed the experience, in part because we could see the results of our work right away.
None of the raising team complained about the hard work of a hand raising. We all enjoyed the experience, in part because we could see the results of our work right away.
Timber and steel–a robust marriage
October 2, 2011 – 5:49 am
from Daizen News 1 Oct 2011
In look, feel, and function, steel and timber
blend very well. Steel is, after all, derived from naturally-occurring
materials. And its strength is a welcome assist to challenging loads. In the
image below, a steel tension rod adds support to a hammer-beam truss.
Where the tension occurs in a joint, steel is
often used to meet the structural load demand. Steel placed to help bear loads
also presents an opportunity to include some unique detail, if desired.
Several tools and materials further support the melding of steel and timber.
CNC technology provides laser cut capabilities to shape the steel plate, with
precise, free-curve cuts that enhance design potential. And giving the
steel a black powder coat results in superior contrast and “finish” to the
ruddy tones of wooden posts and beams.
Incorporating structural steel is not for the faint-hearted, though. Of key importance is the actual steel to wood connection, especially when using a steel tension rod.
It’s not possible to align steel plate holes to the timber holes unless there are tolerances. If the holes don’t line up, the thread on the ready rod may scratch at the edge of the steel hole.
To avoid this, we do a dry fit of the timber to the plate before drilling the holes on the steel plate. This is easily done with a magnet drill.
Since the timber is the more active material (shrinking, etc.), it’s best to get the timber frame fabricator to control these steel plate connections. If you separate these components, the chance of a resulting tolerance issue is very high.
Building wisdom 15 Sep 2011
September 15, 2011 – 10:02 am
from Daizen News, 15 Sep 2011
継 続 は 力 な り
Keizoku wa chikara nari.
Literally: Continuance is power.
Meaning: Just staying the course will generate vigor. Continuing on after a setback is its own kind of strength. Perseverance is power.
“Help Japan” Bonsai event
September 15, 2011 – 9:58 am
from Daizen News, 15 Sep 2011
We continue to seek out opportunities to bring aid to the people of Japan. Six months after the Fukushima disasters, children are afraid of even puddles of water. Amidst the confusion, efforts persist to move vulnerable communities to higher ground and rebuild the fishing industry.
Help us help them, at a spectacular event in Surrey, Saturday, October 1. It’s a bonsai sale, but it’s also a silent auction, multi-performance, bonsai workshop, ikebana workshop, tea service, and opportunity to see other Japan rescue items like the Daizen Joinery torii gates.
The day’s events include the opening ceremony, a Japanese Lion Dance by Rakuichi, Bonsai workshop, Taiko and Koto drum performances by Sansho-Daiko and Kozue Matsumoto, and sign language performance by Tzu-Chi of Canada. Raffles and silent auctions add to the fun, and our fund-raising gates will be there in the flesh (in the fibre?).
Japan Bonsai Garden is hosting the event; co-sponsors so far include Daizen Joinery, Vancouver Rakuichi, Raku Tei Juku, and San Sho. For more information, see www.japanbonsai.com.
Come to Japan Bonsai Garden Art, 16164 24th Ave. in Surrey, on October 1. Drink in the art of Japan and help the Japanese people recover.
Notes from the Global Buyers Mission
September 15, 2011 – 9:53 am
On September 8, Dai talked to architects and engineers at BC Wood’s Global Buyers Mission on wood distortion. He explained the process of how and why timbers twist as well as how to manage and even prevent that twist.
He covered the mechanics of twist (in beam, below) and shear (in pegs, below). Finally, Dai compared the price of kiln-dried timber to that of gluelam, to inform choices for optimal size and length in timber frame design. Of course, he showed plenty of example projects.
The talk went well; by their comments afterwards, the audience seemed to enjoy this vital information.
Why build a hybrid?
September 15, 2011 – 9:45 am
5 reasons to think outside the box
from Daizen News, 15 Sep 2011
First, what is a hybrid? In my world, it’s a building with a mixed structure: some heavy structural timber (say, 20-ft.-long posts and beams that are 6 x 8 in. thick) in it, but it’s not all heavy timber. The rest of the structure is built conventionally—called stud framing, stick framing, or light construction—with 2 x 4-in. lumber.
A hybrid is a challenge for the designer. To build a balanced, cost-effective hybrid, the integration of the two systems is very critical. Technically, a hybrid contains structural timber (perhaps starting with some first-floor ceiling beams that hold up the second floor and expanding ideas for heavy timber from this point); timber accents (like beams that don’t support any weight) are not structural and usually don’t constitute a hybrid.
Now, why build one? Here are 5 reasons:
5. A great use of our precious big-timber resource is to include some big timber in common rooms such as the kitchen or living room, and then use light framing in the rest of the house.
4. Since big timber is, well, big, buildings of all heavy timber, especially residences, may be short on space in small areas like bathrooms or closets. Space may also be tight in small houses. In this case, heavy timber just in common areas makes the best use of space.
3. In renovations (where we are adapting, adding on, and adding ornament to an existing house), a bit of heavy timber—for outside, porch, or entryway accents, or for a big addition wing—can add the wood lover’s touch to a house without rebuilding the whole thing.
2. In hybrid commercial buildings, a good strategy is to use timber in both structure and accents to draw people in—entryway, roof, knee braces, railings, atrium.
1. And the biggest reason: hybrid houses cost less. If budget is a concern for you, consider a hybrid house.
To see more about these hybrids, download our color portfolio. And visit the Daizen website for more information.
Building wisdom 1 Sep 2011
September 12, 2011 – 4:57 pm
“Every house is a quotation out of all forests, and mines, and stone quarries.”
—Ralph Waldo Emerson
From newsletter, 1 Sep 2011
Dai talks about heavy timber
September 12, 2011 – 4:57 pm
Global Buyers Mission is a 3-day, invitation-only event in Whistler to connect qualified international buyers with Canadian wood product manufacturers.
Dai Ona will speak at it September 8, on the use of heavy timber in public buildings. With structures such as the Joyce Dunn Theatre, Monashee and Sun Peaks ski lodges, Sanbiki Japanese Kitchen, Notch Hill pavilion, Outlook Clubhouse, Playtime Abbotsford, and Best Western Revelstoke, he is something of an expert.
Dai will explore possibilities from the architecture and engineering perspectives. He’ll share sample timber specs, why specifying the proper timber grade is vital, and how best to approach a timber frame design for maximum efficiency.
From the Daizen Newsletter, 1 Sep 2011
Curved wood, walking men, kitchens
September 12, 2011 – 4:56 pm
Daizen’s new portfolio
After much focused inspiration, Daizen announces the birth of its new portfolio, both online and in print. Seventy-six pages (full of enticing illustrations and stories) cover most of Daizen’s projects. Here’s a glimpse.
A unique innovation: custom designed iron fasteners. We fitted structural iron plates onto the timbers with exquisite care and precision.
This detail shows three-piece fasteners secured with metal wedges, as for a wedged wooden mortise and tenon. These iron fasteners represent the client’s two ranch brands. This one is the walking man.
Here you see inlays of the dry fit for the walking man plate. For the finish, the final plates were heated and powder coated.
A series of knee braces are bound in the ranch’s second brand—a cat’s eye—worked in iron.
Download the color portfolio. And visit the Daizen website for more information.
From the Daizen Newsletter, 1 Sep 2011
Timber cubic pod
July 8, 2011 – 12:44 pm
12×12 cubic pod I started about one year ago is now completed and my kids are moved in.
Ideas in behind this is that I can complete all interior feature include electric wiring and move and attach to the new house I will be building. Three pod in raw now but I am not sure how I can pass the building inspection. Not enough thinking.
Build high ceiling and place kind of loft will gain good amount of floor space. For kids, this would be bed. I also placed large storage compartment which is connected from both bed space that is using as play space. Lego’s and puzzles are all spread out but out of my sight so they can do whatever they want to do without me telling them to clean up.
Large sized windows were bay out and use the space as nook, electric floor heating in place with cork floor on top. Folding sliding door really opens up space so tightly 12×12 pod does not feel so closed up.
Drift wood deck
July 6, 2011 – 11:15 am
Willms family and me were at Valdes island last long weekend. This time, Kyle and I build intermediate deck between water edge to cabin. Idea is using available material which is drift wood.
Main member of this structure is post and double tie beam and floor joist beam on top. First, we went out and hunt some materials. Find that the size and shape are desirable. Drift wood is heavy because it wet and rocks are sloped and slippery so it is a bid hard work to gather all materials to the spot.
Drilling to rock was very easy. We cut up re-bar and epoxied into rock and wood. Structure are in rotation mode from the bottom of the post, post is in compression and fitting it in perpendicularity is the key so no shear strength applied to the pin. Beam connection to the rock is where the most force is getting and it is tension force. So made the pin location as far as it could from the end of the beam.
No tape measure or scribe, all cut by feeling and leveled by eye. Front face floor joist beam were placed with curved beam which makes three post angle in round shape as well. Find the most flat face and place up, other beams were straight but place the but and top of the logs to make the face of three logs to be as even as possible. Front beam had a few high spot, middle beam were slightly higher than front and back so used straight board to guide all the way to shave the middle beam to achieve the flat. It worked out well.
We did not had enough decking materials so it is just placed on top so we could sit down and had beer!
Decorative rafter end
June 29, 2011 – 11:31 am
Exposed heavy timber rafters add great value to the look of the house. These rafter has slot on top that slide up to extended truss rafter end. Screw and glue to secure from the top.Perfect solution for rafter end.
Gable end truss
June 29, 2011 – 11:24 am
This is truss is used as non structure truss at gable end. It is totally capable to carry load. Steel in middle looks like structural component but it isn’t, it is design feature.
Play structure
June 29, 2011 – 11:17 am
We build play structure with WRC(Western Red Cedar) Structure were connected with monkey bar that is leaned to be stabilized. One long beam on top is notched in main structure and fastened with through bolt. This beam hangs tire swing one side and regular swing on other side. With adult hanging and play hard, structure can shake but with kids, this structure is stable as self standing, no anchor. Monkey bar were custom made, powered coated yellow, lots of accessory from Home Depot, all corner of timber were chamfered round, every hardware give consideration not to heart kids. After structure assembled, got kids decided where to place every single piece of accessory as I installed.
v
Modern Horse Barn
June 29, 2011 – 10:47 am
When some one build barn, there are few reason why they like to build with timber frame. Basically, building does not require for insulation but open space, it has to build with post and beam style not stick frame. Usually it is high pitch roof with gable vent to release the moisture. In this design by Karl Willms, it has raised portion of frame that has window vent to release the moisture, keeping roof shape flat to match the main house which is under the construction at same time.
New quote system in place
June 22, 2011 – 1:46 pm
It has been more than two years that I doubt the quote system we are using. All relate to volume of timber we use, this is very much industry standard. Yes, we had several pricing level to apply volume which evens out the variable over the year but some pays more and some pays less. Now, we have taking consideration of, rounded volume, final volume, total pieces and surface area and divided into ratio to apply much more accurate calculation to estimate the time it require for us to complete project. With clear direction and lean manufacturing method, now our price is most competitive ever, I hope we can brake into wider market which we never been able to provide our product in a past. For those we have provide quote in a past, if your project is still idling, please contact me again for me to re-quote the project for you.
Great volunteers
April 11, 2011 – 9:06 pm
Saturday 9th, I got to shop around 8:00 am, Kiyo Hagiwara and Eijiro Hara has been preparing this gate production on their own time for while and they were there already started preparing great day of volunteer. Hiroomi Yamaguchi showed up short while, giving hand to unload drink, T-shirts and clean up a bid of mess where bunch of foot prints would going to be made. About 6 sets of gates were already processed with machine, ready for guys to finish up and assembled. Yuki Ogita showed up around 9:00 I started warm up the machine. the day started.
Eijiro and Omi started to map out each gate to four saw horses and Yuki started to chisel the corner of through mortise. Mike Neufeld from Calgary show up around 9:30, found the job himself and jumped on to work until all the gates assembled and took out for group picture. Tamotsu Hongu is gardener in Coquitlam and he shows up with his friend Simon Teixeira, Dominic Steverlynck, Kensuke Yamamoto, Koichi Hirokawa and Hayato Ogawa, Simon and Dominic grabbed palm sander and they committed to sand all the parts of gates the crew would chop and fine-tuned to be ready assembled. Fight with fine dust, vibrations on hand all day, they did not complain single moment of this undesirable work.
Tamotsu took the work of chamfering the edge of pieces, all day, working on edge, height was not set for his comfort but he did not bother wasting time to set his environment work for him, instead, he just kept working, end of the day at the BBQ, he said to me ” It was very fun!” I know his back is soar.
Rick Hay show up also around same time, he knows how to run our shop also planer, he came to switch position from Kiyo, took over material preparation that feeds our monster CNC machine to fabricate the rest of gates, until our materials runs out.
Toshi Oiwa, KAN Terao, Kohei Kimura and Shuji Yamada stop at Nicola Log Works to pick up additional materials and arrive to my shop 10:30, shortly after Takayuki Nishio joined. Now, all members are arrived and line of skilled builder and gardener were into the work and gave the best of the best to this event. KAN and Shuji took the job to assemble the love and wish gate. they have completed assemble total 5 of those together. Tow mall guys worked quickly and achieved huge in a day. Toshi looked around and figure out what the spot he could fit to made the production go smooth and assembled two Torri gate later the date.
Lunch arrived at 1:00pm, Takiko Hara and Chie Ogita, both has baby less than one year old, Kids were on their back swing around, two of them had to prepare the lunch for 18 gangly man, it must been tough. We had no brake till late no chair to offer for crew but great curry lunch full filled our stomach, finally we made a little time to introduce us each other during lunch time.
After lunch, all of us got together and we pray for people Japan in silent and got back to work.
Gate designer Karl Willms showed up to join and talked to each guys. First gate buyer Evelyn Delaney also shows up with treat, Alfred and Kathy from World of wood also stopped to support us.
Production went much faster and productive than I expected, total of 11 gates were assembled and completed and we run out of materials to continue for Sunday.
Sign into logo flag and took the entire gate out for group picture. I really felt each one in this picture are real great parson who does get up and do the things.
I have no doubt about what we are doing is great things and this gates we are making are so valuable piece of evident that all great thought, work and split are implemented.
Thanks to all volunteers, you guys are really great, I hope we get together again and give it another shot.
All pictures of this date are shared in https://picasaweb.google.com/daimikimizukitaro/JapanTsunamiReliefVolunteerProduction#
Japan Tsunami Relief campaign kick off
April 5, 2011 – 5:24 pm
Two weeks after we started to prepare this campaign, we have kicked off the campaign today. Web site for this campaign is http://www.japantsunamirelief.ca/
Japan Tsunami Relief
March 31, 2011 – 10:17 am
After this sad disaster happen, I got many calls from my friend all worried for our family. All the people I know in Japan is safe but that does not mean good.
It took me about one week to get up do something, now we have many people got together launching the campaign. I made up the campaign so create funds by not asking just donation. Instead, we came up with the product that is great to have in someones house at same time create the significant fund.
Launching effort is all 100% donation, Karl Willms came up with gate design, very quickly and great design as usual, John Boys jumped in cut up timbers with no time, Kevin Mattson entered all gate in CAD model also added one more gate design, now we have first set of gate is assembled and the rest will follow right after today. While this activity is going, Alfred and Kathy from World of Wood are cutting up and donating the timbers for another bunch of sets of gate, 5 cubic of logs were donated and deliver to Alfred by Robin Hood at Likely community forest. Behind this, Neil at Pulse group came up with logo, Susan Witter is doing text for the web site and Jordan Klassen is preparing the web site to launch, Jim Funk is going to prepare the sign.
Next weekend, April 9th and 10th, many Japanese builder and gardener will be joining from lower mainland as well as local, start to produce the gate, hopefully, we can complete 30 sets of stairs. The volunteer builders are Toshi Oiwa and Kan from Big Rock Log homes, Tom Tongu at Toko Garden design, Kiyo Hagiwara and Eijiro Hara from Daizen, Yuki Ogata, probably much more will come after they here about this activity.
Our first public campaign will be at Kamloops Home Show in April 15-17. We still have some details to set such as price to sell, how to deliver, how to set up, administration and so on but train has been left now it is just matter of steering it right.
Thank you very very much for all contributors, big hugs on behalf of all Japanese people. Web site should be ready soon with all related information for this campaign at www.myhelpjapan.com Up till then, please contact Dai at dai@daizen.com for any further information.
Gate design by Karl Willms
Gate rendering
First gate assembled (Kevin Mattson design)
Logo by Pulse group
Cherry creek timber frame is up
February 26, 2011 – 3:29 pm
While I was gone to Japan and Africa, our crew Kiyo, Eiji and Chris has completed fabrication as well as set up. Thanks for all my crews, great job.
This is Willms Design as well.
Connection test at engineer work shop organize by Canadian Wood Council and Wood Works BC.
February 26, 2011 – 3:17 pm
Dec 2010, Daizen Joinery and Nicola Log Works demonstrated the connection test at engineer work shop.
We tested about 10 different connections, mortise and tenon, SFS WT screw, epoxy anchor, T-bolt, Sherpa, GRK screws and so on.
Mortise and tenon, it failed at beam side, it sheared off. Peg holes were 2 inch from the face, this was a bid surprise for me, I assumed it will brake the tip of tenon. Need to test more.
SFS WT screw were definitely functioning well, money saving screws. Method of test was, we braked half lap first, this braked at 4,000 lbs. Then we placed two SFS WT screw at the shear location and tested again. Test was stopped at 10,000 lbs, it did not failed, instead other side of connection failed. One screw, least add 3,000 lbs strength in connection.
Epoxy anchor, concrete epoxy fail too quick, but cold cure epoxy were so strong, it brake the weld that holding the wide web and test stopped at 12,000 lbs.
I have uploaded Sherpa test video on youtube http://www.youtube.com/user/Daizenjoinery?feature=mhsn#p/a/u/0/9oHgx5a2vBU.
Tons of information from this test but not enough time to organized to share, please contact me at dai@daizen.com for any further test result.
http://www.youtube.com/user/Daizenjoinery#p/a/u/2/9oHgx5a2vBU
