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Cheryl Link - Architect.
Cheryl Link has devoted the majority of her time to developing one of North America's most distinctive timber frame construction styles. With a Master's degree in architecture, her formal credentials are solid. But even more impressive is the portfolio of homes and other structures she has designed across North America. Cheryl has been designing timber frame homes for more than a decade, acting as one of the true pioneers in the resurgence of popularity for the enduring style. She has built more than 40 homes for clients across Canada and the United States. During that time, she has worked with many of the "original" timber framers who have kept this homebuilding art alive. The following interview gives further insight into Cheryl's career and her deigns for Bear Paw Lodges. FVP: What attracted you to timber frame construction? CL: As a true 'Modernist' at heart I loved the honest expression of structure and the visceral beauty of wood. Timber frame houses are very soulful. Too often houses contain all the right ' stuff' yet starve the senses, do nothing to engage the spirit or ennoble living experience. When I began designing timber frame houses, there were virtually no architects involved in the industry. Most of the homes were designed by the builders themselves, adapted from stick frame plans. I wanted to bring some "architecture" and a new vocabulary to this old building type, rather than just substituting clever joinery and timber for stud framing. These homes have a permanence that few things in our society today does. A timber frame structure could stand for 500 years, without ever looking "dated" or losing its flexibility. FVP: What gave you the inspiration to become an architect? CL: I was while traveling through Japan after completing a Business degree and explored the ancient wooden temples of that country. It was here that I decided to return to school and become an architect. My design work is heavily influenced by ideas found in Japanese architecture - most importantly the relationship of interior space to nature, site influences, and the dynamics of asymmetry. Creating new elements to diffuse the barriers between the interior space and the natural environment remains a constant feature in my work. FVP: How did you become a timber frame designer? CL: I hold a Master's of Architecture degree, but it my education in timber framing has been largely practical. When I became interested in timber frame houses more than a decade ago, very few people were building them. A lot of my design skills, therefore, were self-taught with a lot of reading about the joinery, applying engineering skills from my education and working closely with a team of timber framers. My first structures were very small, but I've worked up to massive complex structures. Ten years ago the timber framing was virtually unknown so it was a very small group of us that essentially brought the old craft back by building projects and educating the public about this form of construction. Since then, we've watched the industry explode. FVP: As an architect, what are some of the things you love about Bear Paw Lodges? CL: Certainly one of the things I love is the fact that everything is such high quality. I know everyone says that, but you just don't find projects that use Loewen wood and clad windows, or full wood siding. Everything was done right the first time. As an architect, and as a craftsman, that's incredibly gratifying. From the start, there was a very high priority placed on architectural design. I call the building's design "modern mountain," but it is composed of very traditional materials and construction. I have always liked the juxtaposition of old and new, which I think these homes strike. I think there's a great balance between the warmth of traditional designs, and modern conveniences and building technology. Finally, I love some of the small design elements, like the doors, which a friend of mine painstakingly made by hand. They add to the ritual of entry that the exterior timber elements add. FVP: Please comment on the following specific detail: LANTERN WINDOWS CL: The lantern windows in this project were inspired by a Japanese paper lantern I own. They are large corner glass units which cantilever out from the edges of the corner of the building off the Great Room. When the lights are on inside at night, the building resembles a lantern gracing the corner of the building. The effect from the interior in the daytime is that it expands the space into the natural environment outside, so one literally has the feeling of being in that environment. It also serves to visually expand the space to make it feel much larger than it is. CEILING DETAILS & CATHEDRAL SPACE CL: The entire roof structure is timber framed, so all the timber trusses are visible from the interior of the main living spaces. The great room and the kitchen are on the top floor, so they have a very dramatic feeling of being framed with the timber trusses. TYPE OF WOOD CL: The timber frame will be cut from Douglas fir, which is excellent structurally and has a beautiful aesthetic character. TIMBER FRAME RAISING CL: The timber frame roof system is built off-site. We use a crane to install it, and the whole process only takes a week. It's a great thing to watch, and always a cause for celebration. The frame is always very beautiful just standing there noble against the sky as a skeleton because of its sculptural qualities and simple beauty. FVP: Who else have you built homes for? CL: On the mountain I built houses for the Fuhrman family and the Rytz family. Five years ago I built a boathouse for Scott and Rob Niedermayer and recently completed a house on Kootenay Lake for Scott and Lisa Niedermayer. (I even got to hold the coveted Stanley cup that Scott's team won!) I have also built for several business people and software giants over the years but I will refrain from naming names. Every project I build -- large or small -- is special to me. Nothing can equal the feeling of satisfaction you feel when a client calls to tell you how much they enjoy living in their home. |
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