Uncategorized Archives - Hugh Lofting Timber Framing Inc.

Employment Opportunity – Skilled Craftsman

June 24, 2015

Hugh Lofting Timber Framing, Inc. (HLTF) is searching for a skilled timber framer with the proven ability to produce quality work and deliver exceptional customer service to join our team in Kennett Square, PA. A minimum of 2 years experience is preferred, but we will train the right individual accordingly. Applicant must be willing to learn and implement green building techniques and proper procedure, in addition to possessing a high level of professionalism and integrity. Daily tasks include fabrication of timber frames, on site raising of timber frames, installation of structural insulated panels, general cleaning and upkeep of tools, shop, and job sites as well as various other construction tasks.

Requirements

Minimum 2 years in a related field (or comparable apprenticeship/education), preference given to those with 5+ years experience in a related field
Valid driver’s license required
Must be able to read, maintain basic records, and complete accurate/detailed time-cards
Knowledge of general construction and OSHA guidelines. Competency with basic power tools and construction equipment, including lifts
Ability to read blueprints, sketches, and building plans
Ability to work both collaboratively with our team and independently with minimal supervision
Ability to work/coordinate with other trades
Strong customer service skills, including verbal and written communication
Ability to lift 50+ pounds, stand for the duration of a shift, ability to work outside in all four seasons
Some travel (including overnight) is required

After successful completion of a 90 day probationary period, potential employee will be eligible for a generous benefit package including vacation, paid holidays, employer subsidized health/vision/dental insurance, retirement savings plan, and life insurance.

HLTF is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

HLTF has been designing and crafting timber frame structures in the mid-Atlantic region since 1974. We have been dedicated to the design and construction of energy-efficient and high-performance structures for over 40 years. As a proud certified B Corporation, we are committed to meeting the standards of social and environmental performance, accountability, and transparency through our sustainable building and business practices. We are a certified FSC^® Chain of Custody company and employ both a LEED Green Associate and a Certified Passive House Consultant.

Please contact our office for additional information.

An Interview With Our Founder, Hugh J. Lofting

April 9, 2014

If you take a drive through Chester County horse country with Hugh J. Lofting, you’ll likely hear more about the King Ranch, township road maintenance, and American McMansions than you will about timber framing. With self-deprecating humor and an easy laugh, Hugh is quick to point out some of the less-than-smart anecdotes of his youth (don’t take a sailboat dinghy down a hurricane-swollen river). He weaves a story of family history in Montana and Pennsylvania and the evolution of his life and work, as intricate as the timber-frame structures for which his company is known – and as richly detailed.
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Celebrate Spring!

April 3, 2014

Even though today started out a little cloudy, it has turned out to be quite a beautiful day and I have found myself day dreaming about being outside in the tree house we built.

HLTF built this tree house several years ago in the beautiful country side of West Marlborough Township, PA. Nestled among the trees, this getaway is great for kids and adults alike!

Enjoy this beautiful day and find a way to make it outside!

Think Spring!

March 19, 2014

We are all eagerly awaiting spring to come tomorrow and there isn’t a better way to celebrate its arrival with a new timber frame outdoor element!

HLTF Awarded Best of Houzz 2014!

March 19, 2014

Hugh Lofting Timber Framing has been awarded Best of Houzz 2014 in the Design and Customer Satisfaction categories as our portfolio includes some of the most popular images on Houzz in 2013! We would like to congratulate our fellow winners!

[houzz=http://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/22977403/thumbs/Houzz–Best-of-Remodeling-2014—Philadelphia–Outdoor- w=300]

HLTF Gains Passive House Certification

January 6, 2014

Hugh Lofting Timber Framing Gains Passive House Certification

Company recognized by Passive House Institute US as one of only seven Certified PHIUS Builders in Pennsylvania; passive house project underway in West Chester, Pa.

Hugh Lofting Timber Framing, Inc. has been recognized by the Passive House Institute US as a PHIUS Certified Builder, and has a passive house under construction in West Chester, Pa.

The PHIUS designation means the company understands passive house principles, has mastered craftsmanship techniques specific to passive houses, and can meet challenges specific to the North American climate.

A passive house achieves overall energy savings of 60-70 percent through super-insulation and airtight building envelopes, highly efficient HVAC systems or energy recovery ventilation, high-performance windows, and moisture control.

Passive construction does not employ active technologies such as photovoltaics, and can thereby be less expensive when the principles are used alone. According to the U.S. Department of Energy’s Challenge Home program, passive and active design principles used together can be the best direction toward Net Zero houses.

“Hugh Lofting Timber Framing has long been committed to energy and design efficiency,” said founder Hugh Lofting. “The firm has embraced the use of FSC^®certified timbers, reclaimed and salvaged woods, and environmentally aware finishes. Attaining PHIUS certification demonstrates to our clients and colleagues that we remain focused on long-lasting, energy-efficient homes and buildings.”

A passive house is heated primarily by passive solar gain and by internal gains from people and electrical equipment. Energy loss is minimized through super-insulation and an airtight building envelope. Shading and window orientation help to avoid heat gain, which limits cooling loads. Superior air quality and comfort are accomplished with a heat/energy recovery ventilator.

PHIUS Certified Builders have passed a four-day training program and a written exam. There are 45 PHIUS Certified Builders in the U.S. Hugh Lofting Timber Framing, Inc. is one of seven in Pennsylvania.

Hugh Lofting Timber Framing presently has a passive house in construction in West Chester, Pa. To find out more on this project, visit the owner’s blog The Winding Path to a Simple Home. The 2,000-square-foot residence includes high-performance Intus windows and a super-insulated structure. Completion is planned for early 2014. The house will stand as a local example of passive house techniques blended with timber frame craftsmanship.

About Passive House Institute US

Passive House Institute US is a registered 501(c)3. The organization’s goal is to build a network of other organizations and individuals to share expertise, resources, and effort toward goals of energy conservation, sustainability, smart growth, systems thinking in design, and a higher quality of life for all. For more information visit http://www.passivehouse.us.

HLTF Earns Forest Stewardship Council® Chain of Custody Certification

November 12, 2013

FSC^® Chain of Custody Certification indicates compliance with high social and environmental standards.

Hugh Lofting Timber Framing, Inc. earned Forest Stewardship Council Chain of Custody certification, indicating products used in its FSC^® timber framing projects come from responsibly managed forests.

FSC certification indicates compliance with some of the highest social and environmental standards worldwide. Certified participants promote world forest management in an environmentally appropriate, socially beneficial, and economically viable manner.

FSC Chain of Custody Certification applies to manufacturers, processors, and traders of FSC certified forest products. Hugh Lofting Timber Framing, as an FSC Certified Chain of Custody company, joins over 3,400 others in the U.S. who have made this commitment to sustainable wood and paper products.

“The certification shows to our clients and the community that we prioritize forest stewardship and environmental responsibility,” said founder Hugh Lofting. “We remain focused on crafting long-lasting, energy-efficient homes and buildings.”

Certification creates an incentive for forest owners and managers to follow best social and environmental practices. Growing demand for FSC certification indicates that consumers prefer products from well-managed forests. Global benefits of FSC’s certifications and programs including protecting biodiversity, indigenous peoples’ rights, workers’ rights, and areas of environmental and cultural importance.

Hugh Lofting Timber Framing underwent a rigorous audit by BM TRADA Certification, Inc. and was found to meet the requirements of standards FSC-STD-50-001 (Version 1.2) EN and FSC-STD-40-004 (Version 2.1) EN for FSC Chain of Custody Certification.

Hugh Lofting Timber Framing is certified in the purchase of FSC certified heavy timber, glue-laminated lumber, and decking for the manufacture and sale of FSC Certified heavy timber, engineered lumber, trusses, decking, structural frames, and roof systems. The certification is valid through 2018.

About The Forest Stewardship Council

The Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) is an independent non-governmental organization that promotes environmentally sound, socially beneficial, and economically prosperous management of the world’s forests. FSC sets standards by which forests are certified, offering credible verification to people who are buying wood and wood products. For more information visit www.fsc.org.

ChesLen Preserve’s Lenfest Center

October 21, 2013

Hugh Lofting Timber Framing presents the timber framing of the Lenfest Center at the ChesLen Preserve.

Our in-house designers worked closely with the architects at Archer & Buchanan incorporating and designing the timber frame portions of this beautiful building.