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Arrow Timber Framing are self-proclaimed ‘enemies of ugly” and their portfolio of beautiful hybrid timber-framed buildings is a testament to that philosophy.
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Bert Sarkinnen has been building homes since he was 16, firstly alongside his Father who was also his teacher and mentor. Along the way, Bert fell in love with the craft and beauty of timber-framed buildings, so much so that he created Arrow Timber Framing to specialise in this type of construction.
In this conversation, we discuss the importance and value of a craft, how being encouraged to make mistakes helped Bert to learn, and the challenges of building a business.
Hybrid Timber Framing
I hadn’t heard the term ‘hybrid timber framing’ before connecting with Bert. His explanation of the term is that full timber construction is extremely rare and not very practical. Full timber construction is basically a log cabin. I’ve stayed in one of those. They look very romantic, but can be freezing cold because of all the air leaks between the round logs.
At the other end of the spectrum is modern construction using timber for the structure. In this scenario, the timber ends up being invisible. It’s covered on the inside with plasterboard and on the outside with cladding.
Hybrid timber framing buildings are somewhere in the middle. Some of the structural wood is left visible, but large parts of the wall are lined on the inside and clad on the outside. The result is something that’s practical and also beautiful.
For the Love of Wood
Bert has grown the niche of hybrid timber frame construction after falling in love with this type of construction, largely as a result of an early client request. The building form pays tribute to the beauty of wood. Working with the imperfections of large posts and beams requires respect for the material. Leaving the structure exposed demands care and attention to detail, even when working with large structural elements.
Bert’s impressive portfolio of hybrid timber framed projects clearly demonstrates his love and respect for the material.
This kind of care and respect is directly transferable to all types of construction where designers and builders have a genuine interest in the outcome.
Learning by Mistakes
Bert respectfully pays tribute to his father as a teacher and a mentor. His father allowed and even encouraged Bert to make mistakes along the way. Bert is wise as a result. He’s learnt his craft and also how to run a successful business.
Embracing mistakes has allowed Bert to keep trying new things. What he does, his whole business, is based on a niche. If he wasn’t a bit daring, he’d be producing vanilla buildings like any other regular building company.
The Business of Beauty – Focussing on Value
Bert’s business journey is relevant and transferable to any designer or builder looking to build a business based on their passion and on quality. He realised early on that competing on price, producing the same as everyone else, was a race to bottom. Bert went the other way, deciding to focus on quality, beauty and longevity.
Price is still a consideration, but Bert and his team ask their clients to focus on what they really want. Then they look at overall value. This is the best approach taken by architects and builders of high performance homes and Passive Houses. Focus on the purpose and the value.
Marketing through Inspiration and Education
Most architects, engineers or builders don’t see themselves as marketers or sales people. But we’re all marketing something. Some of us are just more strategic about it.
The Arrow Timber Framing website is full of inspiring photos. These are much more interesting and engaging than screeds of text.
Bert has also generated a lot of easily digestible information, especially on different types of trusses.
And then there’s the book. Writing a book is tried and tested way to become an authority on a subject. It’s a great way to help your prospective clients find you at the same time as getting your message out there.
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