TIMBERFRAME, POST and BEAM HOMES

SCISSOR TRUSSES ARE AN OLD-FASHIONED, mostly forgotten way of spanning large spaces rediscovered by architect Sam Scofield of Stowe and framer Peter Kochalka of North Woods Joinery in Jeffersonville, Scofield says there are no engineering models for figuring the loads of timber-frame buildings, and many engineers won’t do it. Kochalka did a model and the engineer wanted to add a bolted steel rod in the ceiling, a feature roundly vetoed by architect, builders and clients. When Kochalka discovered he couldn’t pull the model apart the engineer relented, and the fir framing rises unblemished by steel. This page: The serene atmosphere of the master bedroom, with its light, airy walls and cozy fireplace. Inset: The view.