I really like the apparent potential for open spaces and light and the beauty of the wood and/or seeing the structure-- the posts and beams-- as exposed as possible-- at least from the inside...
That said, I was just wondering what would be cheaper to build; a timber frame construct with an external load bearing wall (or where the external wall is exactly in-between the posts), or one where the post and beams/lintels are inside the home and exposed that way, while the exterior wall is a simple non-load-bearing shell, a distance out from the beams.
that it was cheaper and/or easier to build external walls that were not load-bearing. (Presumably, the timber would benefit from not being exposed to the elements.)
Also, would stick frames be cheaper than post and beam frames? I prefer post and beam, based on what I've seen, and have always been a fan of renovated barns for homes. SIPS seem a little dubious to me from an aesthetic soulful standpoint too.
"Although there has been a move away from larger beams (or at least toward engineered wood) in order to reduce pressure to cut old growth forests, this conventional wisdom may be less relevant when applied to FSC certified beams. By buying larger beams, you're encouraging the woodlot owners to cut some trees on a longer rotation, promoting a forest that is more ecological robust."