Burr Arch Covered Bridge: Preparing the Panel Posts

Our first order of timbers arrived on 2-20-07 and we wasted no time on laying out and prepping them.  The green white oak soon spoke as we worked at moving these giant timbers around.  I had seen a log roller at a local antique mall and purchased it for ten dollars.  It soon paid us back exponentially since we could hardly budge the timbers with manpower alone.  Our timber orders came in a way that was difficult to complete any one area of the bridge since the logs were so large our sawyer was having a difficult time locating some of the longer logs.

Mortised Timber

The first panel post is ready to install.

Spectacular Home Design: Sitting Down with Shawn Fisher

As you may have noticed on the website, we have some very nice renderings. A local architect/artist, Shawn Fisher, does a fantastic job of bringing two-dimensional plans to life with his creative flare. Recently, I sat down with Shawn to discuss his work on The Farm at Tralee, and I have excerpted parts of our conversation.

What inspiration did you draw upon for your designs?

When Paul and I first discussed his vision of The Farm at Tralee, he was pretty clear in what he wanted, a community, neighborhood feeling with an abundance of outdoor living spaces and a very equestrian-friendly atmosphere. Touring the grounds, however, brought Paul’s passion to life. The incredible views that are exclusive to East Tennessee, along with the wonderful rolling hills and gorgeous natural elements, were the best inspirations I could have had.

Have you found that your designs are different now than when you first engaged the project?

We discussed having the farmhouse look for Tralee, but the typical white clapboard siding simply would not do for such a pastoral setting. I began to envision stone and heavy timbers, natural elements that would complement the mountain views, not detract. I wanted to create new home designs that looked like they were built generations ago - and that would provide comfort, warmth and satisfaction for generations to come. Each rendering and floor plan is a lasting design that looks like it was designed especially for The Farm at Tralee - because each one was!

The barn that you have designed is very impressive, did you find it to be a design challenge?

The barn was a challenge, because we wanted it to be functional without compromising beauty. The barn houses a wealth of amenities, but it is still a beautiful structure as well. The Farm at Tralee may have begun as one man’s vision, but it’s easy to see how quickly that vision can spread!

Shawn is an extremely talented designer and a pleasure to interview.  He has finished the renderings for the cottage that is scheduled to begin construction this month.  I will be posting renderings of the cottage soon, so check back.