Michael J. Cummings
PO Box 641
  East Middlebury, VT  05740
   Workshop in Ripton, Vermont
Phone  802.388.0118

E-mail:  Workshop @ HouseintheWoodsVermont .com

I specialize in the Design, Joinery and Raising of one of a kind Post and Beam
Homes, Barns and Additions.

Consider the sketches on this page to be food for thought.  All the work I do is custom and  with timber framing most any kind of structure can be built.   The following are design studies done for various clients over the years.  The intent being to show some of the possibilities and to stimulate a little discussion to develop the perfect plan for you.  Click on any of the sketches or pictures to see a larger version.

Let me know your thoughts.

 Henry’s Cabin -  12’ by 16’ Guest house, writers retreat, studio, office or garden shed.
Many options and variations available for this compact structure - timbers could be rough sawn or planed and oiled; braces could be curved or straight. Building could be finished as a basic barn or with Victorian gingerbread trim.  A great structure to unleash a little creativity on.

Allison’s House - 18’ by 28’, 1000 square feet. Very efficient living in an elegant house. A full basement would add another 500 square feet of space to stash the mechanical systems and have space for workshop, storage  or home gym.

Stowe House - 24’ by 36’, A very interesting concept, this is a mid-size timber frame house with a budget price tag.  Sketched as a hybrid - the house has a full timber frame interior with a conventionally framed roof to cut costs and improve energy efficiency

Bethel Great Room - 24’ by 32’, Another interesting concept, Sketched as an archetypal New England barn, this great room is intended to fit in perfectly with the old farmhouse it would be next to. Think big house, little house, back house, barn.  This would also make a dramatic space to live in all on it’s own.

Circle House - About 30’ in diameter. Pushing the limits of modern timber framing. Intended as the community portion of the house with kitchen, living area,  central fireplace and loft. Two or three satellite cubist style bedroom structures are envisioned to orbit around it.  Modern design - yes.  Doable as a timber frame - absolutely.

Dave’s Barn - 30’ x 40’ agricultural barn just like they built back in the day.  Funny how many people I encounter who think timber framing is a lost art.  Need a place for your tractors, highland cattle and workshop - not to mention plenty of room for hay ?  This is your barn.