Here we have a home with a log cabin attached to it’s end as an addition.
This home is dramatically improved by having part of the home being of log construction don’t you think?
But, there is something unique and unusual about this cabin. Can you see it?
I have seen many hundreds of people tour these home and not one has ever commented on its “uniqueness”. (much to my surprise)
What makes this cabin unique is that it is a three sided cabin.
No one has ever once upon touring the home has noticed that it was three sided! … why is that?… and, are their advantages to having a three sided cabin?
Quite often when an old log cabin is taken down to be later used again when building a new home we are faced with a shortage of logs. Without fail there are generally a few logs that are damaged due to rot or insect damage. Also, old log cabins tend to have low ceilings so building back a taller cabin is often desired, so once again, we need more logs (or a creative alternative).
Sometimes vintage logs can be found to make up for the shortage, sometimes not. One way to get around this issue is to build a three sided cabin and attach it to a larger structure (It doesn’t have to be much larger, just somewhat bigger).
There are financial savings in taking this path due to not having to find and buy more logs, and the cabin is often nicer due to a now abundant supply of logs, and there is also a huge savings in labor in that only two corners of the cabin now need to be notched. And, to top things off, this type of cabin is easier to attach to another structure.
The “missing wall” of a three sided cabin is easily replaced visually with some combination of a fireplace, a doorway or opening into the cabin, or perhaps a closet, built-in shelves or cabinetry, or the creative use of old paneling.
Three sided cabins are historical… there is nothing new about them… I’ve seen them many times, but yet for some reason I’ve never been able to convince anyone to buy one when set up like the ones seen in these photo below… but… I have found that every time I’ve ever built a house using this method that people love them, and never once has any one noticed “the missing wall” or failed to love the cabin.
Originally posted 2016-05-10 14:08:30.
loved it <3 you have a brilliant mind and skillful hands my fellow designer , I'm a big fan of your work and always admire all that you post and share , thank you Noah Bradly .
Thank you Alo! I appreciate that greatly!!!
Noah
Noah I think I’ve watch and enjoyed everyone of you videos on YouTube.And I’m interested in joining you academy.I just have a few questions.I would like to know if you academy address questions like is it better to dry your logs before or after you mill it? Can you cut the notches before its dried and cured?I haven’t decided if I’m going to harvest my on logs.If I was to go to a saw mill how will I know I’m getting the quality of wood that will last a 100+ years?I would hate yo build a home and it rots in twenty years.Does your videos address these questions?
Hi Rex,
There are pros and cons to drying, or not drying, one’s logs before milling… enough so that there is no correct answer. I typically mill my logs as soon as I can get around to having it done.
The same holds true with cutting the notches… and the same goes with my answer… when I’m ready to move forward I do.
That’s the way 99% of them have built over the centuries.
Any wood that is long enough, wide enough, straight enough, and relatively knot free should last for centuries… IF… the home is properly built. Hardwoods are less prone to insect damage.
The Log Cabin Academy course is amazing… not meaning to brag about it… but the practical knowledge within it is incredible.. I have a guarantee on it.. if you are not thoroughly impressed with what you find there I will give you a full refund. no questions asked!
Noah