Log homes and cabins are our passion. This motivates us to break myths on a daily basis and answer various questions that often come up.
Here are some questions and answers that will certainly enlighten you.
1. I Love Tiny Houses, Can You Build Me One Out of Logs?
2. I’d Like a Log Home, but I Don’t Like the Big White Joints… Do You Build Modern Log Cabins?
3. Your Log Homes Are Beautiful, But Are They Efficient For Heating or Will it be Windy Inside in Winter?
4. Are Log Homes Environmentally Friendly?
5. Are There Really Trees That Big That Can Be Found Around Here Around Here?
1. I Love Tiny Houses, Can You Build Me One Out of Logs?
Like you, we love the concept of a tiny house that’s easy to move, affordable, and presents a fascinating architectural and design challenge.
Over the past few years, we’ve received a lot of inquiries on this subject. Unfortunately, the Tiny house market is currently difficult in Quebec. Did you know that the majority of municipalities have regulations governing the minimum surface area of dwellings?
In fact, even if we made every effort to produce minimum dimensions, the chances of obtaining a permit are pretty slim. Moreover, given the cost and volume of logs, it’s not profitable to build too small. The price per square foot is insane.
We’ve had the pleasure to build cottages as small as 25′ x 25′ on a few occasions in recent years. Our team has even had to add a few inches here and there to comply with municipal standards.
Contact Harkins to discuss the possibilities for a model of this size, and we’ll be happy to answer your questions.
2. I’d Like a Log Home, but I Don’t Like the Big White Joints… Do You Build Modern Log Cabins?
It’s a good thing this white mortar technique isn’t the one we use! In the Laurentians, where we have our worksite, beautiful old houses from the 1900s stand the test of time, but sometimes give logs and piece-sur-piece a slightly old-fashioned image. Our homes are both timeless and modern. Of course, you can choose your own interior design and give your chalet the look of your choice, but you’ll see when you look at our creations of log cabins and houses that they’re a neutral canvas, with light wood and clean lines. It’s when you plan the finish that you can give your home that modern, or classic, punch. For example, by installing a staircase with a central stringer, or a suspended staircase. You could replace the traditional stone fireplace with one featuring a mantle covered in St-Marc stone, or a three-sided or floating unit!
3. Your Log Homes Are Beautiful, But Are They Efficient For Heating or Will it be Windy Inside in Winter?
What a great question. We’ve already devoted a few blog lines to this subject, but we’re always happy to answer questions about the efficiency of our log cabins. The answer is that, when it comes to insulation, it’s hard to beat! In fact, our insulation systems between each log ensure that cold air doesn’t seep in. What’s more, wood stores heat in its mass and releases it when the temperature in the house drops. It’s the natural, environmentally-friendly insulation of choice! You can find more technical information on our website in the log home section.
4. Are Log Homes Environmentally Friendly?
Oh, it’s a pleasure to answer that question. By choosing a log home construction, you’re making a direct contribution to the fight against climate change. And that’s something we’re really proud of.
Basically, when trees are alive, they capture CO2 from nature, which is great. When trees are cut, this CO2 isn’t released into the atmosphere. No, it isn’t. It gets trapped in the logs we use.
It’s called atmospheric carbon sequestration. For us, it is therefore clear that a log or timber frame house rhymes with the environment!
How many building materials do you know that are good for the environment? What’s more, since wood is a natural insulator, our energy footprint is reduced, and the quantity of insulation materials required is minimal. And because we use Scandinavian post-and-beam construction, we eliminate the use of screws and nails for the log structure. Another big plus for the planet. Finally, by choosing us, you’re opting for wood produced within a radius of less than 200 km from our worksite. Another great way of playing our part in nature, which we cherish.
5. Are There Really Trees That Big That Can Be Found Around Here Around Here?
Last but not least. The one that comes up at every home show. Yes, our Quebec forests are full of big, healthy, majestic, and massive trees. Our suppliers are in the Laurentians and in Outaouais.
Our team chooses white pines from suppliers whose cutting and planning methods are respectful of the environment. We usually choose white pines between 12 and 20 inches in diameter.