Author Archives: Tim Hewitt-Coleman
Structural Engineer
The proper design of any building is a dance between a the Architect and Structural Engineer. Fundamental to the success of this dance is a mutual respect between these two players. Both must know what the others strength is and where they must be clear where they are to lead.
What technology goes into building a TimberTiny home?
The short answer to this question is ” We use no new or clever tech at all!” We are proud of this fact. We wear it like a badge. While our units are comfortable and beautiful, they rely on nothing new, nothing clever and nothing novel. I know this could sound boring to some people,Continue reading “What technology goes into building a TimberTiny home?”
Design and Build – It just makes sense!
I have been designing buildings for some time now. (by far the most of that time at noh ARCHITECTS) I love it. Its stimulating and productive at the same time. I mean how lucky am I to have something physical show after (a good part of a lifetime) of work? So many of my (oftenContinue reading “Design and Build – It just makes sense!”
Schooling without schools and other lessons from 2020
(This piece first appeared in The Herald on 3 March 2021 – the reason I have posted it here is because much of the discussion about is very relevant to the Tiny House movement right now. The Tiny House movement in South Africa is frustrated by Zoning, Regulation and By-Laws that significantly limit individuals abilityContinue reading “Schooling without schools and other lessons from 2020”
Exploring the Relationship Between Land Use Right Restrictions and Wealth Inequality
We are constantly challenged in South Africa (and all over the world) by Municipalities, Governments, Homeowners Associations and all manner of other agencies, who see it as their mission and purpose to prevent ordinary people like you and me from building what we would like to build for ourselves with our own precious time andContinue reading “Exploring the Relationship Between Land Use Right Restrictions and Wealth Inequality”
Feeling my way into 2021 and the exciting future beyond!
Good Morning my dear friends and colleagues. It is a cool Saturday morning. I write to you in the stillness before the house awakes, when only my loyal and ever-present Great Danes Tank and Nakia are by my side on my study floor. I am writing to wish you all well for 2021 and toContinue reading “Feeling my way into 2021 and the exciting future beyond!”
Off the Grid – small steps
(I know that many of you consider buying a TimberTiny home as a step toward an off grid lifestyle. So I thought maybe I would share with you some of my own ramblings bout my attempts at off-grid living at my little farm called Pebblespring. I wrote this piece for my Blog sometime in 2014Continue reading “Off the Grid – small steps”
Architects, Green buildings and Climate Change
(Building a timber home not only traps carbon that trees extracted from the Atmosphere, storing it as solid timber for a very long time, but it also avoids the use of cement, steel and bricks, which hold a huge amount of embodied energy. In other words a hell of a lot of heat was usedContinue reading “Architects, Green buildings and Climate Change”
Littlewoods Forest House – 2007
(I have been interested in building and designing timber homes for a very long time. You see I just love everything about about trees. I love planting trees, I love walking among them, I like building things with the timber they give us, I love cooking on the logs that we harvest from them. ButContinue reading “Littlewoods Forest House – 2007”
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