The House of Commons of the United Kingdom was destroyed by fire from enemy bombs on May 10th and 11th of 1941. More than two years later, England's Prime Minister —Winston Leonard Spencer-Churchill announced to Parliament that a committee would be appointed to rebuild the House of Commons.

In agreement with (America's Architect) Thomas Jefferson, who resolutely advocated the craft of architecture as a powerful tool to teach, enlighten, and elicit social change, Churchill said:

"We shape our buildings and afterward our buildings shape us."

It is critical to British Parliamentary for the House of Commons, he said, to be rebuilt with the exact same aspects and design pattern the previous building had before it was bombed.

Updating with air conditioning, microphones and speakers was welcomed but the Prime Minister strongly believed the features of the original building had literally shaped their British character.

For example, the role of the oblong layout of the room encouraged debate. It impelled members to declare themselves on one side or the other. In contrast, a semicircular design would give members the option to move around in shades of grey or "according to weather changes." But with the older fashioned oblong design, a member had to seriously weight out their allegiance before they publicly crossed the floor to the other side; which Churchill himself had done twice in that position.

Contrary to what some considered a backward perspective, there were many who saw the preceding House of Commons as having been too small and not conducive to collaborative exchange. Therefore, they pressed for rebuilding something grander, on much larger scale, with a modern semicircular form as progressive world assembly halls had.

Churchill was adamant that the chamber should not be enlarged to accommodate everyone, rather it should be inconvenient, tight quartered, small enough to remind us of our common humanity. The majority of their debates centered on less weightier matters, and a smaller chamber would encourage a conversational atmosphere. And when things of greater importance were brought to bear, bringing people in closer proximity impressed upon them the respect and magnitude of the principal object to be considered.

“...the House of Commons is much more than a machine. It has earned and captured and held through long generations the imagination and respect of the British nation... The house of Commons has lifted our affairs above the mechanical sphere into the human sphere."- Winston Churchill

In other words, Churchill was not just campaigning for a structural design —he wanted the intimacy to look into the eyes of the soul, to draw forth from the essentials of humanity, and in doing so, become less apt to be self-interested. Instead of being lost in a sea of faces, every individual would fully view each others passions, sweat, logic, and rationals. In closing, he added the old sentiment, “be it ever so humble, there’s no place like home.”

At Western we have an appreciation for the capacity we have for transformation. It is helpful to know how you intend to use your expanded living area but it can also be a people-fit flexible space.

Imagine you are in an open space, cooled by wooden timbers, interspersed with natural sunlight. Now, envision yourself in an enclosed room with the glare of fluorescent bulbs. Naturally, the first picture is calculated to produce more happiness.

Again: lighting, ventilation, the materials and geometric arrangement and use of space is an art that expresses and stimulates interest, faith, feelings, memories, thoughts, and creativity. Timber frame architecture transcends time and is some of the most impressive works of art there are.

Enjoy 50 timber frame structures: arbors, bridges, pavilions, pergolas, gazebos, and trellis kits — some with a few thoughts from our ShadeScape® families, and other shade shelters wherein a picture says it all.

“We could go interview all of our neighbors they could tell you that the Harbertsons were out here all summer long using this pavilion. I mean, we already used our backyard a lot. But this just doubled our usage. And it is great, you want kids here. You want to use your stuff. So it really helped extend the use of our backyard, and make it more functional. Even during the day, I could come sit out here by the pool and watch the kids swim and not be baked by the sun.” – Megan Harbertson – UT

"In times past when it started raining everyone went home. Megan said this year when it rained everyone just gathered under the Cabana and continued their party, “It was great fun. Everyone really enjoys themselves here.”

“The teenagers used it all summer. They used it more that we did. They loved it, and it is funny how people congregate under here while they are swimming. But then they are still gathering mostly over here, this became a favorite hangout spot." – Megan Harbertson – UT

"Another thing we were able to do with Western Timber is they put electrical in. And you can decide where you want it and how much you want. You can have all sorts of options. We have light switches, and electricity, and charging stations. So that don’t have to go inside if we have to charge our phone or can plug in lights. And so we could have you know they can program it or wire it so that you can put a fan in if you want a fan out here as well. So the options are endless with electrical stuff." – Megan Harbertson – UT

Whether it is an Arbor, Arch, Chuppah, Mandap, Pavilion or Pergola, for a wedding there is a seemingly endless array of designs to make it your own and let your personality shine. A timber frame ShadeScape® shelter also provides a secure base to decorate. It can be garnished with flowers, fabric, and tulle to match your wedding colors. What a privilege to create architectural shade shelters for some of the most important events in the lives of family.

This cross-gabled pavilion kit is one of five ShadeScape® timber kits built into a landscape of love for autistic children. A labor of love, designed by Henry Barlow of Rocky Mountain Concrete this backyard was a professionally planned for a healing, healthy, therapeutic environment. Here, the quality of life for families are empowered by helping parents to know they are not alone.

Parents who devote love and energy raising a child with special needs will run most of their life like a race, with no breaks. Stretched beyond expected limits they daily manage things like tantrums without having a meltdown themselves. Having a child with extra needs deals them situations that regular parents would think were impossible. Sometimes they make decisions with no right answer that pains their hearts and causes them to question everything they thought they knew.

I have never known any parents of special needs children who see themselves as the heroes they are, but they will champion their child as one. Every milestone, no matter how seemingly small to some, is a huge accomplishment, a smile, a sentence, a hug. They experience an innate depth of gratitude and awe in everyday miracles.

Having a special needs brother and now a grandmother of two special needs children this lovely space is perfect for children offering extracurricular activities, therapeutic benefits, support and time off for parents.

Concrete Post ShadeScape® Garden Arbor Swing Kit

Cradles, rockers, and swings — we have loved them since we were a child and we never grow out of love for swings.

Adding an aesthetically pleasing swing to a backyard is more than ornamental; it has sensory therapeutic benefits turning a garden into a more healing landscape.

The right swing can provide years of relaxation with the warmth and beauty of wood bringing a calming outlook. Best of all, these sturdy timber frame arbor and trellis kits can hold are built to last!

The customary usage of garden trellises is for vertical gardening. With some creative imagination, plan your garden to sculpt in some beautiful geometric patterns. Also, design your trellises with your plants in mind. For shade or sun-loving plants, it provides as much shade or sunlight you want and is all in the design and location.

For added height keep everything vertical. Even though there is no fixed ceiling, view the outdoor space as an indoor room. Keep in mind, higher ceilings cause a room to feel spacious and widespread while lower ceilings will either feel cozy or closed in.

Whenever something is taller than it is wide it will create an illusion of height. The greater the difference is between length versus width, the more outstanding the effect is. It is also dependent upon the flow and size of the area. Smaller spaces will produce a stronger monumental bearing. Choose low-profile furniture, with shorter backs to advance the impression of additional height.

Thankfully, a ShadeScape® timber deck with metal railing gives the “muscles” and “power” this deck so needed.

The old deck had vinyl railing that would move if you leaned on it. Vinyl is soft and pliable anyway, but it also weakens, breaking down in the sun over time.

The deck posts before and after installing a ShadeScape® deck with pergola covering.

Triple Post DIY ShadeScape® Outdoor Kitchen Pavilion Kit

For those of us who constantly feel the need to change the living room furniture around, desiring constant environment makeovers, an outdoor structure such as a timber frame pergola, pavilion, arbor, gazebo or swing can be an exciting foundation for celebrating life and splashing new rainbows of color and textures of change very easily. The timber frame is great for attaching decorations for special occasions, events, and holidays.

If you delight in antiques, a timber frame outdoor trellis makes an excellent backdrop. Instill a nostalgic reminiscence feel by placing some signature pieces around with some splash of wildflowers. Bring on the pleasant scents of flowers and herbs and surround yourself in an aromatic retreat. Draw in some geometric patterns and stimulating textures. Put up curtains, hang wind chimes, potted plants with dynamic shapes. Have it designed, built, and decorated to please your personality and interests.

The human spirit has always enjoyed the unique, the surprising, something new to delight and awaken the mind. Technology of the twenty-first century has paved the way for free-spirited architects to expand beyond the rules of the vernacular architecture allowing for design styles, which stand alone.

Your judgment in style and taste, and how you want to use your backyard, is what matters most in preparing to design a functional landscape. Exploring the richness of creativity and artistic imagination shared by others, literally available at your fingertips. It is easier to find inspiration, and can help you to feel more empowered in creating your unique outdoor environment.