Custom Timber Frame & Post and Beam Builders
Handcrafted timber frame homes and post and beam construction in Pagosa Springs, Durango, and across Southwest Colorado. Traditional joinery, modern barn-style designs, and heavy-timber craftsmanship built to last centuries.
Authentic Timber Frame & Post and Beam Construction
There's a reason timber frame homes have stood for centuries across Europe and North America — the structural system is fundamentally stronger and more resilient than anything conventional framing can deliver. As timber frame home builders in Southwest Colorado, we bring that tradition to the mountains around Pagosa Springs and Durango with frames engineered for this terrain and this climate.
Our timber frames use traditional mortise-and-tenon joinery — interlocking wood joints secured with hardwood pegs rather than metal fasteners. Each timber is precision-cut in our shop using a combination of CNC machinery and hand tools, then test-fitted before shipping to your site. The result is a frame that assembles cleanly on raising day and delivers joints tight enough to last generations. For clients who prefer the look of heavy timbers with a more streamlined budget, our post and beam construction uses structural steel connections that reduce fabrication time while preserving the open-span, cathedral-ceiling spaces people love about this building method.
We source high-quality Douglas Fir for its structural strength and warm grain, Western Red Cedar for naturally rot-resistant applications, and White Oak for its density and rich character. For projects in Pagosa Springs and Durango where clients want a weathered, storied aesthetic, we also work with reclaimed timbers salvaged from barns and industrial buildings across the West.
Traditional Joinery
Mortise-and-tenon joints secured with hardwood pegs — the time-tested technique that gives timber frames their extraordinary lifespan and structural integrity without reliance on metal fasteners.
Premium Timber Species
Douglas Fir, Western Red Cedar, and White Oak selected for strength, beauty, and durability at altitude. Reclaimed timbers available for a rustic, one-of-a-kind character.
Open Floor Plans & Cathedral Ceilings
Structural timber frames eliminate the need for load-bearing interior walls, creating expansive great rooms with soaring ceilings and uninterrupted sightlines to the San Juan Mountains.
Precision Shop Fabrication
Every timber is cut, fitted, and test-assembled in our shop before delivery. This precision approach ensures seamless on-site raising and eliminates weather delays during the framing phase.
Exposed Wood & Steel Details
Blackened steel gusset plates, custom bracket work, and cable railings paired with hand-finished timbers — the material tension that defines the Modern Mountain aesthetic.
SIP Enclosure Systems
Structural Insulated Panels wrap the outside of the timber frame for R-40+ walls and R-60 roofs — keeping the entire frame exposed on the interior while delivering passive-house-level efficiency.
Terrain-Adapted Plans
Timber frame house plans customized for Southwest Colorado's slopes, elevations, and snow loads. Every design accounts for your specific lot in Pagosa Springs, Durango, or the surrounding foothills.
Handcrafted Trusses & Beams
King-post trusses, hammer beams, and scissor trusses that serve as both structural elements and the defining architectural feature of your home's interior.
Modern Barn Style & Rustic Contemporary Designs
The modern barn style house has become one of the most sought-after architectural forms in the Colorado mountains — and for good reason. It pairs the warmth of exposed heavy timbers with the clean lines and industrial accents of contemporary design. At Positive Design Build, we've refined this style into what we call the "Modern Mountain" aesthetic, and it's become a signature of our timber frame work in Pagosa Springs and Durango.
Our modern barn designs combine exposed Douglas Fir or reclaimed timber frames with blackened steel connectors, standing-seam metal roofing, and expansive glazing systems. The result is a home that feels rooted in the mountain landscape while delivering all the performance and livability of a modern residence. We integrate SIPs (Structural Insulated Panels) on the exterior of every timber frame, achieving wall insulation values of R-40 or higher — critical for energy efficiency at altitude and a natural complement to our luxury home construction approach.
Every timber frame plan we design is adapted to the specific topography of your lot. Southwest Colorado's terrain — from the mesas outside Durango to the ridgelines above Pagosa — demands foundation and framing systems that work with the grade, not against it. We customize floor plans for sloped lots, adjust roof pitches for local snow loads, and orient living spaces to capture views of the San Juan range while maximizing passive solar gain.
Ready to Build Your Timber Frame Home?
From initial timber frame house plans to raising day and final finish, we guide every phase of your build. Tell us about your project and lot in Pagosa Springs, Durango, or anywhere in Southwest Colorado.
Building a Timber Frame House in Southwest Colorado
Timber frame construction isn't just an aesthetic choice — it's a building system engineered for strength, longevity, and performance at altitude. Here's what sets it apart for mountain homes in our region.
Centuries of Proven Performance
Heavy timber structures have lasted 300 to 500 years across harsh climates. The massive cross-sections resist rot, insects, and the expansion-contraction cycles that degrade lighter framing at Colorado's elevations.
Superior Fire Resistance
Large timbers char on the surface rather than burning through, maintaining structural integrity far longer than conventional studs. A critical advantage in the Wildland-Urban Interface zones across Archuleta and La Plata counties.
Snow Load Strength
Timber frames are engineered to carry heavy loads by nature. Combined with proper roof pitch and truss design, they handle the 80–100+ lb/sq ft snow loads common at higher elevations around Pagosa Springs.
Energy Efficiency with SIPs
SIP-enclosed timber frames create one of the tightest, most energy-efficient building envelopes available — dramatically reducing heating costs through Durango and Pagosa Springs winters.
Faster On-Site Assembly
Pre-cut, shop-fitted frames ship to your lot and raise in days, not weeks. This compressed framing schedule means less weather exposure and fewer delays during Southwest Colorado's unpredictable mountain seasons.
Design Flexibility
No load-bearing interior walls means complete freedom to create open floor plans, vaulted great rooms, and dramatic loft spaces. Redesign the interior layout without touching the structure.
Considering terrain challenges? Learn how we approach mountain home construction on sloped and rugged lots, or explore our site planning and feasibility services to evaluate your property before design begins.
Timber Frame Homes We've Built
Browse completed timber frame and post and beam projects across Pagosa Springs, Durango, and Southwest Colorado. Each home features handcrafted joinery and materials selected for this climate.
Our Recent Work
Small Residential Home Before Major Renovations
Modern Interior Design with Custom Staircase
Small Residential Home Before Major Renovations
Modern Blue Exterior Home Renovation Project
Modern Rustic Kitchen with Custom Island
Modern Rustic Kitchen with Custom Island
Modern Bathroom Renovation with Subway Tile
Custom Curved Glass Block Shower Wall
Custom Dark Wood Walk-In Closet Design
What Timber Frame Homeowners Say
Hear from clients who chose Positive Design Build for their timber frame and post and beam homes in Pagosa Springs, Durango, and across Southwest Colorado.
What Our Customers Say
"Louis Garday, Sr Pagosa Springs, CO 81147 Re: Positive Design - Mark Positiviata December 23, 2025 What I immediately learned when we first started renovating my 4,000 sf log home was that above and beyond everything else, MARK IS A CRAFTSMAN AND PROFESSIONAL in the truest meaning of those words. His work for the planned 10 months was all completed in several diverse areas, on time, on budget, adding a professional flair whenever possible, such that I can easily claim that his skill and craftsman like work on every aspect of the engagement, including concrete and tile work, fine detailed carpentry, building a new 30’ by 20’ TREX deck, electrical work, safety grab bars and plumbing, repairs of metal roof, painting and drywall, landscaping, and a complete home Code evaluation and corrective action. His professional work easily yielded an increase of my home's value at double what I spent on the project. That ROI clearly will show up if/when I sell the house in 2026 or beyond. In a highly confident and in an unqualified manner I strongly recommend Positive Design and Mark to anyone needing all manner of home construction from a true professional and frankly a nice guy. Louis J Garday Sr. More Background information: Sometimes you get lucky. I was introduced to Mark at a dinner in late 2024 and the conversation turned to the details of the multi-faceted work I needed need to renovate and upgrade my 4,000 sf home on ten acres preparatory to selling it in the Spring of 2026 (my best estimate at the time for the optimum timing to sell based on the political/economic chaos brought on by Fed, the then current administration and pending tax law changes during the four years ending in January 2025). I have a lifetime and some 50 years' experience in the construction and real property development businesses, know the trades and have built or developed multiple commercial properties and was impressed with his knowledge during our dinner. The following Monday I received a call from Mark asking if he could walk my property with me and organize my thoughts on what I characterized as extensive work. What followed was a long and detailed survey he compiled of what was needed to remodel and reposition a 30-year-old valuable and custom log home and natural 10-acre landscape of some 200 Ponderosa Pine Trees, surrounded by the San Juan National Forest. Mark made extensive notes and revisited me a few days later, with a detailed proposal, cost estimates, a few new ideas to maximize what I had in place, a time and materials schedule, work timing and scheduling (what us old time real estate guys call a PERT Chart). This being a new relationship and having just met Mark, I agreed to bite off the first phase immediately and Mark began the (bring it up to Code phase) the following Monday in December 2024. Work began immediately and he moved his equipment into my carport and began working. I need not have worried about Mark and the process. He did a great job from Day through the completion. Louis J Garday Sr. Pagosa Springs, CO 81147"
Louis
2025-12-23
"Mark remolded our home when we bought it to perfection!!! He built a corner fireplace; a new kitchen with built in cabinet with glass doors and lights for displays. We have the most amazing master bath as he built a round shower stall, walkin with 5 shower heads, a seat and all done in glass bricks. The window is all glass bricks to let the light in with an open small window at the top to let steam out and fresh air in if wanted. A beautiful tile inlaid floor rhat is heated as wanted that he designed. Many people have come to look at it and he built several more!! He comes to fix anything or make something better when ever he is needed. He builds remarkable original things which he designs to fit the space and to last for ever! He is an artist and a very talented guy!!! I would not have anyone else do the kind of work Mark does!! Leslie Hawkinson"
Leslie
2025-12-12
"Mark of Positive Design Build did a total remodel on a rental property I own. The property was rented for over 13 yrs to the former tenant and it was sorely in need of repairs & overall updating. He did a fabulous job & it looked like a new home!! All new kitchen, new wiring, a lot of new plumbing, new bathroom tub surround, new vanity & lighting , all new paint, floors refinished & new door locks & some new doors for closets & exterior doors. I was very pleased with his hard work & the finished project."
Kelly
2025-12-16
"Mark did a great job!!! He brought creativity and imagination to a job , where I did not see the possibilities. His experience added great skill and forethought in to designing my mudroom and bathroom. I highly recommend Mark Posiviata for whatever you need to do...."
Bill
2025-12-28
"4.5 stars - Mark Posiviata at Positive Design Build LLC did a beautiful job designing and building my laundry/mudroom. The cabinets, bench, and countertop are absolutely stunning, and the craftsmanship is truly top-notch. The quality of work and attention to detail really show — the space is both functional and gorgeous. Design-wise, Mark was excellent to work with. He listened carefully, offered great ideas/suggestions, and delivered a final result that exceeded my expectations. I’m thrilled with how the room turned out and receive compliments on it all the time. The only area for slight improvement would be communication and coordination with contractors during the process, which could have been smoother at times. That said, the end result was well worth it. I would absolutely recommend Mark and Positive Design Build LLC for anyone looking for high-quality custom work and thoughtful design."
Jules
2025-12-05
Timber Frame Construction FAQ
Answers to the questions we hear most from homeowners considering timber frame and post and beam construction in Pagosa Springs, Durango, and Southwest Colorado.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost difference between timber frame vs post and beam?
Timber frame construction typically costs more than post and beam because it relies on traditional mortise-and-tenon joinery — every joint is hand-cut or precision-milled to interlock without mechanical fasteners. That level of craftsmanship takes more shop time and skilled labor. Post and beam construction uses steel brackets, through-bolts, and other mechanical connections that speed up fabrication and assembly, which can reduce costs by 15–25% on the structural frame. Both methods are premium construction compared to conventional stick framing, and both deliver the exposed heavy-timber aesthetic that draws people to this building style. We build both systems in Pagosa Springs and Durango and can walk you through which approach fits your budget and design goals.
Is a timber frame house durable in Colorado climates?
Timber frame homes are exceptionally durable in Colorado's high-altitude climate — many timber frame structures in Europe and New England have stood for 300 to 500 years. The massive cross-sections of structural timbers are naturally resilient to the expansion and contraction cycles that come with wide temperature swings at 7,000+ feet. Heavy timbers also perform well under the snow loads we see in Archuleta and La Plata counties because their structural capacity far exceeds what's needed for roof loading. When properly detailed with weather-resistant enclosure systems like SIPs, a timber frame house in Pagosa Springs or Durango will outlast any conventionally framed home built beside it.
How long does it take to build a timber frame house?
The timber frame itself is typically raised in three to five days — it's one of the most dramatic phases of any construction project, and clients often invite friends and family to watch the raising. The overall project timeline for building a timber frame house runs 12 to 18 months, similar to any custom home build in Southwest Colorado. What makes timber frame efficient is that the frame is precision-cut and pre-fitted in a shop while sitework and foundation are happening simultaneously. By the time the foundation is ready, the frame ships to your lot in Pagosa Springs or Durango and goes up fast, saving weeks of on-site framing time.
Can I use SIPs with a timber frame home?
Absolutely — Structural Insulated Panels are the most common and effective way to enclose a timber frame home. SIPs sandwich a rigid foam core between two structural sheathing panels, creating walls and roof sections with R-values far exceeding conventional insulation. The panels attach to the outside of the timber frame, which means the entire frame stays exposed on the interior — you see every beam, truss, and joint from inside the home. For our projects in Pagosa Springs and Durango, SIP enclosure is our standard recommendation because the combination of energy efficiency and visible craftsmanship is exactly what our clients are after.
What wood species are best for timber framing in Colorado?
Douglas Fir is our go-to species for structural timber framing in Southwest Colorado — it offers the best combination of strength, workability, and regional availability. For exterior applications or areas with moisture exposure, Western Red Cedar provides excellent natural rot and insect resistance without chemical treatment. We also source reclaimed timbers from old barns and industrial buildings for clients who want a weathered, rustic character with a story behind it. Each species has different grain patterns, color tones, and structural ratings, so we help clients select the right wood for both the engineering requirements and the aesthetic they're after.
Do you provide timber frame house plans?
Yes, we offer full custom design services for timber frame house plans tailored to Southwest Colorado terrain. Our designs focus on 'Modern Mountain' and barn-style aesthetics that suit the landscape around Pagosa Springs and Durango — exposed heavy timbers, soaring ceilings, and open floor plans that frame mountain views. We also modify existing timber frame plans to fit specific lots, adjusting foundation systems for slope, orienting living spaces for solar gain, and engineering roof structures for local snow loads. Every plan we produce accounts for the realities of building at altitude in Archuleta or La Plata County.
Are timber frame homes more fire-resistant?
Heavy timbers are significantly more fire-resistant than conventional stick framing. When exposed to fire, large timbers form a protective char layer on the outside that insulates the inner wood and slows combustion — the structure maintains its integrity far longer than 2x6 studs, which can burn through in minutes. This makes timber frame homes a smart choice in the Wildland-Urban Interface zones that cover much of Archuleta and La Plata counties. Combined with fire-rated roofing, ignition-resistant siding, and defensible space planning, a timber frame home can be designed to meet the strictest WUI fire codes while still delivering the warm, natural aesthetic our clients want.
Where can I see an example of your timber frame work?
Browse our online portfolio for photos of completed timber frame and post and beam projects in Pagosa Springs and Durango. We also arrange in-person tours of homes currently under construction so you can see our joinery, timber quality, and craftsmanship up close. References from previous timber frame clients are available on request — we encourage you to talk directly with homeowners who've been through the process with us. Contact our office at (303) 995-8833 to schedule a portfolio review or site visit.
Still have questions?
We're here to help you find the answers.
Let's Design Your Timber Frame Home
From custom timber frame house plans to species selection and SIP enclosure — we handle every detail. Tell us about your vision and your lot in Pagosa Springs, Durango, Bayfield, or anywhere in Southwest Colorado.
Timber Frame Building Across Southwest Colorado
We build custom timber frame and post and beam homes in Pagosa Springs, Durango, Bayfield, Arboles, and throughout Archuleta and La Plata counties. Contact us to discuss your timber frame project.
Visit Our Pagosa Springs Shop
Conveniently located for Pagosa Springs customers
Hours
Monday - Friday: 9am - 6pm
Saturday: 9am - 5pm
Sunday: Closed