International Timber Frame -
Hamanasi Resort - Belize
Last year I had the opportunity to work on a timber frame project in Belize. It was for Hamanasi resort, and used one of the beautiful arched truss designs we have done in the past. The frame was cut by a local contractor using
Vermont Timber Works' design expertise. I also traveled down to consult with the resort director and the local timber framer during the planning and erection stages of the project. Details of the project can be viewed on VTW's
Hamanasi Timber Frame page.
The timber frame design uses a classic arched truss with a steel tie rod.
Local timber framers cut the trusses using Santa Maria timber that was sourced in the rain forests of Belize.
Moving the crane in along the beach.
The first truss is secured in place with come alongs.
A girder truss for the widows walk is flown in with the crane.
The final timber is lifted using a palm tree and a Santa Maria tree for tradition.
And end view of the frame.
The finished product is beautiful. It will be the roof of the new Hamanasi Resort Restaurant and will have an observation "widows walk" that has a view of the ocean and jungle for miles around.
Time to relax after months of preparation and a week of raising the timber frame.
