Timber Frame in Detroit, MI

STEEP-PITCH KINGSTON PRO PAVILION

A steep roofline and substantial timber proportions give this custom 18′ x 28′ Kingston Pro Timber Frame Pavilion a commanding architectural presence. Designed for a project in Detroit, Michigan, the pavilion combines 10×10 Douglas fir posts, three exposed timber bents, extended gable beams, curved braces, and a dramatic 9/12 roof pitchwithin a traditional heavy timber structure.

Although the primary timber frame measures 18′ x 28′, the roof extends well beyond the posts. Generous 24-inch overhangs on all four sides increase the overall roof dimensions to approximately 22′ x 32′, providing additional weather protection while creating deeper eaves and a more substantial exterior profile.

The pavilion is anchored by six oversized 10×10 timber posts, each positioned to maintain approximately 9 feet of header clearance. The larger posts give the Kingston Pro a noticeably heavier appearance than versions constructed with 8×8 supports and provide an appropriately scaled foundation for the tall roof above.

Three exposed timber bents span the pavilion, each featuring substantial 8×10 top and bottom chords. Traditional 4×10 curved knee braces connect the vertical and horizontal members, adding both structural support and a softer architectural detail to the otherwise massive timber framework.

The gable ends received additional attention on this design. Extended beams with braces on both gables project beyond the main frame, visually carrying the timber architecture into the roof overhangs. Combined with the steep pitch, these extensions give the pavilion a distinctive profile when viewed from either end.

At 9/12, the roof rises considerably higher than many of the Kingston pavilions in our project gallery. The steeper pitch creates an impressive open volume beneath the ridge and draws attention to the exposed trusses and heavy timber components from inside the pavilion.

Heavy 8×10 or 8×12 rafter plates support the roof along the sides, while the ridge beam is sized between 8×12 and 8×16 according to the final structural requirements. Above the frame, 2× #1 SPF tongue-and-groove roof deckingforms a finished wood ceiling that remains completely visible from below.

For the primary framework, Atlantic Outdoors specified #1 & Better Douglas fir, surfaced smooth on all four sides and FOHC, or free of heart center. An Australian Timber Oil finish was selected for the exposed timbers rather than an opaque painted finish, allowing the grain and natural character of the Douglas fir to remain visible throughout the structure.

The finish selection was also made with longevity in mind. Under typical conditions, the selected timber oil can provide a substantially longer service interval than a painted finish, although actual performance will depend on exposure and climate. Black decorative post anchor brackets were chosen in place of the standard hammered-silver finish, adding a strong contrasting detail at the base of the natural wood posts.

Above the tongue-and-groove decking, the roofing package includes synthetic roof underlayment, 1½-inch Musket Brown drip edge, and GAF Timberline HD asphalt shingles, with the final shingle color selected as part of the project’s finishing process.

Structural documentation was another important component of this Detroit project. Drawings were submitted to the DMC Group for review and approval, with engineer-stamped drawings to be supplied by Atlantic Outdoors following owner approval.

The finished Kingston Pro combines the craftsmanship of traditional timber framing with a particularly bold set of proportions. From the 10×10 posts and extended gable beams to the 9/12 roof and 22′ x 32′ overall roof coverage, the design creates a substantial outdoor gathering space while keeping the exposed Douglas fir structure at the center of the architecture.