The Legacy Of Our Canadian Timber Frame Company
A Canadian Timber Frame Company With European Roots
A Canadian Timber Frame Company With European Roots
We founded European Timberframe Corp. on two fundamental cornerstones; utilizing centuries old techniques from European timber framing and sourcing the finest timber on earth, BC’s douglas fir. Since 2008 we have delivered dozens of stunning timber frame homes, entrance ways, outdoor kitchens, gazebos, and so much more.
Every creation is a one-of-a-kind work of functional art, hand made by our team of framers who are some of the finest in North America. Every inch of timber is curated meticulously and assembled with the highest quality Mafell tools and douglas fir wood. We guarantee that our work will be enjoyed by homeowners, but also many generations to come.
— Classical European Tradition Brought to Okanagan
Our Team
Our team is made up of some of the most seasoned timber frame specialists in North America, who are trained extensively in centuries-old techniques of European timber framing. Our team of skilled carpenters are fully equipped to take your home design, building, and install every custom beam and post, ensuring quality assurance every step of the way.
Each member brings a unique set of skills to the table, however as a collective, we all share the same love of timber. The same people who design, cut, and prepare your frame are the ones installing it in the field. This intimate knowledge of your frame leads to a fast and efficient install, ensuring the underlying quality of each piece shines through. It’s also a demonstration of the responsibility we take, providing the same level of care and attention to detail to each custom piece as if it was our own personal project.
Our Founder
Our founder, Daniel Kilchenmann, leads the ETC team with his passion for high quality design rooted in his Swiss heritage, where he trained as an architectural draftsman for several years. For Daniel, seeing structures finally come to life from concept designs ignited his passion for quality craftsmanship. Daniel pursued his timberframe apprenticeship while studying wood construction engineering and working on both on a number of both modern and traditional timberframe projects.
Daniel’s passion for adventure landed him in the Okanagan, where he discovered by complete coincidence that he’d chosen to take root in the place where finest timber in the world is found. Daniel built a home and founded European Timberframe Corp. and ever since, he and his team have been curating, designing, and building some of the most beautiful high quality timber frame homes across BC and North America.
If you are ready to bring some of the finest timber and craftsmanship into your home, contact Daniel and his team today to have them help you bring your vision to life.
Carpenter / Owner
From conceptual design to managing orders of materials from multiple mills to importing products from Europe to scheduling deliveries and on-site measurements, coordination is a key part of our business. Daniel is the owner of European Timberframe Corporation. Established back in 2008, he brings his experience from apprenticeships in both architectural drafting and timber framing in Switzerland. His management of projects and people is what keeps us all going, and his eye for aesthetics and detail is what defines our product.
Master Carpenter / Project Manager
Jakob Frei is one of the original founders of European Timberframe Corp. in 2008. After his timber frame training and becoming a timber frame master, he was running his own company in Germany before he and his family decided to move to Canada.
His skill on the tools, in the shop and on set up is unmatched. With over 25 years of experience there is nothing that could throw him off, there is no challenge too big. The more challenging or complicated the pieces to be cut, the bigger the grin on his face.
His incredible sense of humor and his words of wisdom will make every day a better day, his jokes and his laughter are one of a kind and addictive. Jakob is a true family man. Spending time with his wife and the 3 kids means everything to him.
Carpenter / Shop Manager
With decades of experience, there is no challenge too much for our shop manager and timber-framer extraordinaire Benno. From custom glued arches to round-log work, to bundling and packaging the biggest loads our trailer can hold, Benno has a solution for everything and works tirelessly to ensure all aspects of shop and site work run smoothly.
His skill in keeping our shop and inventory organized as well as thinking 10 steps ahead comes from his meticulous nature and his vast experience gained working on projects in Switzerland, Japan, America, and of course our own backyard in BC
Carpenter / Lead Designer
This man's expertise in timber design, modeling and drafting is a driving force behind many of our projects. Markus hails from Bavaria and his breadth of experience covers everything from log building, to glulam production and detailing, to working on restorations in his apprenticeship back in Europe. He manages our projects in the South Okanagan in amongst a busy schedule of offroading, skiing and mountain biking.
Painter / Baker
Finishing is arguably the most crucial detail in our work. The joinery may be tight, the cuts perfect, but the stain is the final step in highlighting our work, the wood's natural beauty and matching the timbers to other finishes. Colleen Beckley is a former client and now our faithful stainer who's attention to detail we couldn't do without! (Not to mention her baking...) We stain all projects in-house and ensure each piece is evenly coated and protected from the elements.
Delivery Boy
Originally from Austria, he is a retired heavy-duty mechanic and our delivery man. There is no delivery too big or too far for him. His positive outlook on life and his relaxed mentality is inspiring. There is not a day where you couldn’t hear him whistling or signing, with a big smile on his face. We are not too sure if it is because he is only working part time or if it is all the sweets Colleen is backing for him 😊
Carpenter / Apprentice
Johnni is our newest team member and the perfect fit for our experienced team. Growing up in a “timber frame” family, Johnni started helping his dad building frames when he was only 10 years old. He started his timber frame apprenticeship a few years before his family decided to make the move from Germany to Canada. We are excited to have him with us and see him grow. He will keep learning from some of the most talented and experienced timber framers around.
