Antique Purlins

The truss (also called trestle) is an architectural technique for roofing pitched buildings. It consists of a flat lattice truss placed vertically, the basic element for supporting pitched roofs, which in turn consist of rafters and mizzens. The truss structure allows forces to be discharged evenly and horizontal thrusts to be nullified, thanks to its triangular structure, in which the horizontal element (called the chain) supports the thrusts exerted by the vertical weight of the materials and transmitted to the oblique elements, called struts. The purlin rests directly on the strut, above which are placed additional perpendicular beams called rafters, which descend obliquely in a parallel course to the struts.

Above the rafters rest the mezzanines or battens that provide support for the roofing membrane. When one goes to work on a historic property, it is common to need to provide for the replacement of structural elements that have been worn away by time, weathering or moths. However, inserting newly manufactured lumber within an ancient context does not always return aesthetically pleasing results. Here is where the use of reclaimed antique wood allows for the creation of authentic structures rich in charm, in which the dialogue between eras flows continuously and uninterruptedly.