Architecture That Lasts a Lifetime, Timber Frame Tudors Have Historic Allure Says Bernadette Schaeffler

I love that, even though Bernadette Schaeffler has lived in the U.S. for years, she’s still inspired by the architecture and design from her native Germany. The country is known for its architecture and art (and beer!), so when Bernadette professed her love for Germany’s timber frame buildings, we knew her feelings were sincere.

“While touring Germany hunting for beautiful and extraordinary pieces for my Collection I rediscovered our wonderful timber frame buildings,” Schaeffler said. “The structure is always the same the design is different from region to region.”

I’m fascinated by how these homes are built by stacking notched timber over and over again without nails, filling the walls with plaster. Such an interesting, durable way to construct a home. Many of the timber buildings in Germany have been standing for centuries, and will probably last for centuries more.

“Mainly medieval villages like Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Duderstedt, Schorndorf or Schwaebisch Gmuend and all the little well-known cities along the Rhine River still present themselves with this beauty,” Schaeffler said. “Today, Germany put a lot of effort to renovate the historic and beloved architecture and many tourists are visiting yearly to enjoy and study this wonderful craftsmanship.”

Of course, American architecture has been deeply inspired by this method of construction, and you can see homes throughout Dallas and beyond carrying hallmarks of timber frame building, such as the many Tudors in Lakewood and Hollywood Heights, as well as those in the Park Cities.

Find out more about what inspires Bernadette at the Bernadette Schaeffler Collection in the Design District.