About a year ago I read about a teahouse built of reclaimed material by the folks at Molecule Tiny Homes. The design inspired me. So, I set out to reproduce the design. This is not my first project using reclaimed wood, but it certainly is the largest. At the start my goal was to use only the highest quality reclaimed material and construction methods, but I soon added some local sustainably harvested material for the deck and sashes. I feel to a large degree this type of material fits within the ethos of the reclaimed wood philosophy.
When it came to hardware, I also looked at reclaimed items. I spent hours scouring Ebay, and local antique and reclaimed shops. I could never quite find what I needed. So, I contacted a local Artisan-Blacksmith and we designed the hardware and he produced it. So again, I think this fits well with not running down to the big box home center and buying some cheap reproduction, but rather supporting local craftsman.
The Dragonfly Teahouse was built to last for generations and constructed with a conservation ethic. Inspired by traditional post and beam framing, using mortise and tenon joinery, the Dragonfly Teahouse also draws slightly from the Japanese style creating a powerful combination of robust elegance.
Sourcing from southern Oregon and northern California, the Dragonfly Teahouse is built largely of reclaimed timbers from the demolition of the Klamath Falls and McCloud mills, and sustainably harvested local timber.
Both the Klamath Falls and McCloud mills were built nearly 100 years ago from large old growth trees. With tight dense grain, the deep rich color of these re-sawn Douglas Fir timbers reveal a quality of wood largely unavailable today. Many of the posts and beams reflect their rustic past with original peg and nail holes.
Only high quality materials were sourced. All wood was finished using the highest quality non-toxic product available from Heritage Natural Finishes. Hardware was handcrafted by the Siskiyou Forge and Wild West Hardware.
The Dragonfly Teahouse creates a uniquely beautiful space for contemplation or lively conversation among friends.
In a garden, by a pond, under a canopy of old-growth, or among a field of flowers, the Dragonfly Teahouse provides a unique experience for its guests. Whether at a wine tasting, sipping tea while reading your favorite novel, or doing your morning yoga while the sun rises over the Siskiyou Mountains, the Dragonfly Teahouse is the perfect space.
The Dragonfly Teahouse is for sale. Visit www.ShaneJ.com for more information and virtual tour.
Shane Jimerfield
ShaneJ Woodworks
Applegate Valley, Oregon
541-499-2064
Wow – beautiful.
it would also make a great hot tub cabana
love it
It’s beautiful. Can the windows be opened to get some airflow through it? I’d love to see it all set up for a Japanese tea service with mats and low tables.
But you can’t live in it. So what good is it?
can’t it just exist for it’s own sake? it could be a weekend camping area. or a meditation home for the soul.
Why not?
Camping is living, too.
What beautiful joinery and hardware. It would be wonderful to have a house built like this but it would cost too much if I had to pay for the work or take too long if I did it myself. Especially since I’d have to learn the techniques first.