Few sights are more iconically Canadian than a log and timber home nestled amongst Muskoka pines. These homes and cottages speak to tradition, echoing nature with their solid, enduring construction and ability to take whatever Mother Nature dishes out.
And that was the spirit in which True North Log & Timber Homes, based in Bracebridge, was founded in 1986 by father and son team, Ron and Rob Wrightman.
Rob’s sons, Kyle and Mark Wrightman joined the company in 2010 and 2012 respectively, and successfully acquired the business when Rob retired in 2020.
“My grandfather was truly a pioneer,” says Kyle. “When he created our log technology, it was unlike anything ever done before. He began by understanding the characteristics of how a traditional log home evolved over time – where the wood shrunk, where the joints opened and leaked air. More importantly, he wanted to understand why these changes occurred. This is where the True North philosophy was born: how do we develop technology that uses Mother Nature’s law – that wood loses moisture over time – to our advantage, instead of trying to fight it as the rest of the industry attempts. This is a testament to my grandfather’s innovative mind, which never stopped in the pursuit of providing the most maintenance-free log home in the world.”
“There’s very good reason why people dream of living in log homes,” says Mark. “They have visual appeal, they have a low carbon footprint, and thanks to solid construction techniques, they stand the test of time.”
Log and timber homes are known for being a healthy option, made from natural materials with no off-gassing. They keep cool inside during summer months and retain a cozy warmth in winter. If you’ve ever had the pleasure of sleeping in a log home you’ll also know they are incredibly quiet, thanks to those solid log walls.
True North takes the client dream and makes it a reality, using top tier construction methods and materials that eliminate the need for high-maintenance chinking and caulking. “We use our patented airtight technology,” explains Mark. “to prevent logs from lifting, bowing, or separating due to the natural shrinkage and settlement of the log walls.” These log homes are airtight, with a twenty-five-year guarantee that makes them leaders in the industry.
International appeal
The appeal of log homes isn’t limited to Muskoka, and True North Log & Timber Homes is proud to have clients around the world. “Our homes are found in Great Britain, Ireland, continental Europe, Mexico, Korea, Bahamas, Japan, and across Canada and the U.S.A., including Alaska,” shares Mark.
The homes are built using winter-cut, slow-growth northeastern white pine. This timber is FSC certified, and the most premium quality available. Northeastern white pine grows slowly in a severe climate, producing tight growth rings which result in excellent dimensional stability. It is also less likely to warp because it experiences less shrinkage due to low sap content.
Western red cedar is also available in a True North log home. In fact, a quick glance at the website indicates that many options are offered at every step of the process, from log and corner profiles to stains and surface treatments.
It all begins with your vision for your home or cottage. There are many design choices available in the company’s plan book. But whether you follow an established floorplan or start with a napkin sketch, the seasoned team can walk you through each decision along the way.
With the help of VR, clients can view their new home design in 3D and walk through each space to ensure they’re completely happy before moving into production. Once the logs are cut and shipped to the site, they are ready to be assembled into a home.
These log homes are shipped worldwide, but the client is hardly left on their own to puzzle it together. Site visits and consultations are a vital part of the process from start to finish. “Depending on location, there are different levels of service available, ranging from a technical assistance package to complete build management,” says Kyle.
High standards govern everything the company does. It’s a reputable, award-winning international company now, but it began as a small family business, and it retains that heart and passion.
TEXT MARNIE WOODROW
