Have you ever wondered what it takes to build a log cabin or a log house? A log builder from the south of France, Neologis, teaches us how to handcraft a beautiful log cabin from the ground up. You’ll also hear people in France refer to log cabins as a Fuste, which is a French term that means “log home” and has a long history. Over 3000 years ago, people went into the woods to collect trees and haul them to building sites to construct their homes and barns; some of those structures are still standing today, demonstrating the strength of log homes. Neologis log homes and cabins are no exception, and this is due to the fact that they incorporate traditional construction techniques into their work and use the best wood available. They say that the wood they use reflects their beliefs, which are in tune with the natural world. Each piece of wood, each tree, is distinct and individual, just as each project is. As a result, each beautiful log home is built with high-quality wood and materials. Nicolas visits the forests where the trees are picked by hand, selecting each tree one by one. This meticulous procedure ensures that each of the trees is the perfect fit for the company’s current project.
They have strict requirements for selecting logs and trees for each project, including straightness, insect and weather exposure, and age. As a result of their meetings with various suppliers over the years, they have been able to identify the best high-quality timber from responsibly managed forests. The age of a tree is specifically important, so they mainly choose trees that are 50 to 70 years but often up to 100 years for some large Larches or Spruce trees. These older trees have a higher concentration of chemicals that function as insecticides and fungicides, which helps them withstand rot, mould, and insects while also increasing their stability. To retain the consistency and natural longevity of the wood, cuts are made very specifically, typically in the winter and on certain lunar phases. The Larch tree is the most long-lasting and resistant of all softwoods, with a beautiful red color and intricate veining that gives each home a distinct look. Douglas Fir is often used in the construction of their log homes and cabins, and it is one of the most commonly used types of wood for construction in general. However, depending on the height, soil, and age of the trees, the quality of the trees can vary greatly.
Nicolas discovered a hidden treasure in the form of a vast spruce forest that is over a century old and provides the majority of the materials for their homes. These forests have stringent cutting plans in place to ensure that the forest’s resources are used responsibly. They also use Cedarwood, which is one of the most sought-after woods due to its toughness and natural fungicide and insecticide properties. And, of course, it has a wonderful scent. Cedarwood is used sparingly in their Russian banias and Finnish saunas. It was also used in post-and-beam building and in the construction of smaller buildings. The log builders will begin the project once the logs and design for the log home or cabin have been selected. You can see how each log is expertly formed and shaped to match the one beneath it and the one above it, and how they form perfect corners and doorways. The log homes from Neologis are some of the most beautiful natural log homes on the market, and they can serve as a source of inspiration for those looking to build their own
