Squared Bark Shingle Timeline
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The Squared Chestnut Bark Shingle 1895
The first time a squared bark shingle was used was in 1895 in Linville, NC. Henry Bacon, who is most renowned for designing the famous Lincoln Memorial, was the first architect to use a squared bark shingle. The shingle was made from the bark of the American Chestnut tree. It differed from earlier usages, in that the bottom edge was squared with a hand saw, giving it more refinement than earlier predecessors. The home pictured here, is one of his first projects using bark shingles.
Bark structures of this era were mainly for Summer Holiday. The walls were not insulated and air flowed from inside to outside spaces. Bark shingles could be applied without the strict kiln drying procedures of today because the bark could in essence, dry on the structure.
Another difference between past applications and today’s installation is there was often a full shingle lap (behind every shingle was another layer of bark). Therefore, when the shingles shrank and gaps emerged, there was a second layer of bark to maintain the integrity of the structure. Using a full shingle lap required more than double the amount of bark we use today.
Innovations in proper kiln drying and installation techniques, the cost of bark shingle production and today’s forestry conservation practices make a full shingle lap undesirable and unnecessary.
1986
Inspiration: Marty McCurry (first to manufacture the squared poplar bark shingle) was shown photos in which poplar bark shingles were used to patch an historic chestnut bark home. The bark in the image was applied “green” because a single piece curved and wrapped a corner. Afterwards, the shingles shrunk and fell off the structure because they were not dried properly, but this image confirmed McCurry’s mission to use natural elements in home construction.
1990
Research: McCurry attends UNCC School of Architecture. His admissions packet included writings, photos and sketches of elements from nature and their use in building applications. While there, he did textural studies on poplar bark and began his research on this material. Having attended NC State in Chemical Engineering and Forest Resources and having worked with natural materials in home construction, McCurry took this opportunity to refine his skills and deepen his study.
1993
Development: McCurry spent countless weekends collecting old woodworking tools in antique malls, and studying them. The tools for barking had long disappeared from general manufacturing. He studied A Reverence For Wood, a book about old tools and human ingenuity for implementation of natural wood forms.
Fall 2008
Bark House Style, Sustainable Designs from Nature available now.
For a full presentation on the timeline please see the calendar of events or contact Chris McCurry.
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