Traditional Frames

The term crook or cruck comes from Middle English crok(e), and from Old Norse kraka, meaning "hook".  This is also the origin of the word "crooked", meaning bent, twisted or deformed.

The traditional "A" shape, for a cruck framed structure, consists of two long, naturally curved timbers, secured by a horizontal beam which supports the roof of a building.  

A box frame is the most basic frame which consists of straight horizontal and vertical timbers that share a common roof rafter without purlins.  The roof acts like a lid on a box. 

There are several sub-categories of framing styles under the box frame mantle. 

An aisled frame is a structure that contains a row or rows of interior posts.  These structures are most commonly used for churches and barns.

Aisled framed structures are wider than cruck or box framed buildings.  In Germany, this is known as Standerhaus.