This course offers students the opportunity to immerse fully in the craft of timber framing by building a larger and/or a custom-designed timber frame structure. Whether creating a getaway cabin, woodshop or retirement home, the beauty and durability of a timber frame structure offers a unique opportunity to literally build your own home.

To participate in this course, students select from a list of stock full-sized frames or custom design a building to meet their individual needs. To make the larger projects possible, students also recruit a group of assistants who journey to North House together to participate in the project. Interested students will consult with the instructor to determine scheduling and project timeline.

During the first days of class, participants engage in lessons on timber frame terminology, joinery and layout. Working together, the group of family or friends actively cut timbers for the structure every day. Ultimately, students complete all or most of the joinery on the structure and develop timber framing skills that will last a lifetime. Near the completion of the course, a raising rehearsal demonstrates pre-assembly and raising techniques.

Students may choose from a variety of base/stock frame of different sizes or may develop their own custom frame. Every project includes a complete set of timber frame plans. The plan set includes 3-D and 2-D views of the frame, detailed drawings with a 3-D view of each timber as well as a timber list. Tuition and course length varies depending on frame and group size (minimum six participants).

Some prior exposure to timber framing is recommended but not required. Custom course dates are created for each project and each group of students. Given this, advance planning and scheduling is essential. Separate tuition payment & cancellation policies apply to this course.

** 16’x24’ with loft – approx. $9,750
** 28’x24’ with loft – approx. $12,500
** custom frames – tuition and design fees vary based on project
** options for Forest Stewardship Council certified timbers or reclaimed timbers are available, please request more information

Dates

Tue, May 07, 2013 - Sat, May 18, 2013 Thu, Aug 15, 2013 - Mon, Aug 26, 2013

Course Details

--Select a Start Date-- 08/15/2013

You will need the following tools for this class:

Each participant ideally needs:

1. * 1 1/2 inch Chisel: you will need a chisel with at least a 5” blade. The Stanley "Contractor Grade" and Buck Brothers are less expensive options. Woodcraft and Sorby make good framing chisels, but make sure they measure exactly 1 1/2". The Barr chisel is an excellent tool and is available at the North House School Store for $128. (Call 888-387-9762 to reserve your tool)
2. *Wood mallet: with a wood handled chisel you will want a 20­-40 oz. mallet with wood, plastic or rawhide head. (Also available @ North House School Store).
3. *ear and eye protection

Once registered, students will receive a confirmation packet in the mail that may offer additional optional tool recommendations and suggested reading.

Peter Henrikson

Peter settled in Grand Marais after a transient career of log building, basket making, and teaching timber skills on public lands. His interest in mortise and tenon joinery was sparked by working on round log timber framed roof structures and later while building hiking bridges with hand tools and on-site materials. The crossover into timber framing was a natural. He has been designing and building frames and teaching timber framing at North House since 1998. Peter has had many roles at North House, but now focuses on timber framing coursework. His current interest is small buildings with interesting frame features and detailing with adze and drawknife. When he is not teaching or designing, he spends time with his family, grows and gathers local foods and skis and snowshoes.

More about Peter Henrikson