Learn the planning, layout, and joinery necessary to construct a traditional timber frame (post and beam) structure, such as North House’s blacksmith shop, bread oven shelter, fish house classroom, and other structures around campus. The course begins with the basic mortise and tenon joint, and then expands on these techniques to cover through-tenons, shouldered mortises, and scarf-joinery. In both classroom sessions and hands-on experiences, you will explore the use of traditional tools and techniques of timber framing. This session of Basic Timber Framing will focus exclusively on the use of hand tools in construction, a centuries-old practice that is easy on the ears, the lungs, and the pocket book, not to mention makes for great conversation as we work. We will also discuss foundations, enclosing the frame, wiring and plumbing issues, and basic frame and joinery design. The course culminates with the raising of a full-sized timber frame completed by the group on the final day of class.