This course offers students the opportunity to immerse themselves fully in the craft of Norwegian timber framing by building a custom-designed structure in the Grindbygg style. Whether creating a woodshed, carport, getaway cabin, or woodshop, the beauty and durability of a Grindbygg structure offers an opportunity to build your own unique space. The basic form of a Grindbygg frame is similar to many European and American timber frames: posts held together by tie beams and topped by wall plates supporting common rafters. Yet there are no mortises or tenons. The tie beam sits in a slot cut into the top of the post – a bridle joint. The “plate” sits on the tie beam and against the top of the post. All the bracing is let into the sides of the wall timbers and pegged. Braces can be straight but are commonly made from naturally curved birch or root knees.

To participate in this course, students will work with the instructor to design a frame to meet their individual needs. To make the project 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.   

Throughout the class, participants will engage in lessons in the traditional layout and joinery techniques unique to grindbygg frames. Working together, the group of family or friends physically lay one timber on another to mark the joinery for subsequent cutting. Each day, another portion of the frame will be marked, cut and assembled. By the end of the course, the completed frame will be fully assembled and raised, ready for end-of-class photos and subsequent disassembly and transport home.

Every project includes a complete set of timber frame plans. The plan set includes 3-D and 2-D views of the frame, and a timber list. North House uses only certified sustainably harvested timbers.

Separate tuition payment & cancellation policies apply to this course. Tuition and course length varies depending on frame and group size (minimum four participants). Tuition and materials will be approximately $11,400-$13,000 and up depending on project. $4000 deposit requried upon registraion. Full tuition is due (determined after the final design) 30 days prior the start of the class. Given the unique nature of Build Your Own Timber Framing Courses, North House uses a slightly revised cancellation policy for this course. From the date of your deposit until three month prior to the start of your course, the entire deposit minus a $100 administrative fee is refundable. Three months prior to your course the entire deposit is non-refundable. For cancellations occurring 21 days or less prior to the start of the course, the balance of the tuition payment is also non-refundable. Should North House be required to cancel the course, all tuition payments will be refunded. 

New Registration Process

In the past, this class has filled within minutes of opening for registration on Member Early Registration Day. In an attempt to even the playing field, we are implementing a lottery system for registration. If you are a current member (easily done by clicking on the red Donate button on our homepage or giving us a call) you can put yourself on the wait list on Member Early Registration Day through the registration portal of our website. You are also free to call us to be put on the list, though if you've tried in the past, you know it can be tough to get through on that day! On the following morning, we will randomly draw names. We will contact you via email if you are selected. You will then have 24 hours to confirm your registration by making payment for the deposit through our website. 

Required Tools- Each participant ideally needs:

• 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. (Call 888-387-9762 to confirm current cost and to reserve your tool)
• 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).
• Ear and eye protection

Optional Tools

Approx one of each of the following would be ideal to have for each participant

• Framing square
• Combination square
• Tape measure
• Pencil
• Circular saw with sharp blade (thin kerf blades work well)
• Extension cord
• Hand saw (Japanese pull saws with both crosscut and rip teeth work well)
• Corner chisel
• Slick

Registration Note

Interested students need to consult with instructor prior to registration.  Please call 218-387-9762 or email info@northhouse.org to start this process if you are interested.

Other Notes for this course

Letter of agreement
Given the unique nature and small size of this course, please note that North House uses separate tuition payment & cancellation policies for managing this course. These policies are outlined in a separate letter of agreement.
Whenever you build a structure of any size or style (timber frame to yurt to bread oven), you will likely need to adhere to regulations and permitting requirements that vary by county and state.  We encourage you to contact your local building authority before beginning your course at North House.  One phone call to these folks early in the process can often erase the possibility of substantial headaches further down the road.

*The North House School Store also carries several excellent books on timber framing, including:

• "Build a Classic Timber Framed House" By Jack A. Sobon
• "Building the Timber Frame House" By Tedd Benson with James Gruber
• "Timber Frame Construction" By Jack A. Sobon and Roger Schroeder

To order copies or to request a complete list of titles, call 1-888-387-9762 or email us at info@northhouse.org.