Skip to main content Skip to footer

Shelter

Timber Frame: Build Your Own, Grindbygg-Style

previous slide
next slide

Course Overview

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

Dates

Tue, Aug 8th, 2017  –  Thu, Aug 17th, 2017

Course Details

Skill Levels: Beginner to Advanced
Hours: 9am-5pm
Intergenerational age: na
Tuition: $7,425.00
Additional materials fee paid to instructor when class starts: Varies by Size

Required

You will need the following tools for this class:

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

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

More Information

Once registered, students will receive a confirmation email with further class information. Please call us if you haven't received it within 24 hours.

Latest Update: View recent changes →

Meet the Instructor

North House Folk School photo of instructor, Peter Henrikson
Peter Henrikson
Grand Marais, MN

Request a Catalog

Enjoy the tactile sensation of browsing our newsprint catalog of courses? Request your free copy of the North House Catalog here! And browse the digital edition while you wait!

Stay in touch!

Subscribe to our e-newsletter

Be the first to know about new courses and events!

Timber Frame: Build Your Own, Grindbygg-Style