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 or structure for your community or organization, 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 (6-8, though some larger groups are possible) who journey to North House together to participate in the project. Given the scale of these projects and the number of interested students, North House asks potential students to submit an application for their project to be considered. Applications are reviewed and selected based on a number of factors. North House will host one Build Your Own Timber Frame, Larger Size project in 2021. To be notified when 2022 applications are available, please add your name to the waiting list. 
 
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). Separate tuition payment & cancellation policies apply to this course. 

16’x24’ with loft – approx. $14,000
28’x24’ with loft – approx. $20,500
custom frames – tuition and design fees vary based on project

The pricing for this course is combination of tuition (approx $1000 per day for one instructor), materials (timbers, pegs and incidentals) and a project coordination fee. Design and engineering services are contracted separately with the course instructor. A typical session is 7-10 days in length. Some prior exposure to timber framing is recommended but not required. North House uses only certified sustainably harvested timbers.

PROCESS
North House receives numerous inquiries and requests for the BYOTF program. To improve the process for considering potential projects and make the process fair and transparent, individuals and groups must apply for these project slots. The application period is from Janurary 1-31 ,2021 for slots available in 2021. As part of our not-for-profit mission, North House will prioritize community projects in the selection project. Other criteria for selection include the feasibility of the project, team size and timeline. When the application period is closed, interested students should add themselves to the waiting list in order to be contacted when the next round of applications is opened. 

You will need the following tools for this class:

North House has a limited number of chisels and mallets that can be borrowed during the course, though many participants prefer to bring their own. These are available for purchase at the school store; more information provided at registration.

North House requires participants to wear ear and eye protection: these are provided, but you may wish to bring your own. 

• 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 reserve your tool)
• Wood mallet: with a  wood handled chisel you will want a 20­40 oz. mallet with wood, plastic or  rawhide head. (Also available @ North House School Store)

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