Courses

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…

Before Sketch Up and other CAD programs, timber framers brought a low-tech but highly skilled approach to layout. Techniques for lay-out varied depending on geography: German methods, French methods, Japanese methods and American methods all differ. Using the method he learned in German trade school, instructor Gerald David will lead…

This course takes us back to a time when the building process was mostly human powered. Starting with a stack of freshly cut logs we will use a combination of felling axes and broad axes to make square timber. For the smaller scantlings (smaller cross sectioned timbers) we will re-saw…

A sturdy, timbered outdoor bench will invite years of use and is perfect for long conversations, a short break from walking or simply watching the world go by. This unique bench design borrows joinery common to timber-frame construction and utilizes rough cut, sustainably harvested white pine timbers. It’s beautiful, comfortable…

This course offers students the opportunity to immerse 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, woodshop or retirement home, the unique beauty and durability of a Grindbygg structure offers a unique opportunity to…

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…

Tired of unimaginative, small outbuilding kits available from your local lumberyard? Explore all the basic elements of timber frame construction and take home a hand-crafted building. More than 100 timber frame buildings have been built and raised throughout the country by North House students since 1997. During the first days…

Whether they are built for the workshop or used to support a tabletop or workbench, timbered sawhorse trestles are reliable, sturdy and reflective of the craftsmanship that goes into timber framing. During this course, you'll focus on the layout and cutting of the mortise and tenon joints needed to create…