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…

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…

Cruck building is a Medieval English method of timber framing using pairs of large, curved timbers (cruck blades) that are joined at their apex to function as both post and principal rafter. The resulting Gothic arch creates a dramatic open hall space that is both structurally stable and visually appealing.…

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

Grindbygg is one of more than twenty timber frame styles in Norway. The design and joinery of grindbygg timber frames harkens back to the early days of post construction before the common usage of mortise and tenon joinery. While many aspects of grindbygg are similar to the post buildings of…

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 and…

Help North House move beyond the white plastic tent by building small grindbygg structures for campus! The grounds are often graced by a variety of beautiful timbered structures, but we have a particular need for several smaller “tent-sized” frames that are easy to put up and take down and can…

Sharpen your chisel and get out your auger bits—this Service Learning Project is for timber framing enthusiasts aspiring to polish up their hand skills working timbers. On the agenda: cutting timbers for new covered front entryways on the Green Building. Given the unique and highly visible location on campus, we…

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…