The following courses are currently scheduled -
courses are listed alphabetically by title.

See Timber Frame Photo Gallery Below

Also See:
Service Learning: Timbered Milling Shop - May 22-26

  
Raising and Rigging - Get The Lift 
Grigg Mullen/Al Anderson
Session Options:
. . . 6/23/2008 - 6/27/2008

This course might also be called “Managing Tension to Eliminate Drama” – get the picture? Whether you are levitating timbers, boat masts, or granite obelisks, this course will give you all the lift you need. The odd part of the rigging process is working with materials, (ropes, slings, cables…) which only work in tension and only work in a straight line. The science of rigging ensures that all the parts are sufficiently strong and properly positioned, while the art involves assembling an efficient, easily workable rig. Rigging breaks down into three basic questions: What are the loads to be lifted and how do they balance? What rigging do you attach to the load to lift it safely? What is the skyhook at the other end of the rigging? When done well the use of rigging should be absolutely boring. All the failure modes have been anticipated, everything works as anticipated and there are absolutely no surprises. Poles, tackle, ropes, slings and even a crane will all be tied together by the course’s end.

Course Details:
. . . Length in Days: 5
. . . Hours: 9am-5pm
. . . Tuition: $495      
. . . Materials Fee: $75
. . . Intergenerational Age: n/a
. . . Intergenerational Tuition: n/a
. . . Level: Intermediate to Advanced

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Timbered Sawhorse Trestles
Clark Bremer
Session Options:
. . . 1/16/2009 - 1/18/2009
. . . 2/20/2009 - 2/22/2009
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 a timbered sawhorse.  You will create a pair of trestles made of 6”x 6" timbers (or larger if desired). This class is a great introduction to the basic techniques used in traditional timber framing.  Students will have the opportunity to try out professional-grade timber framing tools, as well as learn to use a variety of traditional hand tools.

Students may choose timbers up to 10"x10" for an additional cost.  Please inquire at the time of registration.

Course Details:
. . . Length in Days: 2.5
. . . Hours: Day 1: 5pm-9pm Day2/3: 9am-5pm
. . . Tuition: $165      
. . . Materials Fee: $75
. . . Intergenerational Age: n/a
. . . Intergenerational Tuition:
. . . Level: Beginner

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Basic Timber Framing
Peter Henrikson/Tom Healy
Session Options:
. . . 6/13/2008 - 6/17/2008 - FULL, call for waiting list
. . . 9/4/2008 - 9/8/2008
Learn the planning, layout and joinery necessary to construct a traditional timber frame structure like North House's blacksmith shop and other structures on campus.  The course begins with the basic mortise and tenon joint, and then expands on these techniques to cover through-tenons, shouldered mortises and scarf-joinery.  You will explore the use of traditional tools in timber framing as well as adaptations using common and specialized modern tools.  We will also discuss foundations, enclosing the frame, wiring and plumbing issues, and basic frame and joinery design.  The course culminates with a raising on the final day.


Course Details:
. . . Length in Days: 5
. . . Hours: 9am-5pm
. . . Tuition: $395      
. . . Materials Fee: $25
. . . Intergenerational Age: na
. . . Intergenerational Tuition:
. . . Level: Beginner to Intermediate

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Timber Frame - Build Your Own
Peter Henrikson
Session Options:
. . . 5/28/2008 - 6/4/2008  - FULL, call for waiting list
. . . 7/5/2008 - 7/13/2008 - FULL, call for waiting list
. . . 8/12/2008 - 8/19/2008 - FULL, call for waiting list
TTired of unimaginative, small "outbuilding" kits available from your local lumberyard? Explore all of 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 of class, participants engage in interspersed lessons on timber frame terminology, joinery and layout.  As the course progresses, each day prioritizes students actively cutting timbers for their structure.  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. All that's left is to load the timbers into a truck or trailer and then raise the building at home.

The Build Your Own course emphasizes smaller timber frame structures than can be completed in a single session (for larger frames see Custom Build).  Students may choose from a variety of different stock frames that vary in size.  Tuition and course length varies depending on the frame selected.  Students may work alone or with a partner on their frame. 

Tuition covers instruction and all materials, including timbers and pegs, as well as use of specialized timber framing tools. Traditional and modern tools will be used and/or demonstrated during the course. The frames listed above are often completed by individual students; however, working with a partner on the project is recommended for the larger projects. Plans are provided for all of the standard North House frames. Separate tuition payment & cancellation policies apply to this course.

** 10’x12’ - 7 days - $1,825
** 10’x16’ - 9 days - $2,175
** 13’x13’ Sauna - 14 days -$3,350 (one assistant required)

Tuition covers instruction and all materials, including timbers and pegs, as well as use of specialized timber framing tools. Traditional and modern tools will be used and/or demonstrated during the course. The frames listed above are often completed by individual students; however, working with a partner on the project is recommended for the larger projects. Plans are provided for all of the standard North House frames. Separate tuition payment & cancellation policies apply to this course.

Course Details:
. . . Length in Days: Varies by size
. . . Hours: 9am-5pm
. . . Tuition: Varies by size      
. . . Materials Fee: Included
. . . Intergenerational Age: na
. . . Intergenerational Tuition:
. . . Level: All Levels

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Timber Frame - Custom Build 
Peter Henrikson/Tom Healy
Session Options:
. .  Varies
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 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 who journey to North House together to participate in the project. Specific dates for the project are defined six to 12 months in advance based upon workshop/instructor availability. 

During the first days of class, participants engage lessons on timber frame terminology, joinery and layout.  Working together, the group of family and 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 3D and 2D views of the frame, detailed drawings with a 3D view of each timber as well as a timber list.   Tuition and course length varies depending on frame and group size (minimum 6 participants).
** 16’x24’ with loft – approx $9,750
** 28’x24’ with loft – approx $12,500
** custom frames – tuition and design fees vary based on project

Some prior exposure to timber framing is recommended but not required.  Custom course dates are created for each project and each group of students.  Given this, advance planning and scheduling is essential.  Separate tuition payment & cancellation policies apply to this course.

Course Details:
. . . Length in Days: Varies
. . . Hours: 9am-5pm
. . . Tuition: Varies by size      
. . . Materials Fee: Included
. . . Intergenerational Age: na
. . . Intergenerational Tuition:
. . . Level: Beginner to Advanced

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Timber Frame - Group Building    
Peter Henrikson/Tom Healy
Session Options:
. . . Varies
Building as a community means building community.  This course harnesses the joy of working together and focuses this shared energy on the task of building a structure that will enhance your organization’s future. 

The structure of the partnership that makes this course a reality is simple – shape, recruit, build, raise.  Working with North House, the organization shapes/designs a timber frame structure that will meet its needs.  Once the project size and dates are defined, the organization recruits a group of project participants who journey to the North House campus to build together.  At the close of the experiences, participants journey homeward with a pile of completed timbers and a renewed sense of their ability to build things of value, ready to be raised and put to use.

North House has worked with numerous organizations designing and building custom structures for their use.  Examples include a 32’ chime tower with St. Olaf College, a 24’x36’ canoe shop with YMCA Camp Menogyn, and a 16’x24’ lofted cabin with Cook County High School. 

North House aspires to regularly work with other organizations and groups that share North House’s commitment to building community on many different levels. The timber framing shop is a great place to truly build as a community.  The journey of shaping the timbers that will become a new resource for an organization is much more than just a physical process.

Inquiries regarding similar partnerships are welcome.  Custom course dates are created for each project and each organization.  Given this, advance planning and scheduling is essential.  Separate tuition payment & cancellation policies apply to this course.

Course Details:
. . . Length in Days: Varies by project
. . . Hours: 9am-5pm
. . . Tuition: Varies by project      
. . . Materials Fee: Included
. . . Intergenerational Age: na
. . . Intergenerational Tuition:
. . . Level: Beginner to Advanced
 

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Timber Framing Photo Gallery
course info included below
* click image to enlarge *