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

See Timber Frame Photo Gallery Below

 
Basic Timber Framing
Peter Henrikson/Tom Healy
Session Options:
. . . 6/11/2009 - 6/15/2009- Full, Call for Wait List
. . . 8/27/2009 - 8/31/2009
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: $425
. . . Materials Fee: $30
. . . Intergenerational Age: na
. . . Level: Beginner to Intermediate

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Timber Frame Home    
Virginia Danfelt/Bob Martin
Session Options:
. . . 10/10/2009 - 10/11/2009
This course will cover all aspects of timber frame home construction with the exception of the actual layout and fabrication of the timbers. It will cover timber procurement, basic design, site considerations, foundations, enclosure of the frame, mechanical systems (electrical, plumbing, heating and ventilation) as well as general contractors, sub-contractors and owner builders. The structure for the first day is an informal discussion of above with emphasis on topics the class is interested in covering. The second day will include site visits to timber frame homes in the area in various stages of construction..

Course Details:
. . . Length in Days: 2
. . . Hours: 9am-5pm
. . . Tuition: $130
. . . Materials Fee: Included
. . . Intergenerational Age: 15+
. . . Level: Beginner to Intermediate

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Timber Frame - Build Your Own (smaller frames)
Peter Henrikson
Session Options:
. . . 8/15/2009 - 8/23/2009- Full, Call for Wait List
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 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)

PDF Downloads of these frames are available:
** 10'x12' Frame PDF
** 10'x16' Frame PDF
** 13'x13' Sauna PDF

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: Varies by Size
. . . Intergenerational Age: na
. . . Level: All Levels


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Timber Frame  - Custom Built and Larger Frame Projects
Peter Henrikson
Session Options:
. . . 5/2/2009 - 5/10/2009- Full, Call for Wait List
. . . 7/9/2009 - 7/13/2009 - FULL, please call for waiting list
. . . 7/16/2009 - 7/20/2009 - FULL, please call for waiting list
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.  Interested students will consult with the instructor to determine scheduling and project timeline.  

During the first days of class, participants engage in 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 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).

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.

** 16’x24’ with loft – approx $9,750
** 28’x24’ with loft – approx $12,500
** custom frames – tuition and design fees vary based on project

PDF Downloads of these frames are available:
** 16'x24' Frame PDF
** 28'x24' Frame PDF
** Custom Frame Example PDF 1
** Custom Frame Example PDF 2

Course Details:
. . . Length in Days:  Varies By Size (see course description)
. . . Hours: 9am-5pm
. . . Tuition: Varies By Size
. . . Materials Fee: Varies By Size
. . . Intergenerational Age: na
. . . Level: Beginner to Advanced

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Timbered Sawhorse Trestles
Clark Bremer
Session Options:
. . . 2/19/2010 - 2/21/2010
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. 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.  Materials fee includes a light dinner during the first night of class.

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: $195
. . . Materials Fee: $85
. . . Intergenerational Age: n/a
. . . Level: Beginner

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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.

PDF examples of group frames are available:
** Group Timber Frame PDF

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 *