2008 Western Conference

Conference Schedule Day By Day

The Main Event

The main Conference begins with breakfast on Friday morning, April 18th and runs until 11 AM on Sunday, April 20th. There are five main seminar "tracks" to the Conference (including a log track to show the possibilities available with round timber in a frame design) along with additional events and presentations.

A detailed schedule can be downloaded here; the following speakers are tentatively slated to present. We will provide details on talks as we receive them.

Friday, April 18

The Year in Review, when we recap the highlights and lessons learned from the Guild projects and rendezvous in 2007.

Tom Tannert, University of British Columbia: Self-Tapping Screws in Timber Construction.
The use of self-tapping screws as reinforcement to improve the structural performance of rounded dovetail connections (RDC) under vertical shear loading was studied. RDCs without reinforcement were compared to RDCs with three different types of reinforcements: joist reinforcement with screws at an angle of 90°, reinforcement of joist and main beam with screws at an angle of 55°, and reinforcement of joist and main beam with angled screws crossing each other. The failure modes in shear tests were studied; and the capacity, the design load, and the relative vertical deformation at capacity were evaluated. Self-tapping screws significantly improve the structural performance of RDCs. All reinforcement types significantly increase capacity; stiffness and, in consequence, design load are significantly increased when the main beam and the joist are reinforced with self-tapping screws. I will also discuss a wide spectrum of applications of self-tapping screws (end notched beam supports, connections with load components perpendicular to the member axis, beams with holes, curved beams, and so forth).

Paul Thorley, Acute Engineering: Tensile Strength of Mortise and Tenon Connections
The results of full-scale tensile testing of mortise and tenon connections using wood peg dowels are discussed in this presentation. Three types of full-scale mortise and tenon connections with 90º, 67.5º and 45º mortises are tested. Each connection consists of an 8 x 12 inch nominal timber tenon (timber-frame collar tie) embedded 4 inches into an 8 x 8 inch nominal timber mortise (timber-frame post) using a "blind" tenon and two 1 inch diameter timber peg dowels. A Mathematical model is also developed to estimate the tensile strngth of mortise and tenon connections based on the connection angle, the number of wood pegs, and the tenon thickness. This research project is a joint venture between Acute Engineering, Brigham Young University, and Euclid Timber Frames. Acute Engineering specializes in timber frame analysis for several manufactures in northern Utah.

Paul Laudenschlager, Alpen Engineering: Shear Transfer Detailing in Timber Frame Buildings for Wind and Seismic Forces
Most timber framers and others in the construction industry understand vertical load paths; that is, if you have a load on the roof, it needs to have support down to the foundation. However, lateral load paths and lateral load transfer are often misunderstood by many in the construction industry including timber framers and those in the SIP industry. For example many of the details provided in binders by major SIP suppliers are missing screws, nails or other connectors and are thus inadequate. Also, when I visit construction sites, I notice deficiencies routinely. Shear transfer detailing has long been a code requirement, but its enforcement has been sporadic. Recently building inspectors and plan checkers are become more aware of this especially after major hurricanes on the Gulf Coast and earthquakes in California and with the adoption of the IBC. Thus this topic is timely for designers trying meet more rigorous plan check requirements and for those constructing timber frame buildings as they try to comply with the building code in the field. This presentation will explain basic lateral engineering theory and how it applies to structural detailing. Then it will get down to the details for a wide range of shear transfer situations for timber frame buildings including roof, wall, floor and foundation connections.

Jim Hassi: Selective Marketing - Finding the Right Customers for You!
Learn how to critically analyze your company's strengths and weaknesses in order to attract customers that are a good fit for your company. Learn how to maximize your marketing efforts and be more successful in what you do. Learn how to use your web site to get desire results and read your site's statistics. Learn to use online advertising as a way to reach your target customers.
Frank Baker: Market Report for Green Building Certification Systems
Frank Baker: How to Achieve Net Zero Energy Consumption

Becky Kemery: Yurts: Living in the Round
This presentation covers topics ranging from the cosmology embedded in the internal structure of the Mongolian yurt (ger) to bringing a sense of the sacred into our understanding of shelter, and integrating circular and rectilinear building design and cultural models. Becky Kemery has lived in yurts for many years in the mountains of the Pacific Northwest. She has just published the first comprehensive book on yurts, while living in her own canvas yurt on a 20-acre permaculture homestead in North Idaho.

Tim Chauvin, Red Suspenders Timber Frames: Timber Framing in China
China has a tradition in timber framing that stretches back at least 3,000 years. Evidence in archaeological digs suggests that a structural system much akin to that still in use at the beginning of the last century was well developed at that time.

When we in the West think of Chinese architecture, we immediately think of the graceful curve upward of the roofs above cylindrical columns. It is generally not known that those columns and all the supporting structure fit within a well-defined architectural and structural system executed in wood using wooden joinery.

In many ways there is a strong resemblance between Chinese and Japanese timber structures. It is yet known as to whether one is derived from the other or they both derive from a common unidentified tradition but that they are related in some way is almost a given. We in the West know quite a lot about the history and techniques of Japanese timber framing, as we have had ample access to it for study and documentation. Not so, Chinese timber framing. Until the last decade or so, access to China and its timber frame tradition has been virtually nonexistent, and relatively little attention has been paid to it as a result.

The goal of this presentation is, first of all, to introduce the audience to the fact that China's timber frame tradition is very ancient and well established. Further, it is hoped that through images of significant Chinese timber frames such as the Temple of Heaven and the numerous structures of the Forbidden City, we will gain an appreciation of them and the tradition that spawned them. Lastly, there will be a short introduction to and exploration of the structural system itself.

Tim Chauvin has been practicing timber framing professionally since 1983. He is the founder and president of Red Suspenders Timber Frames in Nacogdoches, Texas. He has served several terms on the Guild Board and has helped organize and participated in numerous Guild workshops and projects.

In 2001 he first traveled to China where he was immediately smitten with and humbled by the timber frames he saw there. A second trip in 2003 only deepened his interest in the history and craft Chinese timber framing and he began his study of it in a more organized way. He and his family lived in China from February to August of 2007. During that time Tim revisited many historic timber frames to better document them photographically and explored several he had not seen before.

Tim and his family live in a timber frame home that many members of the Guild helped cut and raise in 1994. They still wish to express their gratitude to those fine folks and the Guild community for their friendship, spirit and generosity.
Rob Hadden: Creating Unique Materials Needed When Not Available or Too Costly to Acquire
I have discovered over the years that the shell of a building is only the beginning of the story - once the frame is complete and standing on its own feet, the process of joining all the dots that make it special really begins. In my case, that also means the detailing that will make the building appear as if built centuries ago.

So often on my trips to the UK, I have taken many photos of all aspects of their old buildings and of vernacular architecture in general to discover what it is that makes them unique. I look carefully at the minutae of detail and the unusual, especially in houses that never make the coffee table books but are the real essence of historic domestic scale architecture. When I am particularly taken by something, I then work out the processes needed to replicate it back home as most of these materials are almost impossible to obtain in Australia.

Putting in modern equivalents is bound to disappoint and to destroy the very effect you may want to achieve. You don't want to end up with a house that fails to grasp the nebulous thing called "atmosphere."

I have found that the creative juices really flow when I work out how to replicate something and create objects that are beautiful in their own right. Over the years I have found ways to reproduce
- roof tiles
- simulated sandstone for use as flagstones, stairs, fireplaces, benchtops, lintels and door jambs
- wooden window frames and/or metal casement windows and leadlights
- furniture
All of these methods are cheap, look good, and will be unique. I use salvaged materials whenever possible. The intended audience for this talk is owner/builders and commercial builders who are looking for that extra something to make their houses stand out from the crowd. I would like to inspire a return to some of the old Art and Craft traditions of making everything in a building, not just the shell. The creative satisfaction is immense.

Gord MacDonald and Randy Churchill: Penguins in Bondage - Height Safety for Framers.
This hands-on workshop will demonstrate the tools and techniques that are used to stay safe while putting up frames in Europe. It is a chance to see the newest gear, and to untangle some of those tricky access problems that are peculiar to timber framing. When Gord and his partner, Steve Lawrence, found themselves facing the prospect of hiring roped-access experts a few years ago in order to solve a complicated frame raising; they opted instead to take the specialist training themselves. Since then, they have developed the height-safety curriculum for apprenticeship programs, demonstrated at various events, and helped to teach scores of timber framers how to work at height more safely and effectively. Randy Churchill is a recent addition to the MacDonald and Lawrence crew, and has led raisings at a number of Guild projects.

Bob Pasquill and Chris Koehn: The CCC's Heavy Timber Work: 1930s and Today
Bob Pasquill, U.S. Forest Service archeologist and CCC authority, and Chris Koehn, itinerant timber framer, discuss the history of the Civilian Conservation Corps: their body of work and methods from the time of the great depression; a recap of a recent shelter reconstruction project; and a look forward toward the potential for more conservator work.

Timber Framers Guild members may be among the last remaining group of artisans who are keeping these older building techniques alive. We anticipate an interest by Guild members in learning about these beautiful, durable structures built by previously unskilled, unemployed men during the depths of the depression.

Many of the public treasures from the CCC era are in need of repair and restoration. The knowledge and skills of timber framers are in short supply in federal agencies. There is a great potential for partnerships between the managers of these historic large timber structures and the timber framers that have the ability to save these structures. We will outline our experience at the Horn Mountain shelter restoration, and suggest a course for members interested in pursuing similar work.

Al Wallace: LEED Certification

Robert Savignac: Basic Log Building Skills I
Robert Savignac: Basic Log Building Skills II
Robert Savignac and Higgs Murphy: Tech Talk: Jigs and Tools for Working in Irregular Materials
This Tech Talk session will offer you the opportunity to share jigs, tools and techniques that assist in the log building industry and have applications in timber framing as well. A successful jig should do some of or all of the following: make a job easier, safer, and faster, while producing a more accurate and repeatable end result. A jig often will allow you to physically manifest and multiply your brain power. A good jig incorporates your understanding of a problem and allows a relatively inexperienced worker to apply your solution in a very predictable manner. As with any good system, it can help ordinary workers produce extraordinary results. One jig that will be demonstrated is an expanding template that makes it easy to put braces flattened two sides into a round timbers.

The active segment for "tool time" will be the cutting of the receiving pockets and the brace itself using tools found useful for the purpose. No doubt, the chainsaw will figure in somewhere. If there is time, Higgs will show some pictures of his HiggyDigger in action: this is a huge jig on a trailer for laying out, rotating and cutting joinery in round timbers. Come share and learn from Robert and Higgs, journeymen log builders with 30+ years of experience in the industry.

Other Friday Events

info@timberframe.org

Download the information for submissions.

On-Going Events

Children's Discovery Workshop

Saturday, April 18

Saturday will open with our Guild Membership Meeting, when you will have a chance to air your gripes and tell the Board of Directors what the Guild is doing right and what it should be doing in the future. Everyone is welcome.

Jennifer Anthony: Log Structure Engineering.
In this course Jennifer will discuss engineering design considerations unique to log construction:
- Round section properties and differences in computing stresses
- TPI (Timber Products Inspection Inc.) log grading values
- Design considerations
- Shrinkage and settlement- design of screw jacks and detailing for settlement
- Resisting Lateral loads (wind and seismic) in horizontal wall logs
- Typical details
After designing projects ranging from stick frame, heavy timber, concrete, steel and unreinforced masonry to the new construction and seismic retrofit of bridges, Jennifer Anthony discovered a passion for the craftsmanship of timber buildings. She is the founder of Fearless Engineers PLLC, a Missoula, Montana, firm specializing in log and timber frame engineering.

Curtis Milton, Monolithic Building Systems: Roof Math Primer
Ninety minutes can seem like a long time in certain circumstances, but it is not nearly enough to deliver a math course that will prepare carpenters for compound roof work. That said, the goal of our Sunday morning session will be a brief exploration of the mathematical tools necessary and some practical applications of them. You will all leave with paperwork, a bibliography and folding models that can be used as references materials and worksheets as you continue to learn the mathematics of building. Vocabulary is a big part of the skill set: without a common language all things are difficult. We need to define and demonstrate the following:
- Rise, run, pitch, plumb and level.
- The right triangle and similar triangles, Pythagoras.
- Ratios, proportions, multipliers, trigonometry (just another ratio).
- The rafter square: body, tongue, and the tables stamped or printed on the
- square.
- Building planes: Ground or deck plane, Roof planes.
- Calculator tricks.
- Introduction to the folding model.
It is only ninety minutes, what do you have to lose?

Clark Bremer: Timber Frame Joinery and Shop Drawings with SketchUp™
This presentation is an overview of Clark's more in-depth, hands-on pre-Conference workshop. The presentation will open with a demonstration: the creation of a set complex shop drawings from an existing model, to show how easy it is if you've laid the proper groundwork beforehand. We will then learn the basics of Sketchup™ while building a simple timber frame model from scratch. This model will not include joinery, but will be suitable for getting feedback on the design from the client. We will then discuss how to customize Sketchup™ for timber framing using Ruby plugins (developed by the instructor).

Finally, we will go through a detailed example of how to create a timber frame model that can be used for creating shop drawings. The following broad points will be covered:
- Timber Component Libraries. Discuss and demonstrate the use of component libraries to quickly assemble a frame from pre-defined timber components.
- Joinery Libraries. Discuss and demonstrate how to create new timber components using pre-defined joinery components, which are used to expand the timber component library.
- Joinery Creation. Discuss and demonstrate how to create new joinery components for expanding the joinery library.
- Shop Drawings. Discuss and demonstrate how to create precise, four-sided shop drawings automatically. We will then polish them off with dimensions, and shop notes.
Participants will leave the seminar with a list of resources, including:

Where to find general tutorials for using Sketchup™
Where to get the timber frame ruby scripts
Where to get joinery and timber libraries
Where to share their timber and joinery components with the rest of us

Clark Bremer: Compound Joinery with SketchUp™

This is a follow-on presentation to Timber Frame Joinery Design and Shop Drawings with Google Sketchup. We will further explore the capabilities of Google Sketchup for joinery design to include compound joinery. Compound joinery can be designed in situ, without using trigonometry. Participants will be able to create dimensioned shop drawings of compound timbers using the TF Rubies, which are custom extensions to Sketchup developed by the presenter. We will begin the session by reviewing several examples of compound joinery designed using this system. We will then step through a detailed example of how to create a compound timber and it's joinery in an existing model. The existing model will be a simple common purlin design, to which we will add a third gable bumpout. This will involve adding valleys and jack purlins. If time permits, we'll look at some other examples. Due to the limited amount of time, this will not be a hands-on workshop. Clark Bremer is the owner of Northern Lights Timber Framing in Minneapolis. He also teaches timber framing at North House Folk School, in Grand Marais, MN. His former career was as a computer designer and researcher for Bell Labs. He enjoys inventing new tools for timber framing, both hardware and software.

Jerry Rouleau, J. Rouleau & Associates: How to Use New Technologies to Increase Sales
Most sales people and timber framers are taken back by some of the new technology. It may seems overwhelming at first, however when one understands how it can help increase sales and save time, they might take a different approach on implementing some of these new programs.

Major points that will be covered: Down time learning, target marketing, lead management systems, e-mail marketing and tracking e-mails, tracking incoming calls from lead source, creating your own mystery shop, using podcasts to provide information to consumers, training and Web site marketing.

Four practical applications the attendees will take home:
1. How new technology can save time and increase sales
2. Advantages of certain systems
3. Help screen and qualify customers quicker
4. Be more productive in their marketing efforts
Jerry Rouleau is a speaker, author, coach and consultant that specializes in, public relations, marketing and sales training for builders, housing companies and building product suppliers. He is also the author of "Selling New Homes: Sales & Marketing Workbook for Million-Dollar Producers," "Selling New Homes the Easy Way" and is a frequent article contributor to numerous building trade publications.

Special feature home projects that he has been involved, have been featured on the Today Show, in People Magazine, USA Today, Country Living, House Beautiful, Country Home, Home Magazine, and in hundreds of newspapers, radio, TV, and specialty consumer magazines. In the past thirteen years, Jerry's firm has generated over $35 million dollars in publicity for their clients. Jerry is also the producer of the Builder Radio Media Network, which includes BuilderRadio.com, BuildGreenRadio.com, SystemsBuiltNews.com and BuilderIdeas.com.
Hugh Lofting, Hugh Lofting Timber Framing, Inc: Veteran Voices

Hugh Lofting is an organic farmer and a timber framer who has been in business since 1974. He will share some of the reasons that he started framing, what has kept him in it and what he has learned along the way. He acknowledges that most of what he has learned has come from making mistakes and he will share some of his "learning moment" stories.

In 2002, Hugh almost threw in the towel but a conversation with a friend turned that into three options: throw in the towel, sell the business or reorganize, write a business plan and see what happens in three years. Hugh chose option three and his company has seen a tremendous change. He will share some stories from the past few years.

His key messages are: Do what you love, remember that you are running a business - the bottom line counts the most, and only grow or expand when it makes sense.

Hugh wears many hats. Among other things, he manages, raises chickens and plows and plants the family farm where he was born and raised. He is a Supervisor and Road Master for his home township of West Marlborough, PA. And he is active in the Chester County Buy Local and S.A.V.E. effort.

Hugh studied at the University of Montana and did a stint on the western rodeo circuit where he not only rode the bulls but was the team's pilot hopping from rodeo to rodeo around the west. Hugh returned to Chester County in the mid-60's and served in the Air National Guard. It was then that he rediscovered his love of woodworking and his long interest in the old barns and homes in the region. Combining both of those interests Hugh started Hugh Lofting Timber Framing, Inc. in 1974.

Since then, the Chester County, PA, based company has designed, handcrafted and raised timber frame structures nationwide. In 2004 the company reorganized to meet the demands of the marketplace and now, in addition to its core hand- crafted frame business, HLTF competes in timber framed and glu-lam commercial construction, general contracting of green residential and commercial construction, timber frame design services and in providing green consulting to clients.
Jerry Rouleau: Fifteen Minutes of Fame
Looking to get your company name in print? Develop a public relations campaign that will increase sales. Obtaining free publicity is easy, if you know the ins and outs of public relations.

This seminar will show you the benefits of a good public relations campaign and what it takes to put a program in place. Use public relations to bring consumers to your door, and build your image. Learn how to capitalize on public relations and how to build your corporate image. Find out what makes a story and how to capitalize on what you are already doing. How to work with the media and how to use public relations after the fact.

Jerry Rouleau is a speaker, author, coach and consultant who specializes in public relations, marketing and sales training for builders, housing companies and building product suppliers. He is also the author of "Selling New Homes: Sales & Marketing Workbook for Million-Dollar Producers," "Selling New Homes the Easy Way" and a frequent article contributor to numerous building trade publications.

Special feature home projects that he has been involved, have been featured on the Today Show, in People Magazine, USA Today, Country Living, House Beautiful, Country Home, Home Magazine, and in hundreds of newspapers, radio, TV, and specialty consumer magazines. In the past thirteen years, Jerry's firm has generated over $35 million dollars in publicity for their clients. Jerry is also the producer of the Builder Radio Media Network, which includes BuilderRadio.com, BuildGreenRadio.com, SystemsBuiltNews.com and BuilderIdeas.com.

Rob Hadden: Earth, Lime and Timber Framing: The Best Kept Secret Is No Longer
This presentation will demonstrate how I have used these basic materials over the years to great effect in my buildings in Australia. In an age of synthetic materials and/or solutions to all our problems, it is nice to know that something as low tech as earth and lime can work so well in our timber framed buildings.

It was most instrumental to learn that so many historic timber buildings in England owe their longevity to clay infill panels that quite often had a lime plaster overlaid on top, then were lime-washed to counter the wet weather. Clay has the important ability to absorb moisture away from the timber and then to release it back to the atmosphere again.

Breathable materials create a superb atmosphere to live in, as clay walls are constantly adjusting the moisture content and temperature of the rooms within a house. (Gernot Minke, in his superb book on earthen architectural techniques, discusses this feature and concludes that it is the best form of air conditioning we can have in the house.)

The use of straw clay infill systems and/or wattle and daub can also be used when we want to consider the pragmatic considerations as well as the aesthetic. Of course, none of this is new, and has been practiced since time immemorial. By combining these materials with timber framing, we can have the best of both worlds.

I will discuss the practicalities and basic techniques of:
- Wattle and daub
- Adobe or cob walling
- Renders and plasters - both clay based and lime
- Earth floors and/or lime ash floors
- Hand plastering of walls and ceilings - a new way of doing this that is so easy
The target audience is owner builders, commercial framers, and those looking for better ways to clad or infill timber frames. I will demonstrate the availability of alternatives to synthetic systems for walls and finishes and ideally I can inspire builders to look to more natural means of achieving this.

Ed Shure, Timmerhus: Aging is a Myth

WeIl, at least the concept that as we age, we necessarily become stiff, is a myth. It is almost universal to have chronically sore, painful muscles from our late 20s onward. Our systems respond to daily stress with specific muscular reflexes, which when habituated become impossible to voluntarily relax. This creates a state of stiffness known as sensory motor amnesia, and is what we mistakenly think of as growing older.

Ed will introduce you to the basics of training your core muscles, and the use good body mechanics on the job site. This workshop will be a dynamic experience: we will use floor exercises and tools of the trade in real life situations to learn how we can prevent injuries and preserve our bodies.

Randy Churchill, Macdonald & Lawrence: Show Timbers Inside and Out

A recent timber frame project by Macdonald & Lawrence TF (Vancouver Island), in conjunction with Brian Hemingway Architect and Bill Hustler Construction, presented many challenges to a tight, weather-proof envelope. The design concept leaned heavily upon 12" x 12" fir timbers that show inside and outside, falling into the west coast vernacular architecture if it were to be classified. Achieving the aesthetic objectives required a thorough understanding of potential envelope failure mechanisms, and therefore some novel solutions were required.

Large roof overhangs and proper landscaping eliminate much of the concern about degradation and water infiltration. But the General Contractor for a home in British Columbia, by law, warranties the home for ten years against failure or moisture ingress, and this requirement pushed us far into the science of building envelopes. Some of the specifications made by the architect and engineer were examined in detail with a mutually satisfactory solution resulting.

A rain barrier and seal against air movement are cornerstones of contemporary building practice, even if it challenges the longevity of building elements. Having timbers fully puncture the envelope works against these ideals, and endangers the timbers themselves. For this home the wood joinery was designed with a capillary break against driven flow and a neoprene foam gasket to prevent air flow. The envelope infill was either window units or stone facing backed up with stud walls. Both situations required a drainage option for driven moisture against the outside face, to prevent accumulation of moisture.

Active with the TFG since 1995, Randy Churchill has served as Project Manager and Instructor at numerous Guild events. From 1996 to 2005, he managed small timber framing shops in Vermont. In January 2006 he joined Macdonald & Lawrence TF as a Crew Leader.
Itinerant Timber Framers Forum
A panel of itinerant timber framers and representatives of shops that utilize itinerants will discuss issues that relate to the hiring and contracting of itinerants. The topics addressed will include; why hire itinerants, locating likely carpenters, skill sets, insurance, compensation, personalities and temperament and problem resolutions. Questions from the audience will be addressed during the breakout. This topic is often referred to in the Conference surveys and has been addressed before at conferences. A lively discussion of interest to many is guaranteed.

Robert Savignac and Higgs Murphy: Tech Talk II

Come share and learn from Robert and Higgs, journeymen log builders with 30+ years of experience in the industry.

Martin St-Jacques: Stretching Your Wood I: Scarf Joints on Round Log
Two different scarf joints -- a North American style and a more complex Japanese style splice -- laid out and cut on round log; two 90-minute sessions interspersed with some discussion about scarf joints in general. Martin St-Jacques and Martin Slager are the co-owners of John DeVries Log & Timber Homes Ltd, a company dedicated to the design and crafting of timber structures since 1976. Their operation, one with deep family roots, is based near the village of Tweed, in the rolling countryside of Hastings County, Ontario. The two craftsmen, with more than 40 years combined experience in the log home industry, lead a team of veteran log fitters and timber framers in the construction of Scandinavian Full Scribe, hewn dovetail, round-log post-and-beam, piece-en-piece, and traditional timber frame buildings.
Martin St-Jacques: Stretching Your Wood II

Other Events

Download the information for submissions.

Sunday, November 12

Featured Keynote Speaker

Rob Hadden, Castlemaine, Victoria, Australia: Fearless Timber Framing in Australia (Nobody told me it couldn't be done, so I just did it)

In the process of briefly telling the story behind the construction of three timber buildings on my current property in rural Australia, I will cover not only the techniques I have used, but also some of the broader issues faced, and my philosophy of building using many of the photos taken during their construction.

I am an Australian self taught owner builder who uses traditional English timber framing to construct small domestic scale buildings, affectionately dubbed 'domestic sculpture'. They are definitely not your usual mainstream timber frames! As Bill Keir has noted, most of what I build is done with little taught knowledge but with lots of determination. Jumping in where angels fear to tread sometimes keeps the adrenaline pumping, but at the same time it also produces some unexpected and extraordinary results.

I have a habit of always looking outside the square and rejecting the ordinary; that means I'm flying by the seat of my pants most of the time. It also means that I search out carpentry that is more unusual and that work with very strange bent bits of timber. Along the way I have developed a rapport with arborists, tree fellers and friends that look out for suitable timber for me to use. It helps that they know the sort of wood that I am after and don't preempt how I might use it.

There is so much to explore and so little time. Here are some points I will touch on:
- I am an owner builder and not a commercial one
- Owner building - the freedoms that entails, very limited funds, looking at the whole project not just the frame and the opportunity to change direction on a whim
- Self taught - apart from a cursory lesson in scribing by Steve Lawrence (ex Carpenter Oak in England) which was my 'formal training' I have devised most of my own ways of doing English face side carpentry - for better or worse!
- Working by myself and the issues that raises such as isolation, lack of information and local camaraderie, logistical problems such as moving heavy timbers around by myself
- Fine art background has given me the excuse to look at timber framing as 'domestic sculpture'
- Size is important - I build to a small domestic scale
- Wide range of donated timber to use. And some fantastic shapes as well which determine where and how they are used
- Earth architecture as a base for timber framing, e.g. following the tradition of the cob houses of Devon with jointed crucks and the Welsh vernacular tradition as well
- Milling of own timber, the collection and carting, the mills used
- Ability to build ultra sustainably, way above the norm
- Use of lime and natural materials
- Making materials myself because they are not available or too costly
- Learning a wide range of skills in order to have more input into the building process, for example, milling my own timber, bricklaying, lead lighting, lime and clay plasters.
There will be printed notes, favorite Websites and a short list of open air museums where one can see good timber work and book a list.

This presentation is aimed at the full range of builders, from first-time owner / builders to seasoned professionals who are looking for new ideas, directions, sources of inspiration and encouragement to get out there and have a go at something different. I anticipate the outcomes will be to demonstrate a wider range of options available outside mainstream U.S. timber framing and to present it in a manner that encourages people to have a go. It is about looking and really seeing something beyond what we are used to doing.

I would also like to acknowledge the encouragement from Bill Keir, Collin Beggs, Will Beemer and other TFG members who gave me input and suggestions and said I could do it!

links

Pre-Conference Workshops
Day-By-Day Description
Schedule in PDF Format
Registration Form
Register Online
General Description
Conference Ride & Room Board


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