GRINDBYGG - NORWEGIAN STYLE TIMBER FRAMING

Build a Norwegian Grindbygg!

August 31 through September 6, 2025 (7 days)

The Norwegian Grindbygg Timber Frame

Grindbygg is one of more than twenty distinct timber frame styles in Norway. From the late 1400s until the early 20th century, the majority of barns, boathouses and other out-buildings in the southwestern coastal areas of Norway were grindbygg frames. The basic form is similar to many European and American timber frames: posts connected by tie beams and topped by wall plates supporting common rafters. Yet there are few mortises or tenons. The defining feature is the necked tying joint where the post, tie beam and plate come together. The series of slots, laps and notches are held tightly together by the force of gravity on the roof. All the bracing is lapped into the sides of the timbers. Braces can be straight but natural curves and root knees are also common. During this course we will construct a grindbygg with a focus on traditional work sequence, tools and techniques. We will begin by hand hewing many of the timbers. Joinery layout is a mix of scribe and template techniques. While most early grindbygg were cut with only an ax and a drill, we will also be using saws and chisels. The course will culminate with a hand raising of the frame.

Instructors:

Peter Henrikson and Neil Godden (see INSTRUCTORS page for instructor bios ).