Traditional ‘Grindbygg’ (trestle frame) construction

Join us for a 6-day practical course taught by Norwegian Timber Framer, Richard Andersen.

Using mainly hand tools we will construct a traditional Norwegian ‘Grindbygg’ (trestle frame) with the aim that participants should be able to replicate one at home after the course. We will cover basic tool use, basic structural theory of timber framing, and how to raise a building by hand.

On this course we will focus on roundwood timber which makes it ideal for intermediate woodworkers. If you have little or no experience in woodwork we recommend the June course which will work with square beams.

ABOUT THE COURSE
The course is 6 days long, 7 hours per day, and includes a communal dinner each day. It is intended for folks with previous woodworking or timber framing experience (see below for guidance). The teaching is hands on, tailored to individual needs. We also promote the concept of ‘popular education’ where each participant’s prior experience and skills (in any field) is welcomed to be shared along the way. The learning outcomes for this course are:

• Participants will be able to confidently identify and name basic timber framing components, as well as select appropriate materials for each

• Participants will be more confident and competent in the use of basic woodworking tools such as the chisel, axe, saw, chalk line, spirit level, and others.

• Participants with some prior knowledge and experience will also be able to complete their own grindbygg project upon competition of the course.

Llanbrynmair, Powys, Wales

ABOUT RICHARD ANDERSEN
Richard hails from the south west coast of Norway where the grindbygg emerged as a building system at least 1,000 years ago. He has worked with both traditional and roundwood timber framing in the UK and spent 2 years in Norway learning log cabin building as well as the grindbygg system from traditional builders. He is a passionate believer in popular education, ie. that everyone is always both a learner and a teacher and has something to offer in every context. Richard also works with other natural materials such as clay, straw and lime, but wood is his primary material. He is also promotes cultural exchange between Norway and the UK, mixing different vernaculars from each of his two homelands.

WHO IS THIS COURSE FOR?

The course will cover basic tool use but is primarily aimed at people who have some prior knowledge of woodwork. You don't need to be an expert or a professional. The pace of learning will be based on the assumption that people have at least a basic understanding of how to use a saw and a chisel to produce a flat surface on a piece of wood. You will be expected to know how to use a spirit level, tape measure and pencil to mark your wood before cutting it. Experience in axe work is also very useful but not a prerequisite, as we will be covering this on the course. If you have very little experience with woodworking tools we also run a timber framing course for complete beginners, where basic tool use is given more time.

PRICING

We endeavour to make our courses and events affordable to all. We have a limited number of subsidised places available on every course and a rate for participants being sponsored through their work or higher earners. Subsidised places are limited and are intended for those who truly cannot afford the standard rate. We don't ask for any proof, but ask that you use your judgement when purchasing.

£795 - Sponsored / income over 30k rate

£695 - Individual rate

£455 - Subsidised rate (Limited Availability)

See full Terms and Conditions here.

GETTING TO SITE + ACCESS
Nearest train station is Machynlleth and local bus service X85 departs from the train station to Llanbrynmair. There is parking on-site and if we are over-subscribed with vehicles (rare) there is overflow parking in the village. We will also endeavour to either pick up from the station or bus stop if needed and/or facilitate car sharing where possible.

Practical courses take place on construction sites, which often means participants will be walking on rough terrain or through spaces which pose accessibility issues. Those with reduced mobility or in wheelchairs should reach out to us for more information regarding the accessibility of the specific course site you'd like to join, and we can assess the options together.

ACCOMMODATION
There is on-site camping available free of charge.

WHAT TO BRING

BOOKING:

There are limited places on this course, and booking is essential. Please use the button below to pay and secure your place. Please note that for insurance reasons, all participants must be 16 or over. We look forward to meeting you on site, but if you have any questions ahead of attending, please email hello@schoolofnaturalbuilding.co.uk.