Traditional ‘Grindbygg’ (trestle frame) Construction

Llanbrynmair, Powys, Wales

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 tool use, structural theory of timber framing, and how to raise a building by hand.

ABOUT THE COURSE:

This course will be in square wood and cater for both beginners and more experienced woodworkers. If you are interested in roundwood Richard will also demonstrate and explain this method.

Teaching is hands-on, tailored to individual needs, promoting the concept of ‘popular education’ where each participant’s prior experience and skills (in any field) is welcomed and 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.

We pride ourselves on creating inclusive and welcoming build sites, open to all! Our courses welcome folk of all building abilities, whether you're a total beginner or an experienced craftsperson.


What's included? Our courses include tuition, all materials, tools and equipment, and daily refreshments (bring your own packed lunch). This course will also include camping and access to outdoor cooking facilities.

ABOUT THE TRAINER:

Richard hails from Norway’s south-west coast, 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 craftspeople.

Passionate about popular education, he believes everyone is both a learner and a teacher and actively promotes cultural exchange between Norway and the UK, mixing the vernaculars from each of his homelands.

BOOKING:
We aim to keep our courses accessible and offer a limited number of subsidised places for those truly unable to afford the standard rate. We trust participants to use their judgement when selecting this option. Places are limited and we encourage early booking via the button below.

£795- Solidarity / income over 30k rate

£695 - Standard rate

£455 - Subsidised rate

See full Terms and Conditions here. Please note that for insurance reasons, all participants must be 16 or over.

ACCESS: We welcome participants of all physical abilities and neurotypes, and aim to make our courses as accessible and inclusive as possible. As course sites and learning environments vary, we encourage anyone with specific access needs or requirements to get in touch so we can discuss how best to support your participation.

ACCOMMODATION: 
This course includes camping and access to outdoor cooking facilities. Please come prepared for the duration of your stay, due to the courses remote location. You will need your own breakfast and lunch items.There will be a couple of sign-up slots for showers each evening. We ask that course participants make use of the compost loo in the field whenever possible. If you have mobility issues please let us know. 


WHAT TO BRING: 

Tools
Mandatory: Chisel, mallet, paper & pencil, tape measure, sharp knife (e.g stanley)
Recommended: Lump hammer and claw hammer, Hand saw, Axe or bill hook, Sharpening tools
Useful: Spirit level, Chalk line, Carpenters axe, Framing square

Clothes & PPE
You must wearstout work boots, steel toe-caps if possible and work clothes to keep you warm and dry (ideally long sleeved & trousers). You will need a hat, suncream, waterproofs and work gloves. 

Other items
Water bottle, tent, sleeping mat, sleeping bag,toiletries, breakfast & lunch 

TRANSPORTATION:
The School of Natural Building recognises the urgency of the climate crisis, and our work supports a low-carbon future rooted in closer connection with the earth, our ecosystems and each other. We encourage participants to travel by public or shared transport where possible. Before the course, we’ll connect participants via WhatsApp to help coordinate ride-sharing and accommodation.

The School of Natural Building is a not-for-profit BenCom established for community benefit and receives no external funding. We price our courses as fairly as possible to support accessibility and representation in the building industry.

For course questions and enquiries please contact us on hello@schoolofnaturalbuilding.co.uk