Immerse yourself in the art and craft of traditional Japanese timber framing through a full-scale, real-world project: constructing and raising a timber frame enclosure for a Japanese blacksmith forge. This workshop offers a rare opportunity to not only learn but also do, gaining practical experience with layout, joinery, and team assembly from start to finish.
What You’ll Learn
- The design philosophy and layout principles behind Japanese timber frame construction
- How to read and mark layout lines with traditional terminology
- Selection, preparation, and handling of quality timbers
- Cutting joinery using both Japanese hand tools and power tools
- Team assembly, raising, squaring, and adjusting structural members
- Optional hand plane finishing and installation of a roofing system
This isn’t just a set of isolated skills—it’s an integrated, contextual learning experience. As you rotate through cutting, fitting, finishing, and assembling joints, you’ll gain a comprehensive understanding of how each part contributes to the whole.
Workshop Experience
Each day begins with a shared breakfast and a morning instruction and demonstration session, followed by hands-on work, lunch, and more practical training in the afternoon. Evenings conclude with a communal dinner and group discussion. The workshop culminates in the exciting raising of the frame, followed by a celebratory gathering to honor our collective accomplishment.
What’s Included
- All Meals: Enjoy breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily, served family-style or catered, plus a special celebration dinner on the final day.
- Plans and Models: You will receive a full set of shop drawings and CAD files for your personal use during and after the workshop.
Whether you’re a beginner or a skilled woodworker looking to deepen your craft, this immersive experience will ground your knowledge in tradition, technique, and community.
