Timber frames

        This page shows several of more than half a dozen timber frame buildings I've completed. All of them use traditional mortise and tenon joinery. These frames have a unique look and robust construction which can also be incorporated into stick framed houses or exterior embellishments.
        The following 8 photos are of a frame designed by Jack Sobon, architect, and built by the former Bald Mountain Housewrights, George Nolan, owner. My role included print reading, joinery layout and cutting, and helping to assemble and raise the frame.
        The floor plan has multiple levels that include many different-feeling living spaces.
        It is a fairly complex frame of red oak, and loaded with elaborate joinery that is centuries old. It was a big undertaking, and really a beautiful piece of work. Wish I had better photographs.
       

We cut the frame in Leverett, and raised it in Hubbardston. Left to right in this picture: Stuart Olson, George Nolan, Ernie LaFleur and Sean Fellows.

Ernie checks a mortise for depth and square.

We raised the frame during several bitter cold January days.

      




This following barn/garage is a utilitarian frame of hemlock. I cut and assembled all the timbers myself, and four friends helped me raise it. Thanks to Bill Montiglio, Alan Emond, Brandon Grover and Andy Cole.

      The two photos below are of the pavilion on top of Mount Tom. I cut all the joinery and raised the frame and roof as a subcontractor for Renaissance Builders. The photos were taken in 2012, roughly 13 years after the building was erected.