This course is only for people who have previously done our traditional timber frame course. It focuses mainly on the roof trusses and purlins and exploring some more advanced techniques. There are often some extra elements involved, which are dependant on the design of the building being used for the course, and sometimes the experience of the students as well. Please do not hesitate to drop us a line if you would like to discuss these.
For Students doing both courses, the 'traditional timber frame' and the 'advanced' course, there is a 10% discount.
If you are planning to do both courses, it can be really helpful to do them in the same year while the information is fresh - as the marking system taught on the 'traditional framing' course applies to roof structures as well.
What's included in the price?
As usual all the meals will be provided with Mary's amazing food.
Camping available in the woods and all tools provided where necessary.
Before I went on the course initially I thought I should offer to cook in my email to Alan & Mary that way at least I would get two good meals during the 14 days I was to be there. When I got a non commital reply I thought oh well never mind it will be good to lose a bit of weight, cupasoup and pot noodles aren't so bad. What a pleasant surprise when Mary's cooking turned out to be excellent. Both the beginner and advanced courses were extremely good, Alan is super talented and what you get is a rare beautiful skill set. Most people would throw away into the fire twisted lumps of wood but he takes delight and pleasure in their natural shape and I found I began to see that too. The whole family's work ethic and how his kids are was unusual.
After attending the first course back in May I couldn't wait to get back to the woods for the advanced course. This part of the course concentrates on the trickier roof elements of the frame, and we were let loose on the trusses of what will become a pretty special glamping cabin for a local farmer, one wall frame of which had been created by the students on another introductory course the previous week.
Alan had designed this cabin with a variety of features to cover different aspects of framing and scribing techniques, from a cruck truss lofted from a string template set out on the ground below, to the middle interrupted tie beam - scissor brace truss, finished off with a king post truss at the other end. Talk about being dropped in at the deep end - but with Alan and Connor's tuition and guidance by the end of the week we had created some truly stunning trusses!
Alan clearly has a passion for his work, and for passing on his extensive knowledge in a friendly and simple way. For anyone interested in traditional timber buildings I cannot recommend this course highly enough - a thoroughly enjoyable and informative week, topped off with Mary's delicious (and copious) food!
I've fallen in love with the woods. The course gave me a bit of a shock out of the way I live my life, though direction toward new horizons. I wish I were more of a woodland critter than a city dwelling cretin. Really was incredibly sad to leave which just goes to show the impact of the whole experience. Working with real wood, appreciating it's properties, the way of the forest, the final product, Alan's immense knowledge, Connor's zazz for life, Mary's atomic cooking, Sid's chilledness and chats, music and life all around. Feel very honoured to have had such an opportunity to do something so awesome. Couldn't recommend it highly enough.
Back to the woods for the advanced timber framing course and was again blown away by how hospitable Alan and the family are and enjoyed the week immensely!
The main problem was that the week seemed to be over in a blink.
Going back again before the year is out. If the courses keep running, ill keep going!
I did the two week course with Alan in July. I learnt lots, laughed loads and put on half a stone with Mary's superb cooking. If I can afford it I'll be back next year for a refresher. All the others on the course were great too which made it an experience I'll not forget.
Fantastic experience. I did two weeks with Alan and enjoyed every minute. Alan's teaching style is superb. He makes everyone feel capable and at ease, he manages to divide his time so everyone feels that they are getting personal attention when they need it. The location is beautiful and the food was the best I have ever had, all home cooked and in huge quantities. Thanks Mary! The other people on the course were a pleasure to spend time learning with.
I would highly recommend this course to anyone with an interest in wood or in how to teach others regardless of subject.
Wow, what a fantastic course I really enjoyed every minute learning about the history of traditional timber framing and getting to grips with and understanding how to deal with the irregular sizes and shape of the oak, whilst constructing a fantastic project with a team of very friendly down to earth people.
I would highly recommend this course to anyone interested in traditional timber framing whether an experienced carpenter or novice.
Alan and his team are very skilled in teaching to all levels, and the course runs at a pace to suit the needs of the individual.
Great experience cheers Alan!!
Oh, and by the way the catering arrangements are the best, unbelievably nice food,
Thanks Mary.
5
Lee Todd, Carpentry & Joinery Lecturer at Lakes College West Cumbria -
I have done two courses with Alan & Co at Hewnwood, the standard course and the advanced course, I also helped raise the frame from the first course, which was an excellent experience.
I arrived pretty green with regards to working with wood, having never used a chisel before. You really learn a lot with regards to oak wood timber framing, the technical aspects of setting out irregular wood, the various joints etc. The teaching is excellent from Alan, Connor and John, they never tire of all my questions! It is a great environment to learn in and you learn fast, the days are full and my brain certainly got a good work out on both courses! The courses were really inspiring for me, I really enjoy all aspects and hope to take the things I have learnt forward.
I camped in the woods with a few others, we had fires in the evening and games, such as axe throwing and slack line walking, a few ales and some good live music from Alan and others.
The food is exceptional from Mary, unbeatable home cooking. I come away wanting to be a better cook.
Excellent course that covers the understanding of structure, the material and construction process of traditonal timber framed buildings. Brilliant tutelage from Alan, Connor and John, with fantastic food from Mary. Excellent!!!!!
