Join Us for a Hands-On Japanese Timber Frame Workshop
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 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: 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.