Timber Building Intensive — Foundation to Roof

Join instructors Jenna Pollard and Oso Steen for a 10-day immersive, hands-on experience in timber building, specializing in timber framing and dovetail log joinery. In this welcoming and inclusive learning environment, students will work together to construct a sauna (see design below) for Township10, an intimate artist residency nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains in Marshall, NC. Township10 is devoted to the care and support of artists and is deepening this commitment with the addition of a wood-fired sauna in the woods. This is the first activation of their “north” campus which is 32 acres of undisturbed forest and creeks.

The project will utilize locally sourced stone for the foundation and Eastern White Pine for the timber framed porch and dovetail log joinery of the walls. By the end of the course, participants will have learned the major steps in raising a small structure—from building a foundation to installing the roof. 

Students will gain experience with:

1. Foundation Skills: The sauna will sit on six carefully-placed boulders, elevating it above the ground to protect it from water damage and allow for air-flow underneath. This is a pier-style foundation utilizing local stone rather than concrete. Skills learned include:
   • Assessing the site
   • Installing a rubble trench
   • Placing and leveling boulders
2. Timber Frame Skills: The sauna will have a timber frame floor system (sill) and a timber frame porch. Skills learned include:
   • Mortise and tenon joinery
   • Square rule layout
   • Cutting joints with both traditional hand tools and modern power tools
   • Timber frame assembly, draw boring and raising
3. Dovetail Log Building Skills:
   • Laying out dovetail joints using a template
   • Cutting joints using hand and power tools
   • Assembling walls
4. Roofing Skills:
   • Cutting rafter seats
   • Installing rafters, roof decking, insulation and metal roofing

Please note that we will not be installing windows, doors, and interior furnishings as part of this class. When we wrap up the class, the sauna will be fully enclosed and ready for finishing.

Together, we will complete the structure’s foundation, flooring system, walls, and roof. This course emphasizes collaboration, individualized support, and community learning. While the work is physical, the atmosphere is supportive and adaptable. Students should be able to walk on uneven terrain and lift up to 40 pounds. 

Together, Jenna and Oso create a comprehensive, supportive, and joyful educational experience, committed to helping every student walk away with the skills and confidence they came to build.

All experience levels welcome.
All tools provided.