Wednesday 21 March 2012, 9.30am - 5pm

The course

The growing popularity of green oak and large softwood framing is encouraging a wider exploration of their possibilities.  But the image of the medieval frame which often colours designers’ thinking is often inappropriate for today’s buildings and some rethinking is needed, possibly using modern techniques to develop new structural forms.

The course will include:

  • The behaviour of both traditional timber frames and roof types, and the way these relate to traditional plan forms and methods of construction.
  • The limitations of these designs in relation to the forces that they have to carry and the behaviour of the timber,
  • The way in which 19th century designers often combined timber with iron, particularly in roof framing, and how these ideas have something to offer the modern designer,
  • How modern frames need to differ from traditional frames in terms of structural and environmental performance, compatibility with modern plans and building materials,
  • The ways in which overall design of frames and detailing of connections needs to take account of the framing process and the behaviour of the timber,
  • A discussion of the advantages of hybrid designs combining steel and timber,
  • A comparison of the behaviour of traditional and modern jointing methods in relation to the current code of practice,
  • A visit to the Winkhurst Tudor Kitchen extension, designed by one of the tutors, to illustrate the complexities in an apparently simple form.

The tutors

David Yeomans is an engineer and historian who has taught in schools of architecture and is a regular lecturer on the Timber Building Conservation MSc taught at the Museum.  As well as teaching and practicing as an engineer he has written extensively on the history and behaviour of timber structures.

Jim Blackburn is the founder and managing director of the Timber Frame Company and has been professionally involved in heavy structural timber framing for 15 years, both designing and managing the production of frames in oak, larch and Douglas fir.

Both have been involved in the conservation of historic timber structures and the design and construction of modern timber and hybrid frames. 

Participant information 

No special clothing equipment is required but please wear sturdy footwear and bring warm outdoor clothing. 

Fee

£99 per person, to include all tuition, teas, coffees and a light lunch.

The Museum

The Weald & Downland Open Air Museum has over 45 historic building exhibits.  It is also home to the award winning and innovative Downland Gridshell, which houses a conservation workshop and artefact store, and is also used for many practical courses.  The Museum runs a full programme of courses in historic building conservation and traditional rural trades and crafts, along with MSc programmes in Building Conservation and Timber Building Conservation. Please telephone for further details.

To book, download a form here.  Alternatively, fill in the booking request below.

Make a Booking Request

 
This is an initial booking request form, and does not guarantee a place on the course. The Adult Learning Team will check the availability of the course, and reply to you as soon as possible - usually within one working day.