Conference Schedule: Presenters & Their Talks
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The following schedule is subject to change. Stay tuned here for updates as the Conference approaches.
Continuing Education Units for architects and engineers are available for many of the seminars. Contact our office for a specific listing, or you may pick it up at the Conference.
Tuesday, Oct. 28th
8:30 AM - 5:30 PM | Zimmererhandwerk Workshop |
Wednesday, Oct. 29th
8:30 AM - 5:30 PM | Zimmererhandwerk Workshop continues |
Thursday, Oct. 30th
8:30 AM - 5:30 PM
4:00 PM | Zimmererhandwerk Workshop continues
French Roof Framing Workshop
Cordwood Masonry Workshop
Building Buildings That Build Community
Main Conference Registration Open |
Friday, Oct. 31st
7:30-9:00 AM | Breakfast
Registration opens at 7:30 AM |
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8:30-10:00 AM | Dick Roosenberg, Tillers International
Preserving and Sharing Skills
In search for low-cost, productive skills that will power self-reliant rural development in far-flung regions of the world, Tillers takes a critical look at historical technologies. Timber-framing techniques are revitalized along with cartwrighting, ox training, blacksmithing, etc. Tillers has training facilities in Michigan and Minnesota along with partnerships with organizations in Africa and Latin America. In this presentation, Dick describes the fascinations of exchanging skills with the world's farmers and artisans. For most of the world, the demand for low-capital tools still controls the choice of technology.
Tillers designs and builds barns and outbuildings with largely traditional framing techniques. Dick's framing skills developed from teenage work in the family cabinet shop on the corner of his parent's farm. Later, several years working with West African farmers with Peace Corps and UN Food and Agriculture Organization showed the need for revitalizing and adapting historical skills for adaptive uses. He helped found Tillers 22 years ago to help meet that need. Learn how you can join the effort. |
Design & Business Track:
Natural Building Track: |
Doug Anderson, Winter Panel
Building Hybrids with SIPS
Doug Anderson has worked in the construction industry since 1972. He has been with Winter Panel for 10 years, and is Sales Manager. Doug will be talking about panels, and panels on timber frames with the focus on hybrids. Many timber frame companies stick frame the hybrid rather than use panels to complete the enclosure. Design techniques and details will be discussed and followed up with photographic examples.
Steve Chappell, Fox Maple
Community Building & Clay Infill |
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Break
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10:30-Noon | Patrick Hoffsummer, Univ. of Liege
Dendrochronologically Dating Timber Frames
The precise dating of the wood of frameworks, often to the year or half-year, has no meaning unless the results are integrated in a global approach of the archaeology of building and the historic context. Patrick Hoffsummer raises a certain number of questions on the subject of interpretation of the results of such analyses. It is already known that the wood was used green or nearly so. New examples show this clearly. Archaeological observation of the framework is fundamental in order to identify possible re-use of wood. For this task, the examination of assemblages and their marks is the most useful guide. Sometimes the complex evolution of a building can reach the transformation of the underpinning and the roof, left in place, is thus older than certain walls or facades. In general, the contribution of dendrochronology for the history of architecture is important where the method supports, confirms or clarifies the chronology developed by our predecessors. Sometimes it is the occasion to radically alter hypotheses, such as the date of the cathedral of Amiens or of Beauvais. We must, however, salute the competence of Henri Deneux who, with the means he had at his disposal, correctly identified the period of construction for the majority of his examples.
Norbert Senf, Masonry Stove Builders
Masonry Heaters
Masonry heaters have a long list of benefits, and some drawbacks. They can greatly reduce the greenhouse gas emissions of timber frame homes while providing superior comfort. Learn how to integrate them into your house designs.
Norbert Senf is a founding member of the Masonry Heater Association. For 25 years, he has been active in masonry heater research, design and construction. |
Design & Business Track:
Natural Building Track: | John Mumaw, Lost Bent
Woodworking & Design
Designing in the Trenches
John shares approaches to timber frame design from the many projects he has been involved with.
Rob Roy, Earthwood
Cordwood Masonry Construction
An overview of the cordwood technique presented in the Pre-Conference Workshop. |
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Lunch
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1:00-2:30 PM | Doug Reed, Preservation Associates, Inc.
The Development of the Frontier Cabin - The First Common Framing System in the Americas
When an immigrant got off a ship in 1638 or perhaps in 1710, what did he or she face? What shelter was available to them? When a pioneer pushed west in the 1720s and landed in Western Virginia or Pennsylvania, what did they build for their first house? By 1854 when the settlement rush was on for Kansas, what did the Eastern folks build in this foreign land of plains and prairies?
The quintessential "Log Cabin" is so much a part of the American building experience. Yet we know very little about the construction techniques actually used by those who first settled the new lands. For the past three decades Doug Reed has researched these and many other questions. While some answers remain evasive, the story of the first dwellings is beginning to come into sharper focus. Come join Doug as he explores how some of the earliest houses were framed.
Mike Classen, Classen's Crane Service
Working with Cranes
Mike will talk about what timber framers need to know about cranes, including equipment, slings, setup, safety and rigging. |
Design & Business Track:
Natural Building Track: | Margot Larson, Management Alternative
Improving Workplace Relationships
(Sponsored by the Timber Frame Business Council)
What every business leader should know about managing employees
Twelve practical approaches proven to achieve results
The presentation will cover the importance of hiring right, resolving conflict,
communication, approaches for managing and motivating employees, building
loyalty and employee retention.
Margot Larson has proven skills in diagnosing business and human resource
management problems, identifying alternatives and solutions and bringing about
positive change. She coaches business leaders in ways to enhance internal communication as a tool for success. She helps clients focus on matching the right talent to the job. With some twenty years experience in corporate management and consulting, Margot's diverse client list includes health care, publishing, broadcasting, manufacturing, and service, insurance and non-profit. Margot Larson is the founder and principal of Management Alternative, LLC, a
consulting practice providing a full-range of human resource services,
management development as well as career and lifestyle coaching. Prior to
founding Management Alternative, LLC in 1990, she held a Senior HR position in
the printing and publishing industry.
Paula Laporte, Econest Building Co.
Building for Health - Naturally
An overview of natural finishes and techniques to complete the interior and exterior of a healthy home.
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Break
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3:00-4:30 PM | Mark Surnoskie, Timberwolftree
Due Diligence and Site Safety
TF Guild Membership Meeting |
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Natural Building Track: | Robert Laporte, Econest Building Co.
Straw/Clay Wraps for Timber Frames
Robert will speak about his holistic approach to designing and building using natural materials and incorporating owner and workshop participation in the building process.
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4:30-6:00 PM | Trade Show Reception
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6:00-7:30 PM | Dinner
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8:00-11:00 PM | TFG Benefit Auction
(sponsored by Mafell North America)
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Saturday, Nov. 1st
7:30-9:00 AM | Breakfast
Registration opens at 7:30 AM
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8:30-10:00 AM | Lynn Courtenay, Univ. of Wisconsin
Charpente Lambrisse
Since the interaction between masonry and carpentry is so critical in medieval architecture, Lynn intends to present a general overview of the situation in Medieval France, that is, how carpenters responded to masonry vaults as a structural and aesthetic form. The advent of vaulting in the 12th century had profound implications since the charpente became hidden above vaults. Thus roofs above vaults became the major area in which technological developments occurred in European roof carpentry. Roofs above vaults are also the area on which major research has focused.
The continental picture is rather different from England where open roofs had a spectacular development in addition to those above stone vaults. In France and Belgium, however, a popular alternative to an open-timber roof, ceiling, or a stone vault was a paneled timber vault (the so-called charpente lambrisse). While this form has been termed a kind of "poor man's vault" viewed from the traditional bias toward masonry construction, Lynn's current research suggests that the charpente lambrisse had particular merit in contexts where it was ubiquitously used as in domestic halls, refectories, and infirmaries. Thus, charpente lambrise construction provides a convenient point of departure to look more generally at the interactions between masons and carpenters as designers, craftsmen, and structural engineers.
Lynn's approach will provide a good base and point of departure for Patrick Hoffsummer (our keynote speaker), who will focus on the major developments as seen in the timber framing of roofs above vaults and the exciting new information on major French cathedrals.
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Design & Business Track:
Natural Building Track: | Margot Larson, Management
Alternative, Open Forum:
Troubleshooting Workplace Relationships
(sponsored by the Timber Frame Business Council)
Patti Southard, Environmental Home
Center,
Success with Sustainable Wood
The workshop will focus on procurement of wood from alternative regional resources, examining what programs exist outside certification criteria's. A case study of the "Healthy Forest Healthy Communities" program of Oregon will be used as an example. The workshop will also review the "Meridian Study" and compare the contrast between the two major forest certification schemes, US Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) and the Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI). The two programs will be assessed to aid the design community and consumers in making informed decisions when specifying and purchasing "certified" or sustainably harvested wood. Topics of discussion will include: market labels, forestry management practices, ecological impact, harvesting methods, tracking a forest product from the forest to its final point of sale, availability and cost of products, and how certified wood fits into LEED and NAHB "Green" building certification.
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Break |
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10:30 AM-Noon | Dr. Joseph Pelino, Soft Tissue Institute
Active Release Techniques
Boris Noël, SARL Valentin
Ways of the Compagnon
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Design & Business Track:
Natural Building Track: | Jim DeStefano, DeStefano Associates
Timber Frame Joinery from a Structural
Engineer's Perspective
Michel Bergeron, Archibio
Straw Bale Construction, Living Roofs and
Timber Frames
Michael will discuss timber frames and various ways of infilling walls with straw bales. Also: detailing for harmony of function and performance of the two
systems together, with insights on living roofs, basics, advantages and
requirements on supporting structures.
Michel studied architecture at School of Architecture of Universite de Montreal, from 1967 to 1970. He graduated as an industrial designer in 1972. After a few years working for various architectural firms, he became an owner-builder in 1979, and afterwards pursued intensive research in eco-housing, exploring many innovative on-site experiences, which led him to become a professional consultant in this field. Since then, he has worked on numerous projects in Quebec, the U.S., developing a personal expertise with owner-builders but also focusing on raising alternative ecological techniques to the level of mainstream construction. He has lectured and led workshops in Quebec, United States, Central America, France and Belgium.
After participating to the renewal of cordwood building, in the late seventies, Michel's work has focused on strawbale construction, with many innovative contributions including the unique Straw-bale Concrete Slab, a technique of form-worked strawbale concrete stem walls, etc. He was also personally responsible for the design of a simple easy-to-build composting toilet for owner-builders! He wrote Maisons Originales Auto-construites du Quebec ["Owner-Built Homes of Quebec"], in 1989 and co-authored Serious Straw Bale with Paul Lacinski, published by Chelsea Green Publishing of White River Junction, Vermont, in December 2000.
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Lunch
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1:00-2:30 PM | Slide Show Rehearsal
Curtis Milton, Monolithic Building Systems
Real Time Problem Solving
Alfredo Rico, Northern Timberhouse
Montebello Tour
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Design & Business Track:
| Charles Bevier, Building Systems
Magazine
Why Aren't You Famous Yet?
You and your timber frame business could be six months from now with
these public relations strategies. Charles Bevier, editor of Building
Systems Magazine, will give you lessons learned from nearly two decades
as a journalist. Cost effective ways to create a cutting edge media kit
to attract the interest of broadcasters, print media or radio; 10 story
angles you‚ll ever need to earn coverage; 11 tips to make an interview
go smoothly, and strategies to make this exposure work for you for years
to come will be detailed.
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| Natural Building Track: | Natural Building Forum
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Break | |
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3:00-6:00 PM |
Book Signing by Forum members
Slide Show
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6:00-7:30 PM | Dinner (sponsored by Home Buyers
Publications/Timber Frame Homes Magazine)
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8:00-12:00 PM | Dance with fabulous Quebeçois band
DOMINO
(sponsored by Riverbend/Insulspan)
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Sunday, Nov. 2nd
7:30-9:00 AM | Breakfast
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8:30-10:00 AM | Dave Gauthier, Winter Panel
Applying Finish Materials to SIP
Rick Collins, Trillium Dell Timberworks
Identifying Wood
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Design & Business Track: | John MacFarland, Tohickon Timber
Frames
The Old Way of Building - Healthy Homes for the 21st Century
The talk will discuss the "WHY" of timber framing, the meaning of craft,
and how the design considerations of the past can help us create healthy homes
and buildings for the future.
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Break
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10:30 AM - Noon
KEYNOTE: | Patrick Hoffsummer, Univ. of Liege, Belgium
The Evolution of Timber Roofs
Patrick Hoffsummer evokes the different stages of woodworking from transport to framework assembly. The examination of the roofs themselves is important, as is shown by the collection of numerous perspectives of assemblages or the systematic noting of carpentry marks, a more recent approach. Assembly marks are rudimentary prior to around 1220, a period from which the use of Roman numerals and signs distinguishing the left and right sides of the roof began to be widely adopted. The numbering of trusses can be unique (and continuous) or several series can be superimposed as a function of the alternation between principal and secondary trusses.
Patrick traces the evolution in the manner of constructing a roof over eight centuries. The basic approach is to reunite certain information: partial transversal and longitudinal cuts compared at the same scale, classified by structural similarities. Certain tendencies are revealed.
- The 13th century was the most productive in terms of inventions permitting the resolution of problems of stability of large roofs.
- Subsequent periods, up to the appearance of metal or concrete frameworks, inspired "gothic" solutions.
- The frameworks of modern times is marked by the need to economize worked wood (wood pieces less numerous and shorter).
- North of the Loire and in Belgium, certain regional trends are revealed: on the side of the Moselle and the Rhine, the use of resinous woods generates certain types of frameworks which differ from those in oak, which is used everywhere else; the Ile de France is fairly loyal to the use of long rafters in the trusses, espousing the contour of the equilateral triangle; the North (more or less Belgium today), although presenting similar cases to the Ile de France, is contaminated by the Germanic influence, that is to say, by the use of heavy porticos at the base of the truss (base crucks).
Observation of assemblages between the purlins and the fermes permits the identification of similar geographic areas.
- Finally, there does not exist distinct "religious," "civil" or "rural" types of frameworks. All types are found within these architectural categories and are more linked to problems of structural models or quality of available wood, and therefore to cost.
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Closing Remarks
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