The On the Road Heartwood Class 2026 came back to South Carolina in February. This year's frame was designed and built for the 2025 client!
Designed by Neil Godden, Heartwood's Executive Director, the 24' x 24' carport is a classic design. The timber frame features dropped tie beam king post trusses, flared posts, and a 7/12 pitch timber framed roof. Eastern white pine was chosen as the timber species. The ridge beam and plates were cut with a nice curve on the ends for added visual interest.
The tapered posts, also known as a jowled or gunstock post, are wider at the top. This design provides extra material at the top to house joinery. This type of construction was historically used by positioning large logs upside down. This allowed the natural flare of a tree base to create the top shoulder. The tapers on these posts were cut on our sawmill.
Cutting the frame in MoreSun's shop
Chiseling mortises
Pig roast thanks to Brian Phillips!
Instructors George Morrison, Kyle Murphy, and Emily Barkei taught the students layout and how to cut joinery using the traditional square rule method developed in the 1800s. Proper use of hand tools and power tools, tool maintenance, and safety were an important part of the course.
Heartwood Class 2026 on site
Truck and trailer loaded and off to site
Discussing how to stage the frame on the slab in the proper order for raising
Raising the first bent with a crane
First bent in place
Second bent is up
All three bents are raised
Bracing secures the bents during raising
Curved rafter tails
Ridge beam installed
Rafters going on the frame
Whetting bush signifies completion
Another successful Heartwood class!
