Course content

In Norway, we have an extensive timber house culture with a local character where the oldest preserved houses are up to 900 years old in some areas of the country. Based on concrete examples of older traditional timber buildings, we will give an introduction to the working methods in the construction of timber houses.

The work starts in the forest where we get to know the forest, assess individual trees and the subject of the work to be done. Safe work with traditional felling with traditional travel and hauling of timber is reviewed. Further design of the subject for wall timbers, ridges, beams and tables with traditional working methods is a central part of the first part of the subject.

One point is that the students themselves should be allowed to continue working with the materials they have produced from the forest to the finished wall. Tool learning related to both felling and carpentry is included in various parts of the course.

Learning outcome

Knowledge

The candidate has knowledge of:

• forests, different growth areas in forests and how this affects the quality of wood historical logging technique and changes over time
• material extraction and manufacture of timber for different parts of log houses
• the principle of building different types of nover in carpentry construction
• principle in different types of log houses with joists and roof layers common traditional forms of foundation and foundation work for log houses
• ordinary skates used in log houses
• common historical types of log forms and nover in Norwegian carpentry
• traditional work technique in carpentry
• the historical development of traditional hand tools for logging and logging

Skills

• The candidate can: assess and remove forests and individual trees against specific material needs fell, twig and cut wood with traditional hand tools in a safe way take out timber and make workpieces for carpentry mark and chop at least one traditional type of nov with traditional hand tools

General competence

The candidate can:

• know and disseminate knowledge of key quality criteria for different types of wood
• material calculate volume, lengths and quantity of timber
• material in hay for construction projects
• sharpening ax and saw relevant for forestry work and carpentry
• shaft ax relevant for forestry work and carpentry
• describe the different parts of log houses and nover with traditional names

Learning methods and activities

Workshops with an introduction to the practical work of self-practice.

Exercises, excursions, fieldwork, seminars and lectures.

We alternate between group work and individual work with tasks.

The course is based on concentrated collections.

Active participation in the sessions with the following exercises is necessary to be able to complete the course.

Compulsory assignments

• Attendance
• Practical assignment
• Assignment

Further on evaluation

Semester assignment. In the event of absence, the assignment is delivered by a new deadline by agreement with the course supervisor.

Specific conditions

Recommended previous knowledge

Vocational training in construction crafts such as carpentry / joinery, or equivalent practice as a craftsman. Own experience with traditional carpentry is recommended, but not a requirement.

Required previous knowledge

No mandatory prerequisites.

Course materials

A bibliography with relevant literature is handed out on the course. Product produced by the student as part of exercises belongs to the institution unless otherwise agreed with the student.

Credit reductions