post and beam timber frame

[Stephen Blair]

That's stunning, you are living the dream

[canoehead]

not exactly off of a plan, however, there's a book called 'build a classic timber framed house' by jack sobon. and that has been my most well loved and used guide. in essence i followed a lot of what he set down, up to the roof, which has been entirely my own devising, based on experience and research. there is an extension to be built at the back of the house, the roof of which i'm planning on seguing (sp.) into the main roof in what's known as a catslide.

 

i had a whole series of issues that wouldn't allow me to construct entirely in the way sobon sets out in his book. i scaled down the length of his design, and mine is as close to the golden section as i could get.

 

i couldn't get any plant on site to assist with lifting. my site was very tight for space, carved out of, and set into the mountain. i didn't have a team of helpers, willing or paid, i was on my own, which limited how i could construct. it had to be very modular, and couldn't happen in a barn raising way. it even meant pre-assembly checking was very awkward and at times hazardous, like inserting and removing the wall plates. scaffolding was minimal, mainly because i couldn't afford to buy more (there are no scaffolding hire companies here, or tool hire, or much of anything, except forest).

 

portugal is very third worldy. which is good and bad. bad in that very little is available, there's not much money floating about the mountains; but good in it means you have to become as self reliant as possible. if you can't make it you can't have it (unless you have loads of money of course) i don't. its very quiet, except for the sound of chainsaws, and occasional hammering, its like what i would imagine stepping back in time would be like, a lot of middle aged people here can't read or write, car ownership is not very high, rotorvators on the road here are more common, little old ladies still carry stuff on their heads. 5 euros and a tin of sardines is payment for felling trees (i kid you not).

 

'the waking reality' of living here (as my wife just pointed) out is somewhere between the dream and the nightmare.

[slack ma girdle]

That is beautiful, Im slightly jealous!

 

Ben

 

jealous, that is an understatement

[toprotter]

Thanks for sharing that is awe inspiring !

[sussexlad]

wow that looks amazing, what a location too. congrats on a beautiful house (so far!)

[harvey b davison]

Please, please keep us all posted, i believe most of us are seeing our dreams being turned into reality by you.

[canoehead]

just wanted to say thank you everyone for all the really positive things you have said. i really appreciate it. when you work closely with something big like a building its sometimes hard to see it for what it is. sometimes you either need to walk away for awhile, or get someone else's opinion. especially the opinion of people who understand what it is you are doing. i hope posting it here might share the inspiration. i know there are better woodsmen and carpenters out there, and i hope that some others might run with the idea.

[delabodge]

well done on your achievments so far,,what a lovely setting,,,wish more land was available in this country so we could all be more creative,,,

[Minotaur]

Canoehead

 

that is absolutely superb, and the fact that you have largely cut and milled the timber yourself makes it very, very special - good luck matew hope it all goes well.

Br sure to keep us informed.

[offgridchris]

wonderful stuff. i love your wifes quote "somewhere between the dream and a nightmare".

 

good luck with the rest of the build. when its finished and you are living in what youve built. it will give you the most amazing feeling day afater day.