During this three-week course in Steubenville, OH, students will learn the basics of timber framing, follow the instructor in crafting a new build, and attend lectures on the theology of work.
Why Timber Framing?
From homes, barns, and windmills to the medieval stave churches of Norway and the roof of Notre Dame, every wooden building constructed prior to the industrial age was timber framed with hand tools.
Timber framing is a traditional building technique that employs mortise-and-tenon joinery fastened with wooden pins instead of metal nails and screws. Recognized for both its strength and beauty, it requires patience, craftsmanship, and a community to build. These pillars are reflected in Christian living, and the practice of building together and learning together form a unique synthesis of the head and the hands.
Through timber framing, we empower students to become craftsmen.
Course Outline
Our curriculum is designed to unite the head and the hands by instructing our students in both traditional building methods and the Catholic intellectual tradition.
Week one: Understanding the Whole. Students will learn the history of timber framing and its benefits; safety and the basics of tool usage, with a focus on hand tools; and begin learning how to lay out timbers and cut joinery using square rule.
Week two: Design and Joinery. Students will be introduced to different timber framing solutions and when to use them. In this week they will begin construction on structures—a timber framed gazebo or shed.
Week three: Final Construction. Instructors will lead students in final preparations and assembly of the timber framed structure.
What Will We Be Building?
During the three weeks, our instructor will guide students in building a 12x16 poustinia. A poustinia is a small cabin designed for spiritual retreats.
The word “poustinia” literally means “desert” in Russian. Stemming from Christ’s command to his apostles, “Come away to some deserted place all by yourselves and rest for a while,” the popular practice of silent retreats was born (Mk 6:31). Catherine Doherty, an Orthodox convert to Catholicism, popularized this practice in the west during the 20th century.
We will be using Will Beemer’s designs from his superb book, Learn to Timber Frame. We will provide copies of this to all students.
Dates
This course is offered three times during the 2023-2024 year.
June 10–28, 2024
July 15–Aug 2, 2024
The Fine Print
Price: The three week course costs $2,500.00 which includes training, tools, and lectures.
Limited free housing is available upon request. (Housing requests are part of the registration process).
Students will be scheduled Monday through Friday each week. Weekends are free.
Timber framing classes will take place at the Steubenville Workshop (157 N 3rd Street).
Theology of Work classes will be at 422 Washington St.
Because slots are limited, any cancellations more than 48 hours after registering will only be eligible for a 50% refund.
Lead Instructors
Timber Framing Instructor
Adam Robezzoli
Adam graduated from Franciscan University of Steubenville in 2005 and became a successful video game producer—publishing games such as Samurai Gunn 2. Seeking to develop a trade he could pass on to his sons, he left California and became a timber framer in Steubenville, OH. He and his wife have their fourth child on the way.
Instructor for Theology of Work
Jacob Imam
Jacob, a 2016 Marshall Scholar, received his doctorate from the University of Oxford in Philosophical Theology. He serves as the executive director of New Polity and lives in Steubenville with his wife, Alice, and boys Blaise and Leo.