Filed under: October 2015 | Tags: amazing, Craftsmanship, home building, imperfections, Joinery, Timber Framing, Trees
David and Margaret’s House going up
October 10,2015
Yesterday, I spent the day watching and helping, as my friend’s David and Margaret’s Timber Framed house was raised. I have seen many things in my life so far, but this experience was a stand out. It will remain in my memory forever. David is a timber framer. He finally got the time and “where-with-all”, to build his family’s home. He selected each tree and each branch, that would become his home.
David and Margaret purchased their land with the same goals in mind. They would become stewards of the forest and guardians of the trees. Yes, they would harvest them, but only when the trees are biologically mature. In other words, they would only harvest the dead and dying ones. Once those trees were selected, they would be utilized to the utmost. From lumber to firewood, the entire tree would be used.
David has been perfecting his craft for twenty years or so. He is an artist who can see great beauty in the standing tree or the fallen log. The wood almost speaks to him as he fashions mortise and tenon joints. The craftsmanship is remarkable. David selects crooked and curved logs that other’s would discard. In those misfits he finds beauty like no other. The character in those logs are like the inner beauty of a person, A person who has been beaten down, but survived life’s hard knocks and finds good, in every breath they take.
The curved wood, when cut into slabs of lumber reveal grain and color that is breathtaking. A curly cherry arch forms the doorway of the homes main entrance. The highlights of the home are curved cherry archways that hold the home’s ridge. They rise up in one area from the first floor, all the way to the second story ceiling. The beauty of the wood and the perfect joinery is a sight to behold. It is a classic case where form is functional. David’s workmanship is as fine as cabinetry, like the beauty found on old ships. His attention to detail is astounding.
beautiful
There were many pieces that had to be joined. Only a few were assembled in the shop before the build yesterday. I stood in amazement as each piece fit into place with it’s corresponding mate, one after the other. Each joint fit like a hand in a glove. I only saw two adjustments made, and those were made with a plane and a chisel. The small amount of wood removed were merely chips and sawdust. My hat is off to David Yasenchack and his family for a wonderful day of fun, food and amazement. You can see more pictures of David’s work by checking out his website. WWW.dytimberframing.com
Twelve hours of work.
The last touch is to nail a green tree branch to the top of the structure. It shows respect to the trees that made the whole work possible. I found it to be fitting touch to end an awesome day.
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RicelandMeadows 
Completely in awe, simply amazing
Comment by Charlie October 12, 2015 @ 8:33 pmIt sure was amazing and very fun to watch.
Comment by ricelandmeadows October 13, 2015 @ 8:04 amAwesome Ralph! So glad you shared this! His work is amazing and a true inspiration. A living work of art!
Comment by Jacklyn October 13, 2015 @ 11:53 amHe is a master craftsman. If you get time, spend a little of it looking at his gallery on his website. http://Www.dytimberframing.com
Comment by ricelandmeadows October 14, 2015 @ 9:08 amThat was an awesome day!