Participants will each work on their own timber post-to-stone connection, learning the traditional process of preparing timber, reading the surface of stone, and accurately scribing the two materials together by hand. Using traditional hand tools throughout the course, students will shape and refine their work to achieve a precise bearing surface and secure joinery connection. Emphasis is placed on patience, careful observation, and understanding the subtle relationship between timber and stone — skills that have been essential to traditional timber framing and Japanese carpentry for centuries.

No previous experience is required, and the course is open to participants aged 16 and over. Each day runs from 6:45am to 4:00pm, allowing plenty of time for focused hands-on work and instruction. Morning tea and lunch are not provided, though a self-serve tea and coffee station will be available throughout the day. Onsite camping is included in the course price for those wishing to stay on the property and fully immerse themselves in the experience.

What you’ll get:

• Hands-on instruction from experienced traditional framers

• Hand-tool-only layout, cutting, and joinery techniques

• Guidance from experienced traditional builders

• A supportive learning environment focused on accuracy, safety, and craft

• A copy of the heartwood fundamentals workbook.

• Free onsite camping with access to toilets

Disclaimers:

• This payment is the full course participation fee

• The payment may be transferred to another person if you are unable to attend.

• Food is not included in this price, participants must bring lunch each day.

• Participants are expected to attend all scheduled hours of the workshop.

• Woodworking involves inherent risks; all participants must follow safety instructions and may be required to sign an Assumption of Risk Waiver.

• Heartwood Traditional Building reserves the right to update or modify course content as needed to provide the best learning experience.

  
  Attendance Terms & Payment Policy

  Attendance Policy

  Students are required to attend all scheduled hours of the workshop.

  • Late arrivals or early departures will not be eligible for make-up classes or extensions.

  • Students who miss any portion of the workshop must catch up on their own time without

  disrupting other participants.

  Refund & Cancellation Policy

  • The deposit is non-refundable, but may be transferred to another person.

  • If you cancel more than 2 weeks before the course start date, 50% of the fee will be

  refunded only if your spot can be filled.

  • Cancellations made within 2 weeks of the course start date are non-refundable.

  Conduct & Participation Expectations

  Participants are expected to:

  • Treat instructors and fellow participants with respect at all times.

  • Handle all tools—many of which are razor sharp—with care and respect.

  • Follow all workmanship, safety standards, and instructions provided by the instructors.

  Assumption of Risk

  Participants acknowledge that woodworking involves inherent risks.

  • An Assumption of Risk Waiver must be read and signed upon payment of the deposit.

  • Participants must provide emergency contact information.

  • Participants may be asked to give consent for photo/video use for documentation or

  promotional purposes.

  Agreement

  By paying the deposit, you confirm that you have read, understood, and agree to the Attendance &

  Payment Policy.