Advanced Timber Framing: Joinery, Design & Construction of Timber Frame Roof Systems by Steve K. Chappell

Description

Drawn from over 35 years of experience building and teaching advanced timber framing, this book combines both the nuance you would expect, and also a broad overview of the history of compound timber frame joinery. The work is divided into two parts, Book One: Design & History, and Book Two: Geometry & Joinery Systems.

Book One begins with a chapter titled, The Elements of Design. In this section, Chappell draws parallels between the significance of proper design proportions, harmonics and the feel that resonates between these elements and the craftsman's touch. Through the proportions of the golden mean, phi and the Fibonacci sequence, metaphors to music and the jazz of timber framing, Chappell begins to develop a template that includes both sound and harmonic resonance as fundamental aspects of the design medium.

Chappell then goes on to explore the early development and history of timber framed roof systems from the 12th century Stave Churches to the medieval Tythe Barns and Market halls of Europe, to the ancient Pagodas of China and Japan. The focus is on discovering the systems and techniques used to build vernacular medieval timber framed roof systems.

Book Two moves into the technical aspects of how to begin the process by first developing the geometric model. Though the subject can be quite complex, the emphasis on developing a strong visual mental image at the outset is strengthened through the use of numerous photographs and illustrations. The book goes on to thoroughly discuss a very broad variety of design options and joinery details for virtually any situation one may ever confront in constructing complex, joined timber framed roof systems.

Chappell presents a complete and comprehensive geometric and mathematical system in this work. One that can be used to design virtually any conceivable arrangement of complex structural members that one may ever face.