ConstructionA Traditional Timber Frame Raising In Charleston SC

If you’ve ever seen an old-fashioned “barn raising “, whether in person or on TV, you more than likely have an idea of what it encompasses. Skilled craftsmen, using techniques that have been handed down from generations before, come together to build a barn or structure that will last for years, maybe centuries, to come. Traditionally this is done all in one day. A Timber Frame Raising event is similar in nature, and one is being held on September 19, 2013 outside of Charleston at The Plantation at Stono Ferry in nearby Hollywood, SC. This is a collaborative partnership between John Paul Huguley, working as Lead Designer and Project Manager with his firm Building Art LLC., and Stono Ferry Owner’s Association. The project includes the building of the main structure, an approx. 2000 sq./ft open pavilion to be erected on site in the traditional joinery method of “post & beam “. This timber frame pavilion is being built by the team at Fountain Timberworks, based in Charleston, SC, under the leadership of Moyer Fountain. The team at Fountain Timberworks includes graduates of the American College of the Building Arts (ACBA). Moyer Fountain was a member of the first graduating class of ACBA in 2009. Also contributing their talents to the project are former graduates of ACBA including Isaiah Shaw a principal at Arris Building Group, A.J. McAlister, and Ian Hardy.

A day or two prior to raising day, the massive Lowcountry Cypress beams will be delivered to the site. On the day of the event, trusses are assembled, mortise & tenons are joined and then pegged together on the ground. Post & beam walls are built, raised and braced, then trusses are hoisted into place. The pavilion will begin to take shape from the use of joinery techniques that utilize wood pegs hammered into an intricate system of pre-drilled holes. This ensures a sturdiness that comes from this centuries-old building technique. In a nod toward the equestrian heritage of the site, which will host the Charleston Cup steeplechase race in November, an elegant cupola will crown the top.

As the pavilion is completed, the day will end with a “Topping Out ” ceremony, a tradition based in Scandinavian folklore. It is believed that if the bough of an evergreen tree is laid atop the final timber hoisted into place, it will bring prosperity and luck to all of those within. After that, a celebratory toast will be made.