Building a Timber Frame Cabin - hand tools only

In September of 2019 I partook in a timber framing and half-timbering with wattle and daub workshop organised by the Museum for Older Techniques in Grimbergen, Belgium.
Three teams of seven people worked together with two intructors (Ante Corthals and Mathijs Huyghebaert) on the building using only hand tools and traditional techniques over a span of eleven days in total, each group working five days individually.
Starting from felled timber, the proces of hewing a beam, laying out a joint and making it were excercised. This finally resulted in raising the complete timber framed structure after about nine days of work.
This frame was to be half timbered by filling the voids between the beams with wattle and daud. This proces was demonstrated by local expert in the matter, Gerrit Van den Dries.
After the workshop was completed, the remaining walls were filled with wattle and daub and the remaining portions of the roof were covered with wooden shingles on a later date.
The result is a beautiful half-timbered, timber framed cabin which holds the museums winnowing machine and is a great addition to the site.
Thanks for watching,
Marcel
Instagram: / marcelteugels
Twitter: / marcelteugels
Facebook: / marcelteugelsmaker

[@leemartin9579]

Incredible! I am a carpenter, and one day I will build my own timber frame woodworking shop/barn! The precision and craftsmanship of these men is inspiring.

[@MarcelTeugels]

Thanks! That's a dream we both share!

[@morgorth3242]

@@MarcelTeugels hi could you recomend me a book about this style of carpentry??

[@MarcelTeugels]

@@morgorth3242 I mostly leaened from local craftsmen and workshops. So not sure about a great book. Maybe start in your local library

[@morgorth3242]

local library? whats that? they stil exist?@@MarcelTeugels

[@garyseaman6105]

Looks amazing. Thank you. Some of the walls in my place are wattle and daub, The external are granite lower and cob upper. A 400 year old Cornish cottage. Thank you again for an excellent video.

[@MarcelTeugels]

Thank you! And thank you for your comment, glad you enjoyed it!

[@Simon-bj3dz]

My house is from 1600 and incorporates a lot of your techniques, though we have a thatched roof. Lovely build to watch.

[@turinhorse4232]

These men built the World you live in.

[@bartosullivan8050]

Absolutely inspiring! Thank you for sharing this artwork.

[@РоманГромадский-ы2ъ]

Ну это не дом, а скорее хоз постройка. Дом на заднем плане стоит. Но сделано с умом, любовью и старанием. А сколько народу строит! Прям как в деревне - всем народом. Спасибо. Люблю такие фильмы.

[@MarcelTeugels]

Благодаря ти

[@Papadinotx]

The lost art of architecture. Totally stunning!

[@Papadinotx]

This barn looks a million times better than most houses in America built from cheap 2x4’s and OSB’s. There is an art and passion that is lost in modern architecture which only focuses on square meters/footage, low cost and speed. I wish to see more projects like this one. Congratulations for the amazing work that everyone of the carpenters have done! What an inspiring video!

[@MarcelTeugels]

Thank you Sam! I'm glad you enjoyed it! Agreed about today's architecture most of the time atleast!

[@hendri_s]

Memorable as if going back in time, inspiring

[@MarcelTeugels]

Thank you!

[@davidbaines7330]

Big tools for big tenons. Very cool. Never seen a large blade saw like that before.

[@MarcelTeugels]

Thanks! Yes, it's a Japanese whaleback ripcutting saw. I believe it's called "Maebiki Nokogiri" in Japanese.

[@astkaz1218]

Какие умницы !!! Построенный таким образом дом простоит сотни лет, в старину так и строили дома. Сколько терпения у молодых ребят, слов нет

[@MarcelTeugels]

Спасибо

[@myobs]

Thank you to all those involved with the making of this highly interesting, educational and informative video. That is the best demonstration of timber framing, processes and use of tools (some of which were new to me) that I have watched on KZbin.

[@MarcelTeugels]

Thank you so much!

[@NooneStaar]

I like the owl detail.

[@MarcelTeugels]

It's the signature wattle and daub teacher! Love it too

[@JohnSmith-lf4be]

Reject modernity, embrace tradition.

[@gertstuve3933]

A thing if beauty is a joy for ever

[@puzzleheaddesign3789]

love the old ways

[@MarcelTeugels]

Me too!

[@wo_ai_zhongguo]

all made with hand tools, amazing

[@MarcelTeugels]

Thank you!

[@CaptCanuck4444]

Really interesting and ambitious project here!

[@AgentFour]

Man, that's really, really cool.

[@MarcelTeugels]

Thanks!

[@2009Portugale]

Knap werk, het was een plezier om naar te kijken.

[@MarcelTeugels]

Dank je, Bruno!

[@ZoltanTemesvari_temy]

That's beautiful! Well done!

[@MarcelTeugels]

Thanks!

[@Ursaminor31]

Humans are amazing

[@MarcelTeugels]

True!

[@flyingsquirrell6953]

Imma be real - this is probably the most sustainable construction form in the modern era, I would like to see this used more in the future with the effects of human pollution and consumption destroying the environment.

[@stephenhargrave7922]

Imma be real? Wiggy wiggy gee

[@jebise1126]

some walls are made of wood just to show different types of build? also what century does house represent? and there is big gap between brick and timber. is that good?

[@MarcelTeugels]

Those are removable wooden pannels. Don't think it's meant to represent any particular century. This building is not for living in.

[@arnomrnym6329]

Great work! 👍😎 Nice video. Thanks.

[@MarcelTeugels]

Thank you!

[@yarnefiten5929]

Wat een mooie video doet me aan Bokrijk denken

[@MarcelTeugels]

Dank je, ga dit gebouw zeker eens bekijken tijdens een bezoek aan het museum voor oudere technieken in Grimbergen!

[@yarnefiten5929]

@@MarcelTeugels ga ik zeker eens doen!

[@benyviaene7317]

Zalig ,knap gereedschap 👍🏻👏🏻en super team denk ik ,knap resultaat echt vakmanschap

[@MarcelTeugels]

Dank je Beny! Inderdaad een top team!

[@igorkovalenko5851]

a few questions: why are so many crooked logs used? why are the grooves in the oblique joints (joints) shallow? why are arched logs needed at 15:20 minutes in the corners of the frame? do you need to treat wood or logs with anything against the influence of the weather?

[@MarcelTeugels]

If crooked logs is what you have, jou use them. Plus it's good to learn the scribing techniques used when working with crooked logs. The logs remain untreated, as long as they can dry properly after rain that should be fine. Not sure What you mean with shallow..

[@stefanpop4957]

I love this .

[@MarcelTeugels]

Thanks!

[@tossawatcheng]

What's kid of dirt for daub that'wall?

[@MarcelTeugels]

I believe it was a clay, loam and straw mix. But I wasn't involved with the making of it.

[@westerncultureandtradition]

That was amazing guys

[@MarcelTeugels]

Thank you!!

[@GCustoms]

Wow! This is great.

[@MarcelTeugels]

Thank you Gustave!

[@evantrites3054]

Superb Craftsmanship

[@MarcelTeugels]

Thank you Evan!

[@federicoeco9030]

What about if you aply black oil the frame before you put the clay ?

[@MarcelTeugels]

What kind of oil is that?

[@timothyisaacs4234]

so many questions...what is margin of error here? did they really made use of every single tree part? what is time frame of this video?

[@MarcelTeugels]

What do you mean with the margin for error? This building was made with tree trunks so the branches weren't used for this project. The framing took about 10 days with about 20 people.

[@esben181]

Can this style of housing be built with insulation? I've heard that they're very cold in the winter. I don't know much about building

[@MarcelTeugels]

I'm not sure how this holds up agains modern insulation standards. But I think to come close to modern standard jou would need to increes the wall thickness to accomodate airgaps and maybe more isolating material. Probably possible to variable degrees, but at one point one might consider a timber frame within a larger timber frame with just enough room for proper insulation layers in between.

[@johnnysins8863]

Timber framing with straw bales as insulation is something that is getting used more and more and is on the same page with plastic insulations. The insulation with only this clay/straw mixture is absolutly insufficient with todays standards.

[@ZoltanTemesvari_temy]

@@johnnysins8863 Yes, you actually need minimum two feet thick adobe wall to provide sufficient thermal mass.

[@coyotedust]

What are you using for Daub?

[@MarcelTeugels]

I'm not exactly sure since I mainly focussed on the woodwork. I think its some kind of clay and lime mixture, maybe some sand, but I guess you want to know specifics..

[@paultaylor6053]

the tennons are to thin , here in France this is primary cause of premature collapse , one third the width is ideal for longevity and strength ,, nice to watch though never the less ,thanks

[@MarcelTeugels]

Usually 1/3 is what I go for aswell. Here I follow the plans. We'll see how it holds up.

[@boriserjavec6470]

i would love to join your project

[@MarcelTeugels]

Yes, look for your local organisations!

[@boriserjavec6470]

@@MarcelTeugels noone is making things like this here in slovenia

[@MarcelTeugels]

@@boriserjavec6470 that's a shame. But sometimes they can be hard to find.. keep looking. If not maybe you could organise something yourself and invite an international guest teacher.

[@jimbo2629]

I am surprised the brickwork could support the weight, especially as the framework is not sitting centrally on it, and only touches intermittently.

[@MarcelTeugels]

Seems light weight for the brick.

[@davidhendrickx4950]

Super !

[@MarcelTeugels]

Dank je!!

[@brakkemann112]

Heel mooi werk! Welke houtsoort(en) gebruiken jullie?

[@MarcelTeugels]

Dank je! Als ik het me goed herinner was het kastanje.

[@jpkatz1435]

Informed COMMENTARY, PLEASE.

[@amberparis5431]

Wauw echt een prachtig huisje!! Indrukwekkend dat dit gewoon met handwerktuigen gemaakt kan worden. Hoe lang hebben jullie daaraan gewerkt?

[@MarcelTeugels]

Hahaha, Hey you! Dankjewel! 10 dagen aan gewerkt!

[@amberparis5431]

@@MarcelTeugels wow dat is best snel! Nice work 😍

[@emebertteugels271]

De drie biggetjes weten waar naartoe. Schitterend!

[@MarcelTeugels]

Dank je Paps!

[@patricksqt9535]

Dang I would have chopped my foot if I did that

[@MarcelTeugels]

Well, that's a mistake you can only make two times.. so keep trying!

[@cherryscarlett]

_or medieval·₺HeMed shoPs. ._

[@garyhall5397]

Hell NO.

[@MarcelTeugels]

What's up?

[@evangarrett]

How beautiful! I only wish that the tastes of modern people were capable of recognising the simple beauty of timer-frame houses / buildings. Instead almost every time a new house is built (here in Europe) it's some white box that looks like dexter's lab and further contributes to the hellscape of modern architecture.

[@MarcelTeugels]

Agreed!

[@royalblood2405]

That is the product of Marxism hidden under the guise of global capitalism

[@babymoon5282]

@@royalblood2405 I agree and it goes along with their agenda of creating a society of learned helplessness. Totally Marxist.

[@williamweatherall8333]

Timber frames are very expensive. That’s why. People love them but they love square footage more. Like, I have done both timber and conventional framing and I could have that entire thing framed in a day by myself conventionally whereas with timber it would take a week or more (starting with square Timbers and using power tools). To do it like they did, French scribing on imperfect pieces and you’ve more than doubled the time to make this happen. Props to the makers of this. It’s beautiful, but make no mistake, this has many many thousands of dollars of labour into it, which like Marx says is the real value put into things.

[@MarcelTeugels]

@@williamweatherall8333 true

[@collegeguy14]

If you are one of the 7 people that didn’t like this video it’s only because your ancestors were incapable of building it.

[@1fromtheroad]

I’ll just click here, take a quick glance. Twenty six minutes later..... craftsmen at work. Masters of their art. Great job.

[@MarcelTeugels]

Thank you!

[@rottndane33]

I would have loved to follow these guys around and apprentice for a few years when I was younger! What fantastic knowledge & skills to have. Hopefully the younger generations will keep it going!!

[@MarcelTeugels]

Thank you! Agreed!

[@paultaylor6053]

never doubt the advantage maturity has over younger men , you matured logic will advance you rapidly in the comprehensions and improving methods , its never too late ,I am a joiner and carpenter and have been for decades in my experience when a mature person comes to the fold they either focus and fly or give in to their imagined fragility and stop ,only to return later and "fly" , this work is not a young mans realm ,far from it , move yourself and begin one year later you will be a different person and much more a part of your world , the last ten years of a mans working life is the most beneficial in many ways , try it and you will see .

[@agneteht]

I absolutely love to know that the old crafts haven't entirely died. It gives me faith that even in the worst of circumstances someone would be able to teach us all over again if we are suddenly without all the glamourous electric equipment.

[@MarcelTeugels]

Thank you, Agnete!

[@helbergreen]

Congratulations to the entire team involved in this project. The technique used in this construction is amazing, perfect.

[@MarcelTeugels]

Thank you!

[@KateHikes1933]

Wonderful seeing our people building together.

[@MarcelTeugels]

Thanks Kate!

[@urbanlumberjack]

So satisfying to watch the Timbers drop into their places under the mallet

[@rweems5796]

This is fabulous! The knowledge and skill are obvious. But what impresses me most is the calm cooperation and coordination of a large group of skilled workers working together without a readily apparent manager/ director. There might be one, but if so, his function is very subtle. I would love to have a building like this. Thanks for recording and sharing this video.

[@MarcelTeugels]

Thanks for the kind words! There were in fact two overseers working along with us.

[@KentuckyMills]

The saying "They don't make'em like that no more" comes to mind. Turns out these guys still make them like that... Very impressive!

[@MarcelTeugels]

Hahah, thank you!

[@lennykelleher8732]

Second time watching.This helps me visualize what went into the construction of our home built in 1657.Pegs Roman numerals etc.Love this stuff,especially the community.

[@MarcelTeugels]

Thanks for the second watch Lenny! That's great, take good care of your house!

[@annashepard6337]

I love this. It's wonderful to see the men working together. How happy they must feel to produce something so well done.

[@MarcelTeugels]

Thank you!

[@soupesoupe]

Imagine the house being sold. "House built in 2021"

[@MarcelTeugels]

Haha! They won't see that one coming

[@annarboriter]

Stunning results. Is the timberframe simply relying on gravity to remain held in place atop the brick foundation? And what was the reason for the vertical, gapped siding on part of the structure?

[@MarcelTeugels]

Thank you! I believe it is just standing on there with gravity holding it down. I believe just to let in some light and air. The one on the back wall is also removable.

[@eliinthewolverinestate6729]

Nice mortise and tenon timber frame. Doing a mix of mortise and tenon framing and post and beam framing on my timber frame. Amazing people don't understand the construction types used on timber frames. A timber frame is just that framing using timbers. There are a few different types of construction used in timber frames. Like mortise and tenon, post and beam, post frame, and balloon framing all using heavy timber to frame the building.

[@MarcelTeugels]

Thanks! Good luck with your project!

[@daos3300]

what a draughty old hovel, never heard of insulation? medieval craftspeople are turning in their graves.. i jest, of course. lovely work!

[@MarcelTeugels]

Oh you, jester! Hahaha! Gets me every time!

[@danmac1871]

Funny! It’s true tho....modern folk do not understand ancient building techniques were superior to modern ones.

[@donaldelfreth553]

"Old School" ways are the best ways.

[@MarcelTeugels]

Agreed

[@yanikivanov]

Free from bills...good job

[@RaymondKarlVeasey75]

The Power Tools & Construction Vehicles Of Today Have Made Mankind Weak, IMO. Good Job!

[@MarcelTeugels]

Thanks!

[@williammaxwell1919]

Vetruvious would have embraced this build with eurythmic delight

[@franciscoluna9596]

I am a carpenter in New Jersey USA and I am amazed for all the beauty and all the wisdom of your crew building this amazing timber house....congrats!

[@agneteht]

I am particularly fascinated by the use of complex assemblies instead of just joining everything with screws and nails as chileans seem to do.

[@MarcelTeugels]

Thank you Francisco!

[@MarcelTeugels]

Thanks. This joinery is way cooler indeed.

[@PotentialAutist42069]

what kind of axe is the guy using at 1:11 ? it looks very effective! making that face incredibly flat.

[@MarcelTeugels]

It's a German broad axe, I made a video of restoring it here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/gIvMaXqeabWAgs0

[@lennybogart]

Wow, that’s a well executed and very complicated work of carpentry artistry! Such a big team and what seems like minimum mistakes! Congratulations! Excellent!! And thank you for teaching me a few things!

[@MarcelTeugels]

Thank you, Lenny!

[@pinkiebrain7597]

Great workshop and beautiful result!

[@MarcelTeugels]

Thank you!

[@solartime8983]

IMPRESSIVE Craftmen & Craftwoman😃🗽

[@MarcelTeugels]

Thanks!

[@tommunyon2874]

Much more earthquake resistant than other forms of construction.

[@MarcelTeugels]

Luckily not many earthquakes here!

[@Queen-jc8fd]

Greetings, do you recommend any books to learn this skill?

[@MarcelTeugels]

I don't actually, I learned most for workshops and colleagues, not books. But I'm sure there are some good books about timber framing and wattle and daub.

[@ominith1]

when he was putting the wattle and daub in, and came back in with the metal thing to flatten/smooth it ... why did he push in the sides (where it is touching the wood frame) to create that angle ?

[@MarcelTeugels]

That was just his preffered style. It's just for esthetic reasons.

[@ssmg42]

Where is a good source for the hewing axes and chisels ?

[@MarcelTeugels]

For me locally it's fleamarkets and secondhand websites. But you might have more luck in antique shops. Not where I am though.

[@edi9892]

Why is that saw thiccer than Nikki Minaj's booty? I really enjoyed seeing a traditional timber frame hut being built, and I'm fairly certain that the craftsmen were professionals, but I could see that they were no experts in building a hut. Not that I could do it any better... Still, there's obviously a learning curve...

[@MarcelTeugels]

Hahaha, the thiccer the better. When it comes to saws of course This was build during a timberframing workshop. So although most of us were handy people and trades people, we didn't have much experience with actual timber framing.

[@edi9892]

@@MarcelTeugels Why though? Is it about weight or alignment?

[@MarcelTeugels]

@@edi9892 I was joking ofcourse. But in this case I guess you're right. I would think Alignment during ripcutting is the main reason.

[@garysuderman174]

I'd love to have a collection of tools that are used building this, I've never seen a lot of them before. Especially like those fat saws.

[@MarcelTeugels]

Start collecting!

[@garysuderman174]

@@MarcelTeugels Got too many tools I can't use now. Until I get a hip replacement I'm useless anyway

[@MarcelTeugels]

@@garysuderman174 That's too bad man. Get well soon!

[@verdikulk6193]

Dat is schoon werk, heren 👍

[@MarcelTeugels]

Dank!

[@BAalbert]

I’m a young man and want to learn about traditional building techniques

[@frantanovotny7876]

😮😮😮

[@markluke8447]

I’d say these guys and gals have done this before. Very nice community effort.

[@lennykelleher8732]

Love the notched ladder up to the loft.

[@MarcelTeugels]

Simple yet effective indeed!

[@jacobmiller5834]

Very beautiful but it's gonna be a long winter.

[@thecrusader1673]

What more could you want? Just guys being dudes.

[@Srulio]

Very pleasant creative work that may prove useful when the quest for green power has rid Europe of electricity.

[@MarcelTeugels]

Thanks!

[@hermenegildorodriguez6876]

Excelente trabajo y excelentes trabajadores

[@planetrebuild7160]

Great use of hand tools ,fantastic hand tools they look fun. Hand tool envy. Beautiful job.

[@MarcelTeugels]

Thank you!

[@corvusduluth]

Bisaigue, Japanse saws, trad axes, hewing axes, mortise chisels, et al; a "multi-traditional" endevour. Trad riven shingles. Nice sculpted Owl on gable end wall. Did you use cow manure as one of the ingredients for the daub mixture? Beautiful structure, congrats to all.

[@MarcelTeugels]

Thank you. The daub is loam, slaked lime, chopped straw and water.

[@charliesproul8777]

Could anyone tell me the symbolism of affixing a green branch to the structure once it’s up? I’ve seen different variations with wreaths and the like and was interested to understand why!

[@MarcelTeugels]

According to Fine Homebuilding Magazine, The ritual serves two purposes. One pays homage to all the trees that went into the construction of the house, and to the many hands that built it. The other symbolizes the establishment of the house’s roots, which will nourish a long and prosperous life. The young tree is called a “wetting bush”, likely derived from the German tradition of watering it as a sign of the home’s first nourishment. source: www.carolinatimberworks.com/timber-framing-traditions/

[@umaikakudo]

You can recreate the same great craftsmanship but sadly you can't get old growth timber with dense, tightly grouped growth rings. Look at how far apart the growth rings are on the young wood grown in today's climate that they are using.

[@MarcelTeugels]

Fast growing wood with growth rings far apart is actually more dense than slow growth.

[@pinkiebrain7597]

I think this is a topic that confuses a lot of people. To explain: slow-growing softwood (coniferous) is stronger than fast-growing. Whereas fast-growing hardwood (deciduous) is stronger than slow-growing. There is still slow-growing softwood available today - it just isn't sold in the big hardware stores. This is actually sweet chestnut - a hardwood.

[@samhawkins3847]

Superexcelent. Like from Czech republic :-)

[@MarcelTeugels]

Thank you Sam from the Czech republic!

[@Hilary126]

fantastic, thanks so much!

[@mariealv4888]

Teamwork and trim men.

[@Taguiltsev]

Why did they rise up a chinquapin tree branch above the house? Never could find an answer. Should it be a chinquapin or it may be a maple-tree too?

[@MarcelTeugels]

It's an ancient tradition marking the end of a succesfull raising of the timberframe. Usually followed with drinks and sometimes a meal.

[@chephillips3629]

Im a carpenter, would love to build structures like this, i live in the cook islands and have a decent section, i see trees nice a straight on the hill at the end of my road, and dream of felling them and dragging them to my section everyday haha

[@MarcelTeugels]

One day man! Do it!

[@ivodimitrov6503]

Ако бяхте в България, щях да ви поръчам същата постройка 1 към 1. Браво! Напълнихте ми душата...

[@MarcelTeugels]

Благодаря ти

[@stephenvanwinkel5693]

Pragtige gebou bly om te sien Dat ou tradies en kundigheid oor gedra word na jonger geslag

[@MarcelTeugels]

Dank je!

[@monk1100]

How are the sills fixed to the top off the brickwork I would like to know please, and what happens if you have a flood it will wash away.

[@MarcelTeugels]

I don't remember but probably bolted. I'll let you know at the next flood!