After Image
This timberframe structure was built in collaboration with the artist Charlotte Koenen for her exhibition titles "After Image". The installation shows both Japanese and European design influences.
The frame is made entirely of hand hewn beams which makes it possible to retain some of the trees natural curvature. The beams are connected by traditional joinery methods such as mortise and tenon, half laps and scarf joints.
The joinery is designed so the structure can be easily assembled and disassembled to serve the temporary character of an exhibition. This is achieved by using mostly wedges to secure the joints instead of drawbored pegs.
The process of hewing, cutting and raising was documented by photographer Michael Richardy. please scroll down to see more.
Hewing is the process of shaping a log into timber by removing material with an axe or other cutting tools.
On this occasion, the hewing was partially done in a forest in Burgundy, France. The flow of nutrients is lowest in winter, which makes it the best time to cut trees. Working with the axe keeps you warm, even in winter.
Hewing
Because hewn timber is not perfectly straight or square, precisely laying out the joinery is not a straightforward process.
To achieve an accurate layout, centre lines are used to establish a reference plane. The joinery is then carefully cut using a combination of machine and hand tools.
Cutting
During the raising, all the previous work comes together. While most of the joints can be test-fitted individually, the way the whole structure works together is only revealed during the raising.
This makes it a high-tension environment, but also one of the most rewarding moments of any project.