Hewing

Hewing is a method used to transform a tree into timber using axes and other cutting tools. The wood is worked directly from the round log, following its natural form rather than forcing it into perfectly uniform dimensions. This preserves more of the character of the tree while producing a structural piece of timber with a surface and shape that reflect the process of making.

Another quality of hewing is the texture left behind by each tool. These textures can range from soft to rough, and from evenly distributed marks to rhythmic scallops. 

Hewing requires the timber to be read and adjusted as it is worked. The result is a piece that carries not only the character of the tree, but also a visible trace of the process and the people who shaped it.

In a building, this gives us a wide range of textures and shapes that we can employ to create contrasts and highlight the human-made aspect of a project.