It’s not every day that we get to put our hands on a 200+ year old authentic Japanese timber frame in the U.S.. A Minka frame repaired in Japan and brought to the U.S. to be rebuilt by the same Japanese carpenters.

Renovations of historic timber structures are always a unique challenge. 1860s era Detroit Central Market Pavilion complete with original pine timbers and unique cast iron columns. Remedies to meet current codes includes many tension rods and custom hangers, moment resistance steel columns, intricate concrete foundations, and upgraded roof beams utilizing composite action with original timbers

Some of the Fire Tower crew examining connection details atop a 170' man lift.  Notice the Mustang convertible included for a sense of scale. 

A WWII blimp hangar is the definition of big.  157' high, 234.5' arch clear span, 1000' long building.  (i.e. the roof covers 7 acres and uses 2.7e6 BF of wood)

Nothing quite as exciting as seeing a freshly repaired covered bridge flying back over the abutments to its new (old) home. 

Iconic round barns are harder and harder to find on the Midwestern landscape.  This one was taken down, restored, and put back up on a county fairground.