February 27: The Traditional Topping Off

Kaj, Heidi and Dave appreciate the timber framing.

Jack adds his signature.

Kaj and Erik carry the signed purlin out of the workshop.
Placing the purlin.

Jack watches happily.

Chris, Matt and Karolina applaud.

Erik attaches the green branch to the highest point of the frame.

Topping off is an ancient tradition that has long been an important component of timber frame building. Thought to have originated in Scandinavia or Europe, topping off is seen as a blessing as well as a symbol of respect and good luck; thanks for a safe timber raising and to the forest for providing timber for a new home.

We celebrated completion of the main timber frame structure including roof trusses, ridge beams and purlins. One purlin, kept aside for project participants to sign, was lifted into place during the celebration. Then, Erik climbed up the southernmost truss and attached a green branch (Douglas fir) to the highest point of the structure, completing the topping off.

The celebration was exhilarating for the owners, and all who actively worked on the house were bursting with pride. Family, friends and neighbors gathered to share in the special moment.
Erik inscribed the 2010 date in the final purlin, and it was signed by:

• Erik Sircely – Designer, builder, project manager
• Doug Smith – Carpenter
• Kaj Enderlein – Bandsaw milling, timber framing consultant
• Jack Helsell – Owner, West Sound Lumber Company
• Nuñez – Sawyer, West Sound Lumber Company
• David Russillo – Structural engineer, crane operator
• Rocky Arnt – Owner, Sea Island Sand and Gravel Company
• Mary Ann and Harry Sircely – Owners

For more photos from the topping off celebration, click here.

February 24-26: Purlins are Perfect

Lifting the heavy purlin with straps to its spot near the ridge.

"Is your side going in?"

A perfect fit.

Doug and Erik get the next purlin ready for lifting.

Working up high.

A little encouragement is needed once in a while.

After the roof trusses were set, all but one of the purlins (the horizontal supports that connect the four trusses) were slid into mortises on the main roof trusses. Erik cleverly used straps to lift the purlins, and careful measuring in advance made setting them proceed with nary a hitch. The remaining purlin was set aside for the topping off ceremony...

February 22: Setting the Roof Trusses

Getting ready to lift the first truss.

The first truss starts its journey.

The first truss is being lowered into place by the crane.

Holding knee braces while the truss is set into place.

Truss #2 is ready and rigged to be lifted.

Doug guides the truss into place.

A tight fit is a good fit.

A view of the first two trusses.

The first ridge is flown in from above to connect the trusses.

The crane hook is poised for the third lift.

Truss #3 in flight.

The second crane day went smoothly and was documented by Matt Sircely, who generated hundreds of photos. It was difficult to choose only a few of the best to illustrate the process. For a Picasa album of many additional images, click here.