June 8: Evening Drama

The porch and front entrance.

From the field.

One inspired evening, Erik lit up the structure. This was at 9:30 p.m. Orcas time, with light still in the sky. He says he may have surprised the neighbors by lighting everything up that late. An amazing sight.

May 19: Lots of Glass

We love windows and there sure are lots of them! Except for the door openings, the structure is now closed in.

May 16: Kaj's Images Detail SIP Installation

The roof SIP, held in place by the crane, is snugged up against the other panel.

As the last roof panel on the west side is installed,
Doug peeks through the skylight opening to admire the progress.

Kaj Enderlein shares his photos taken in March as they installed structural insulated panels (SIPs) on the roof. Panels were prepped on the ground: lines were snapped, screws were started, and lifting plates were mounted. Then, the straps and lines were adjusted so the crane lifted each panel at the precise angle of the roof.

April 30: Windows!

From across the valley, the windows begin to appear.

First, the vertical windows were installed in the stair tower.

Another view...

More windows to come above the four on the south side.

The view from windows in the stair tower.

This is what Erik calls "Visible Progress." They were able to start installing windows this week, first in the stair tower, and then in the main timber frame section. (The lower level will remain closed in until the floor is cleaned and sealed.)

April 23: Cut-Offs Elevated to New Heights

Erik maximized the wood harvested by using cut-offs that normally would be wasted to create this beautiful ceiling for the porch and at the top of the stair tower. All part of the green building process!

April 1: Framing the Porch and Deck

Timber framing detail includes the end cut on a beam.

The front porch framing in progress, and roof SIPs on the west side.

More beautiful timber framing in this view of the back deck from underneath.
A stairway will come down through the opening.

Timber framing continues on the front porch and back deck. Coming soon is the angular balcony off the master suite.

March 20: SIPs are Installed

The Thermocore SIPs arrive on island.

After a short trip to the building site, the SIPs are unloaded.

Walls! The structural panels are installed on the exterior of the timber frame.

The inside view.

On Monday, March 15, the truck carrying structural insulated panels (SIPs) arrived on island and parked at the Sea Island Sand and Gravel batch plant, where the expansive parking area made it easy to offload. SIPs were then transported to the building site a little less than a mile away. Erik, Doug and Dave Russilio (operating the crane) got right to work installing the panels on the outside walls of the main timber frame. SIPs were installed on the roof as well (no in-process images as the photographer was busy with the installation). These strong, structural insulated panels will help us conserve energy and realize energy savings of 50-70% vs. conventional framing.

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.