1-Day Introduction to Traditional Timber Framing

Our 1-day workshops are offered on a range of individual Traditional Timber Frames topics.  These workshops can be a great introduction to the craft, where we cover the overall theory and provide practical demonstrations on the joinery principles, a detailed look at the design and handcrafting of structural timber joinery, through to a detailed look at the structural and aesthetic design principles ideal for architects and building designers.  

Introduction to Traditional Timber Framing

Price: $330

Discover the beauty and precision of a centuries-old craft in our 1-Day Introduction to Traditional Timber Framing workshop. This immersive experience is designed to ignite your passion for craftsmanship and deepen your understanding of the techniques behind traditional post and beam construction.

Whether you're a curious beginner, a seasoned building professional, an architect, or a homeowner with a dream, this workshop offers a rich and accessible overview of the timber framing process. Through a blend of theory, storytelling, and live demonstrations, you'll gain insight into the artistry and craftsmanship that define this enduring building tradition applied to Australian timbers and buildings.

Your guide for the day is Chris Nance, a skilled craftsman whose work has taken him across Australia and around the world. Chris brings a wealth of experience and a deep respect for the materials, methods, and history of timber framing. His engaging presentations and hands-on demonstrations will walk you through the essential elements of the craft, from timber selection to joinery design and craftsmanship.

What You’ll Learn

• Australian Timbers & Their Characteristics
  Learn how to identify and select the right timber for your project, and understand how different species behave.

• Post & Beam Scribing and Joinery Techniques
  Discover the traditional methods used to create strong, beautiful connections between timbers.

• The History of Traditional Timber Framing
  Gain perspective on how this craft has evolved and endured across cultures and centuries.

• Joinery Design & Construction Principles
  Understand the structural logic and aesthetic considerations behind classic joinery.

• Working with Unseasoned Timber
  Explore the unique challenges and benefits of using green wood in your builds.

• Sustainable Forestry in Australia
  Featuring guest presenter Matt de Jongh from Responsible Wood, this session highlights ethical timber sourcing and forest stewardship.

• Timber Frame Design & Structural Insights
  Learn how to approach the design of a timber frame with both beauty and integrity in mind.

Who Should Attend?

This workshop is ideal for:
- Aspiring craftspeople ready to begin their journey into traditional building
- Architects, builders, and professionals seeking a deeper understanding of timber framing
- Homeowners planning a timber frame project—either solo or in collaboration with Traditional Timber Frames

By the end of the day, we'll assemble a small pre-made frame and you’ll walk away with a solid foundation in traditional timber framing and a clear path forward—whether that’s diving into hands-on workshops or starting your own project with confidence.

Your Teacher - Chris Nance

Founder & Director – Traditional Timber Frames Pty Ltd

Craftsman Carpenter & Educator

Chris Nance is a master craftsman and founder of Traditional Timber Frames, established in 2009 in his grandfather’s shed. Since then, he has led the creation of over 130 handcrafted post-and-beam timber frame commissions across Australia, many of which have won prestigious awards including the 2022 MBA Award for Best Design and Construct House for Traditional Timber Frames Wombat House Project.

Chris’s passion for woodworking began in childhood under the guidance of his grandfather, Trevor Nance—a respected figure in the NSW timber industry. He honed his skills through apprenticeships with Gary Evans of Evalock Cedar Windows and Doors, and Master Builder Ken Cook, working on bespoke luxury homes in the Southern Highlands.

In 2006, Chris won the Individual Gold Medal in Carpentry at the Worldskills Australia National Competition, followed by a BBM Ltd Scholarship in 2007 to study in the UK. There, he apprenticed under Master Carpenter Alan Ritchie at Hewnwood in Wales, learning traditional oak framing techniques.

Upon returning to Australia, Chris adapted these traditional methods to local timbers and architecture, establishing himself as a leader in the field. He has also taught timber framing in the UK, France, and across Australia, sharing his deep knowledge of design, building, and craftsmanship with students from all walks of life.

Guest Presenter - Matt de Jongh

Sustainablity Manager at Responsible Wood

Director Forestry Australia

Matt is the Sustainability Manager for Responsible Wood and holds a Bachelor of Science (Forestry), ANU and a Graduate Certificate in Business Management, UNE. Matt is a forester with over 20 years’ experience in both operational and policy roles. As an operational forester for about 11 years, Matt managed both native and plantation forests, with Forestry Corporation of NSW, in various locations throughout regional NSW, also spending time on a secondment to the NSW Natural Resources Commission to assist with the management of the state wide NSW Forest Monitoring and Improvement Program. In forestry policy Matt has worked for both the Australian Government and the Australian Forest Products Association. Matt has developed strong stakeholder engagement skills, not only as a forester, but also in the six years spent as Local Area Manager for the NSW Local Land Services, working closely with a variety of stakeholders including Landcare groups, landholders and the agricultural industry. Matt is passionate about promoting and communicating sustainable forest management and advocating for the environmental, social and economic benefits associated with forestry.

The Venue - The Truffle Farm

Nestled in the picturesque Majura Valley just outside Canberra, The Truffle Farm offers a truly unforgettable setting for our upcoming workshop. Located within one of our handcrafted timber barns and surrounded by oak forests and vineyard views, the farm’s culinary experience is an additional highlight of the day.

Morning Tea and lunch is included in your ticket, with catering crafted by The Truffle Farm’s in-house chef.  The Truffle Farm Café is on site too for all those additional coffees that may be required!  Sitting under the magnificent Ironbark beams, learning about all things timber and craftsmanship combined with a legendary lunch is going to make this a day to remember. 

The Truffle Farm Venue Information

The Barn Construction Video at the Truffle Farm