Raise high the roof beams, carpenters

At long last, the beams that would hold the roof were set in place in mid-December with a ginormous crank.  

The tolerance of the beams and the collar ties that connected them were only one inch.  A very great deal of math went into assuring the accuracy of the cut.  

One side set.  In this case, the beam near the bunk room.  Sandra is standing in what will be an upstairs landing, connecting the two bedroom wings, which will overlook the Great Room.

Once both beams were set, the work began on attaching the purlins.

Framing

It's all just a frame of mind...

During October and November, the construction crew was focused on framing which became quite a task given the complexity of the design.  One of the more interesting design features to show itself were the soffits with rafter tails with just the right detail.  

These soffits surround the garage, the master bedroom wing, the dining room/music room wing and will be in evidence when the trusses are set in place for the second floor bedrooms as well.  

The wood being used for the soffits and rafter tails is cedar which will remain natural.  The siding on the house proper with be a combination of cedar lap board and cedar shake.

Second floor framing included building scaffolding that could support the 12"X24"x32' beams that would soon be set.

This is the stairwell from the first floor looking up at what will one day be a window seat for reading and simply gazing at the lovely trees.

We look forward to many lovely evening hours spent on our second floor deck which will sit behind the chimney for the Great Room fireplace and beside the bunk room for the grandchildren.  The deck has a pleasant seasonal view of distant Crystal Lake.

Much of the rear of the house remains unframed awaiting the massive beams that will hold up the roof.  This view shows the master bedroom suite on the first floor, the framed bunk room and deck on the second floor.