To get started working around the lot, it was necessary to have a place to store tools, cook, and rest. As the clearing progressed larger trees were saved for milling timbers with a chain saw mill. This looked like a good opportunity to try some post and beam construction. The timber milling process was time consuming but well worth the effort.
Standing the frame
The timbers were heavy, but a come-along and braces made it relatively easy to stand in place. The most difficult part was hauling cement to the very bottom of the lot.
The quiet escape
The shack is nestled at the bottom corner of the building lot as close as possible to the river.
Wood smoke
The smell of wood smoke from the shack adds a pleasing scent while working on the house.
Roof on first
One of the advantages of building a post and beam structure is that you can put the roof on first. The timbers and rough cut rafters are slightly over engineered even if the building were to have an earthen roof. (This could be a future possibility when the roll roofing begins to fail.)
A compromise
As fall began to close in, the original plan to use cord wood infill was replaced with custom stick framing.
Winter warmth
On cold winters day it takes about 15 minutes to warm up the shack. It is a nice place to warm up and have some lunch.