March 2023 Workshop

The Meditative Craft of Timber Framing

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  • “Robert is a master craftsman and a master teacher. To find these two qualities in a single individual is very rare. My experience with the “meditation in timber frame” workshop was transformative. I came to the workshop without any timber frame experience and, four days later, I’m leaving with the fundamental knowledge to build my own timber frame structure. Rarely does a workshop, especially in four days, provide a comprehensive experience that conveys the fundamental principles necessary to give the student the knowledge and confidence to BUILD. Robert Laporte and the EcoNest workshops does this.”

    Morgan Strickland

  • “The level of instruction is so precise that a beginner would succeed. The level of instruction is so precise that an experienced builder will learn more than they thought they needed.”

    Julie Smith

  • “I’ve known Robert and Paula for 5 years as one of their neighbors and had an idea of what they did, but it wasn’t time for me to commit to a workshop with Robert until now. With a newfound spiritual journey and my love of building, I decided to combine the two and create a new phase of life. The workshop with Robert truly embodied the teaching of timber framing along with the energetic connection of nature and human. Robert filled us with the knowledge that he gained from his experience and his teachers. I would highly recommend taking a workshop with Robert if you are looking for a new way of looking at building. Robert exudes timber framing in a way that is conscious, purposeful, and intentional.”

    Michael King

  • “I flew out to attend the 4-day timber framing retreat and couldn’t be more pleased. We took the time to really understand and connect with the craft and our tools. I came away feeling encouraged and empowered to tackle my own projects at home and can’t wait to sharpen my chisel again and dive in!”

    Peter Ransom

  • The timber frame workshop was a truly inspirational and educational experience. The opportunity to learn from a person as knowledgeable as Robert is rare. His ability to convey not only the skills needed to timber frame, but the deep insight that he has gained from his many mentors has been of tremendous value. I would be very fortunate to be able to continue to expand my knowledge by continuing to work and learn from Robert.

    Sandy Helton

  • I’ve been interested in timber framing for quit some time, so when my friend, Morgan, told me he was going to do this workshop I jumped at the opportunity. As an experienced woodworker, I was still very challenged by Robert’s workshop, both woodworking-wise and spiritually. I learned a great deal about building timber frame structures and even more about myself. The workshop was very intensive and we worked hard but we were well fed and great care was taken to give us a deeper understanding of our relationship to lumber and to living spaces. When it was all over and the structure was built, I had an intense feeling of relief and also sadness that the next day I would not be coming back. I will definitely attend future workshops.

    Bob Hoellwarth