Advanced Post & Beam Construction
Goleen Harbour is a stunning 38 acre eco-accomodation, education and activity centre located just 2 minutes from the village of Goleen in West Cork near Mizen head. Ethos: In keeping with our ethos of sustainability we run gather and learn workshops. These courses teach participants life skills that are needed to live in, develop and support a sustainable and resource-efficient society. They are about all of us having and sharing the knowledge, abilities, and values to live in, help develop, and support a sustainable society. We also like to have a bit of fun and enjoy working and learning together in a structured, friendly and social setting.
Course description
Dates: 18th – 21st April
A fantastic chance to learn Post & Beam construction, incorporating the appropriate use and crafting of Knee Braces, Scarf and Mortice & Tenon joints using hand tools. Our project will be an Outdoor Kitchen.
The course will cover:
- Design & specification
- Selection of Native timbers
- How to use hand tools
- How to use, construct and craft joints and posts and braces
- How to stand posts and frames
- How to attach roof timbers
This course is especially suitable to those with some carpentry skills, but don’t worry if you’ve never used a chisel or constructed a joint before, we’ll show you how.
Our lunches are wholesome and healthy and have been highly praised. We always have great conversations and social time, we are starting on a Thursday as there is a great music session in O’Mera’s bar in Goleen village a short walk away. We’ll finish after lunch on Sunday.
Cost: €450 for 3.5 days including breakfast & lunch + booking fee
Teachers:
Johnny Callaghan – Donegal born and West Cork resident Johnny Callaghan has over 20 years experience as not only an artist and horticulturists but as a design and construction expert and teacher in Outdoor timber educational spaces and playgrounds as well as contemporary, traditional and unique timber structures for schools, local authorities and residential. Specialising in post and beam design and sustainable and locally sourced and hand crafted construction.
Matt Mills – Co-founder of Goleen Harbour and founder of EcoCabin, Matt is an experienced multi discipline designer who has a passion for green building. His experience spans funding, planning permission, design and construction. Matt uses locally sourced materials, to minimise environmental impacts wherever possible, achieving a contemporary design esthetic whilst maximising building performance, working with nature not against it.
James Johnson – James Johnson is a locally born and bred West Cork carpenter/joiner who takes great pride in creating precise, high quality and aesthetically pleasing buildings using a variety of building materials.
James has over 25 years experience working in the construction industry, both here and in the UK, and has experience and knowledge in most areas of construction, not only carpentry.
He is a common-sense, meticulous carpenter who is used to designing projects to suit the needs of the client. James passionate about carpentry and likes to share his knowledge and experience with others.
A lunch each day will be provided with ingredients from our organic farm where possible and other local suppliers.
Accommodation:
Discounted accommodation for those participants who need it can be provided for tents, Camper vans, EcoCabins or Geodomes See our availability here.
