Gain the practical experience and key skills to build a timber frame building all of your own.

Whether you’re planning to build your own home or just want to pick up a range of practical building skills, you’ll gain the knowledge and experience you’re looking for on our hugely popular timber frame course.

Key information

• Duration: four days. Monday 29th September – Thursday 2nd October 2025.
• Start and finish times: starts at 9.30am and ends at 5pm on the last day
• Course cost: £650 – includes lunch, tuition and all materials
• Full board accommodation is available for this course: £324 for a single person bedroom. (This option will become available once you click “Available” or “Book Now” below)
• What to bring: as this is a highly practical course, safety boots are required and waterproof clothing is advised
• Terms and Conditions:
  • you must be 18 years or over to attend our courses.
  • For full list of terms and conditions click here

What you will learn

CAT’s Master Carpenter and star of George Clarke’s Amazing Spaces Carwyn Lloyd Jones will guide you through an inspiring week where you’ll explore all the basic elements of creating your home, including:

• Introduction to hand tools and power tools.
• Learn how to build a frame using the Segal Method
• Hands-on skills
• Learn how to transfer levels from the site onto the frame
• Insulating the frame
• Fitting a window
• Lifting walls and carrying timber safely.

Packed with hints and tips, you’ll leave the course feeling confident and ready to exert your artistic flair on a timber frame home of your own.

What you’re going to do

Build a 3m x 3m post and beam structure including roof, walls and floor using the Segal Method.

Meet your tutor

Carwyn Lloyd Jones

Carwyn has over 20 years’ experience in the construction industry and is an expert in timber framing. Carwyn and his designs have starred in George Clarke’s Amazing Spaces and Cabins in the Wild; the Build a Tiny House course that he teaches at CAT has been featured in The Guardian.

Dieter Brandstätter

Dieter has worked at CAT for the last 5 years teaching on short courses, operating the funicular railway and making products for the site. He designed and built a CNC machine (that has the capability of running off solar power) and a wind tunnel (for use of our Graduate School).

Initially training in Silversmithing and Product Design, his interests lie in the sustainable values of materials, and the spatial experience in buildings. Dieter’s specialism in wood and natural wood treatments has led him to Yakisugi, a traditional Japanese method of wood preservation, which can be seen on several of the signs around site.