Tuesday, November 8, 2011

Topping out!

Once again, the end frame was a substantial built-up element, so we had lots of hands on deck to put it in place. Thanks to Keegan for lending a hand that day, and to Amanda for capturing the process on camera!

With a "ready" ...


a "set" ...


a push ...


and a pull, we brought the frame upright...


and lifted it into place on the deck.


And then, of course, celebrated with high-fives all around!




Are you curious about the sprig of fresh cedar attached to the final roof beam? It's part of a practice is known as "topping out". Apparently, this custom of placing a bough or tree on the final beam of a building originated in timber framing traditions in Northern Europe. Unsupported information on Wikipedia suggests that "The practice of "topping out" a new building can be traced to the ancient Scandinavian religious practice of placing a tree on the top of a new building to appease the tree-dwelling spirits of their ancestors that had been displaced." Anecdotally, it has been described to me as a celebration of the structure and a symbol of longevity.


Traditionally, the tree ceremony is accompanied by a party with feasting and the like. While we didn't have a topping out party, we did have something of a daily lunchtime feast on fruits and vegetables from our garden plots in the Springbank community gardens adjacent to the building site. I couldn't resist documenting this beautiful selection of September treats.


Dave and Jack enjoy a break in the space.


Keegan peeks down the length of the tunnel created by the building's skirt.