school...

shop apprenticeships

design internships

week long workshops

the framing shop

tools and supplies

rules and lodging

recreation

accomplishments & experiences

Q&A

2006 Workshop Schedule:

February 26th- March 4th

June 4th-10th

November 5th-11th

Can the registration fee be waived?

What are the accommodations like?

What type of weather should I expect?

What do students do for fun?

Will I have the skills to cut my own home?

Is lodging available on-site for workshop students?

Will I get to attend a frame raising?

How many students should I expect?

Does Cowee Mountain make log homes?

Do I need a car?

I have my own tools. Should I bring them?

Do women participate?

Q: If I can't afford the registration, can the registration fee be waived?

A: Cowee Mountain seeks to give everyone an opportunity to learn timber framing. If you cannot afford the registration fee, please contact us and we will work out an assistanceship with you to cover your registration fee. This is only possible for apprenticeships since workshops are too short for an assistanceship to cover the registration fee. Back to top.

Q: What are the accommodations for apprentices and design interns like?

A: Apprentices and design interns stay in either the bunkhouse or one of the cabins on-site. Most students will have private rooms, although people have to double up sometimes when we are crowded. The bunkhouse has a full kitchen, laundry facilities, and bathroom for the use of all apprentices and design interns. Back to top.

Q: What type of weather should I expect during my stay at Cowee Mountain?

A: We are located in western North Carolina at an elevation of 2,500 feet. Summer temperatures climb into the 90's and shorts and t-shirts are the most comfortable attire. Fall and spring are characterized by crisp mornings with daily temperatures ranging from the 40's to 80's. The winter will often see quite cool periods with warmer periods interspersed; it normally snows a few times each winter. Altogether the weather is typical of the eastern US. Back to top.

Q: What do students do for fun in their off hours?

A: There are a wide range of recreational activities either on-site or in the vicinity. Biking, hiking, horseback riding, off-road motorcycle riding, and basketball are just a few of the popular activities. Back to top.

Q: Will I have the skills to cut my own home at the end of a workshop, apprenticeship, or design internship?

A: Many of our alumni go on to cut their own homes. Acquiring the skills to succeed depends on a given student's drive and commitment to learning. The school also sells framing plans and shop drawings to aid alums in their post-Cowee Mountain endeavors. Back to top.

Q: Is lodging available on-site for workshop students?

A: Yes, we have a limited number of accommodations for workshop students in the bunkhouse and cabins. The charge for a single room is $100 per week and for a shared room $80 per week. Students may also camp on-site and use the bunkhouse facilities for $40. Rooms are reserved on a first-come, first-served basis so call early to check for availability. Back to top.

Q: Will I get to attend a frame raising while at Cowee Mountain?

A: The raising schedule is variable. Back to top.

Q: How many students should I expect at Cowee Mountain?

A: The number of students varies continually. On average there are 2-4 apprentices at any given time. For workshops we limit enrollment to twenty students , though we have had workshop weeks with only 5 participants. Back to top.

Q: Does Cowee Mountain make log homes in addition to timber frames?

A: No. Cowee Mountain Timber Framers believes strongly in the structural elegance of timber frames, which consume less wood and enable more flexible use of space compared to log cabins. Back to top.

Q: Do I need a car while I am at Cowee Mountain?

A: A car isn't required for students at Cowee Mountain. A car is useful for getting away for the weekend or getting groceries from town. Students with cars are normally eager to give rides to those without and only about half of our students have a vehicle. Back to top.

Q: I have my own tools (circular saw, sander, etc.). Should I bring them?

A: A basic set of tools is required of each student. Beyond this list students may bring whatever hand tools they own and wish to gain further experience with. However, our shop has every tool you will ever need. Back to top.

Q: Do women participate in the school's programs and activities?

A. Yes. We encourage women to participate in all of our programs. Women have been workshop students, apprentices and design interns. Back to top.