2008 Western Conference

hsbCAD is including their software in our Conference Benefit Auction,
proceeds of which go to the Guild. Details here.

22nd Annual Western Conference

Join us for our annual gathering in the West. Five separate tracks during the main Conference are augmented by four pre-Conference Workshops on Thursday, April 17th, numerous special events, great food and a spectacular locale. This year we have a very special guest coming all the way from Australia to share his experiences with us in three separate presentations. Rob Hadden from Castlemaine, Victoria, describes his timber framing background this way:

Someone once said, ". . . as an owner builder carpenter, you'd make a great sculptor . . . " and that encapsulated how I approach timber framing now after two and a half decades of research and hands-on building for myself. More than 20 years ago, I saw an Arts and Crafts-style mock Tudor-style house built in the 1930s and thus began my love affair with English domestic architecture in general and timber framing more specifically.

Coming from a background in fine arts gave me a whole new creative direction in which to channel my energies. I look at the design possibilities inherent in English framing and have discovered the joys that come from working with donated timber and how it dictates where it will go in the building. Taking on self-set challenges of ever increasing difficulty means that I do not get bored, and it extends my working knowledge of various timbers and techniques.

As a self-taught framer, working in isolation has both its pros and its cons, but mostly I get to construct buildings that most people can only dream about in a commercial situation, especially exploring the use of organic shapes inherent in salvaged trees. This ultimate sustainable use of timber means that I do not have to rely on native trees to be cut for my timber needs. There is the added bonus that the timber is in many cases of a historic nature having come from old properties or the local botanical gardens.

The discovery of the symbiotic relationship between earth, lime and timber more than 15 years ago has been the trifecta I have used since; it simply doesn't come any more sustainable that that. Along with timber framing, learning how to make roof tiles, flagstone floors and the use of clay plasters has given my buildings an authentic flavor that is hard to reproduce with commercial synthetic products. It opens up a whole new area of exploration.

I am currently working on the third building at my property in Castlemaine, Victoria, Australia, and plan a further series of mall buildings on the site. As well as building, I find time to do traditional Greek dancing and to be an active member in the local community.

— Rob Hadden

Our Venue

The Coeur d'Alene Resort opened in 1986 on the shores of Lake Coeur d'Alene to international acclaim. Rising 18 stories high at water's edge, the distinctive towers are designed by architect R.G. Nelson, capped by steep copper roofs and copper-peaked belfries.

The Coeur d'Alene Resort brings five-star luxury to the edge of one of America's most beautiful lakefront communities. With a Gold Medal golf course, a European spa and six restaurants to choose from, the Resort is the perfect place to get away from the world. And when you feel like stepping out, the Resort is right in the heart of downtown Coeur d'Alene's thriving shopping and outdoor recreation.

The Resort offers lakefront and lakeview rooms and suites, designed from the ground up with guest comfort in mind. Each room features sound proofing, individual ventilation units, elevated beds, sofas, spacious bathrooms, oversized TVs, CD players, high-speed Internet access and reading chairs. All maximize the spectacular views of the lake and surrounding mountains, while providing guests with an upscale residential atmosphere. See the Web site for a detailed explanation of room types.

Conference & Travel Arrangements

Room reservations: Lodging is not included in your conference fee and must be booked with the hotel directly. Call the hotel at 800-688-5253 and mention the code "timber08" to get the Guild's special rates. Room rates vary by accommodation level:

• Premier $139 double occupancy
• Deluxe $119 double occupancy
• Traditional $99 double occupancy

To the above rates, add state and lodging tax of 6% and surcharge of 7%.

Travel Arrangements: Coeur d'Alene is located in northern Idaho approximately 31 miles east of Spokane, Washington and 100 miles south of the Canadian border along Interstate 90. The Resort overlooks Lake Coeur d'Alene flanked by the foothills of the Bitterroot Mountains. The Coeur d'Alene Resort is served by the Spokane International Airport with daily, non-stop, national and international flights with most major airlines. A 45-minute shuttle ride puts you at the resort. Make arrangements with their transportation department (800-688-5253 ext 29) with 24 hours' notice.

Timber Framers Guild member Colin Beggs lives in North Idaho and sends along his amusing guide to the area. You may download it here.

If you want share a ride or a room at Coeur d'Alene (you have a room and want to share the cost, or you don't have a room and want to share one), please let us know at our Conference Board.

Education Credits

Continuing Education Units for architects and engineers are available for many of the seminars. Contact our office for details.