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Design Week Portland: Crafting With Heavy Timbers

Design Week Portland 2017 has come to a close, but not before New Energy Works threw an event showcasing residential heavy timber framing and solar panels. On April 26th, 2017 outside of New Energy Works SE Portland Studio in Oregon, a couple of our timber framers raised heavy timbers crafting an 18 foot by 10-foot carport structure.

Quinn, Darren, and Mike finish  up the frame.
Quinn, Darren, and Mike finish up the frame.
Zero nuts, bolts and screws. Just wood joinery.
Zero nuts, bolts and screws.
Just wood joinery.

 

After completing the frame, our colleagues at Syncro Solor came by and attached four, 345 watt, solar panels to the top. Synchro Solar is a locally-owned, full service solar energy contractor serving Oregon and Southwest Washington that specializes in the design and installation of completely custom solar electric and solar water heating systems.

 

4 solar panels atop Douglas fir timbers
4 solar panels atop Douglas fir timbers

 

The event was from 2 – 4 pm. Our guests were a range of architects, builders, and artisans. We shared information about timber framing, cross-laminated timber, the environment and what New Energy Works is all about.

 

Jonathan Orpin presents to DWP guests about timber framing.
Jonathan Orpin presents to DWP guests about timber framing.

 

The morning had started out a bit rainy, but the sun broke free of the clouds and we ventured outside to have a closer look at the carport and the timber framers manipulating timbers.

 

Checking out the timber frame as a group.
Checking out the timber frame as a group.
Darren drilling into a Douglas fir timber
Darren drilling into a Douglas fir timber.

We’re excited to send all proceeds and donations from the event went to Community Energy Project. With hundreds of trained volunteers, they reach low-income households, providing life-changing services to thousands of diverse clients. They offer free community workshops that teach practical skills to make homes safer and more energy efficient as well as in-home services to weatherize and repair homes for people in need. To further help support Community Energy Project buy tickets to their spring social event here.

 

Community Energy Project’s booth at the event.
Community Energy Project’s booth at the event.

 

Our thanks to everyone who attended and our friends at Synchro Solar and Community Energy Project, for joining us on this venture. As well as a special thanks to Cascade Wester Representatives for all of their help with equipment and supplies.