Stackwall corners built the Right Way!
How do I build stackwall the right way? This stackwall corner (below) in Minnesota has been built as a single post. In between the quoins (squared timbers) are blocks to stabilize the post.
Below is a picture of the framework before the walls are built. 2 x 6’s” and 2 x 8’s” are used to level the blocks. They are screwed and nailed as the corner rises. This way the stackwall corner functions as a post. Building inspectors are very happy about this development.
Below is a stackwall corner built as a single post, on a grade beam. The grade beam is to keep the logs higher above grade. This creates a better environment for the wood to breathe.
The stackwall corners work well with a post framework. The crowning glory of the roof can be erected and materials and workers can stay out of the elements.
The gambrel style roof gives nearly the exact same square footage as the first floor. Dennis & Beth used 1″ pieces of dimensional lumber (in between the posts) to keep it all level and plumb.
Nice, tight mortar joints (Dennis & Beth took a workshop from Cordwood Construction Resources) and the half log siding give the building a fortress look. NOTE: There will be a separate article about Dennis & Beth’s garden shed and the lessons they learned in a future post.
Below are stackwall corners that have been built as posts in Homer, Alaska.
The quoins (6 x 6″ beams) are screwed and nailed together. The mortar and bottles go in AFTER the framework is erected.
This lovely cordwood home is called Bottlewood!
Every quoin is screwed into the post or the beam next to it. Since Homer, Alaska is in a seismic zone, this will help the walls to stay standing in the event of an earthquake.
The final result is attractive and functional. Nice job Hartman’s!
Below are a few more examples of stackwall corners being built within a hidden post and beam framework. The first two are by Alan A of Maine, using split Aspen for his corners.
As you can see the framework was added to stabilize and strengthen the building.
Finally, Jack Henstridge, the Godfather of the modern Cordwood Movement, helped design this stackwall with a post and beam framework (and a gambrel roof) in New Brunswick, in the early 1980’s.
Should you wish to learn how to build a cordwood cottage, cabin or home, please visit www.cordwoodconstruction.org While you are there, click on the pictures, read the brief articles, check out the latest workshops and newsletter and if you are interested click on the Online Bookstore to see all the cordwood literature available in print and ebook format.
If you have questions that aren’t answered on the website you can email me at richardflatau@gmail.com
Readers have requested a brief bio, so here goes:
“Richard & Becky Flatau built their mortgage-free cordwood home in 1979 in Merrill, Wisconsin. Since then, they have written books, conducted workshops, facilitated the 2005, 2011 and 2015 Cordwood Conferences and provided consultation for cordwood builders. Cordwood Construction: Best Practices DVD, Cordwood Construction Best Practices (print) and Cordwood Conference Papers 2015 are the newest publications available from their online cordwood bookstore.” www.cordwoodconstruction.org
Here is a jpeg of the new Cordwood Construction DVD cover which is also available for immediate download at https://cordwoodconstruction.org/
The 30 part menu for the Cordwood Workshop DVD.
