Building a Bushcraft Viking Turf House with Hand Tools - Timber Frame (PART 1)

Join me as I build a bushcraft viking house with turf roof. I use basic hand tools and simple building techniques to make a timber frame. This viking house is inspired by the Icelandic vikings. 30% of Iceland was forrested when it was settled. This meant that the vikings had to be resourceful and creative with their building constructions and so they used turf and stones to build the majority of the house. For this build, I am doing it slightly different. As I am in a dense woodland and have plenty of wood supply, I am building the foundations of the house using a basic roundwood timber frame with simple mortise and tenon joints. Traditionally, the vikings of Iceland would have built a foundation of stone and then built turf layers above this. This added great insulation to their houses and protected them from the strong winds and extreme cold. It meant that the house maintained an even temperature all year round.
In this video I use basic woodworking techniques and tools to create the timber frame. I make 6 posts from scotts pine (not ideal for timber frame as it is a softwood, but plenty of it around to use). I burn the ends of the posts. By taking the bark off with a drawknife and charring the ends of the poles, it helps make the post more resistant to rot when it is in the ground. I did 6 holes in the ground, right down to the gravel layer. I pack the posts in and then harvest more wood for the support beams. I use a wood mallet, chisel and auger to make mortise holes for the beams to sit on top of the posts. With the basic timber frame now made, I am ready to collect the wood for rafters.
In Part 2 I will finish building the rest of the frame. Collecting rafters of different lengths to give the bushcraft shelter a unique look. Be sure to subscribe to keep up to date with the series.

Building a Viking House with Bark Roof (ALL EPISODES):

FILMING & CAMERA GEAR I USE:

BUSHCRAFT GEAR I USE:

#bushcraft #vikings #viking #building

[bretstearns]

As far as the “scarring of the earth”, these are organic builds. Unlike the place the viewers reside, the wood is't chemically treated! There is no cement and metallic ingredients from an open pit mine! I understand Youtubers get a lot of “negative” comments. These comments are opinions. Opinions are like rectums, everyone has one and they all stink!

[Objective-Observer]

Clarifying your permissions is always a good thing. Encouraging others to be respectful of the land and it's owners; again, always a good thing. Absolutely, you should include this in your description of every building video: those are your 'disclaimers.'

For those whining and whinging that you do this only for the view counts- this is your job. This is your business. Of Course you are doing this for the view counts; and that's a good thing. I've told several you tubers: Diversification is the key to survival when you are self employed and an entrepreneur.

There are many many Bushcrafters and Campers on YT. We can vicariously go camping across the globe, YOUR BUILDING PROJECTS ARE UNIQUE. There aren't but a handful of folks building primitive structures, and even fewer building them in historic styles.

Your Teaching background is serving you well. You can see the value of these projects beyond our entertainment: you are teaching us all kinds of skills and lessons that the Bushcrafters are not. They don't include the History and archetecture of a place.

As long as you are successful with your videos, keep doing what you are doing. The complainers are envious of what you can do, and they can take a long walk off a short pier.

I thoroughly enjoy you quiet videos, where I get to see a part of the world, I will never get to visit. I get to hear the sounds of this place, I will never get to visit. You take me places, that are beyond what my body is capable of doing. I am grateful. Stay the course, kind sir, it is true and worthy.

[mattlewandowski]

not many seem to have noticed, but that was mighty cool of you transplanting that seedling.

[safetyrdforge]

The thing I don’t get about people saying “oh your doing X on YouTube for the views” isn’t that the point of YouTube? Trying to get someone to watch and be interested in your videos? Just my thoughts on it. You and your dad are awesome! Keep up the good work!

[PRODIGALSON]

Don't worry about the naysayers. They're the kind of people who'd complain about getting wet if it started raining on them in the desert. Love the videos. Keep 'em coming.

[chrisosh]

All the questions you have just answered, you have answered in previous videos, about private land, the fact that the structures are used in education etc. Sometimes I think people are more interested in criticising than watching or, more importantly in this case, listening.
I find these builds fascinating, partly because I would do a lot of things differently and it's interesting to see why you do what you do but also because it's enjoyable to watch people create, to label it all as click bait is asinine.

[KODArunner]

The biggest thing I see you doing, (A good thing), is you are using DEAD WOOD to build everything. The sawing, using a draw-knife and drilling all create wood chips which break down quicker than the whole trees that are left standing. Also, by removing those dead trees you are opening up the forest to more sun light for things to grow. Keep up the good work and may God continue to bless you and keep you safe from harm.

[wildjakeshake]

A worthy PSA, thanks for what you do. I especially love that you include your Dad, I can't wait to spend quality time with my own Dad this summer working in the woods.

[orver]

I tell ya, after a long day at work, sitting in the dark of my den with a coffee and a video like this is very relaxing. Thank you!

[knifeguy]

You have a mindset I’ve wanted for so long. I’ve been practicing and learning these skills... but you’re actually doing it. Thanks for the goals and opportunities.

[zackweeder]

I had no idea that these builds were actually used by others for educational reasons, but it makes me appreciate the historic side of the builds even more now that I know.

[craighooper]

Thank you for your building series.
It's fascinating to see your journey.
I find it very interesting how when you become interested in Bushcraft and survival your [my] mind starts to broaden and you begin to look at the bigger picture of how we "survived" as a species.
And we did it partly as your audience are doing, someone (like you) gives something a go and others watch and learn. Wether by failure or success we progress.

With regard to "leaving no trace" you said it yourself, "very few traces of these structures remain".
We find loads of roman brick, stone and plaster structures and Roman trash than anything from these structures and people.
As you also said, these structures were built by communities coming together and not slave labour as with quarrying stone and building temples required.
You char the ends of the timber because you know they wont last forever.
Modern/current building is the blot on the landscape that will leave a scar... Just like some people's negative judgements.
Within... Was it a month? You had grass growing on the thatch of the Saxon house.
If you walked away from it (i know you wouldn't) the woods would reclaim it in no time.

Its great to watch you and your Dad working together and having fun doing it.
Its better and healthier than sitting watching a screen.
Good luck for the future.

[jayshekleton]

New to the channel but have to say it’s already my favourite. Love seeing these skills in use. Can’t wait to watch more

[alpherr]

Looks like its becoming a little village

[donnaleveron]

Love seeing what and how you are doing these structures, educational, for all ages. It's really interesting to see how our ancestors built "homes", or shelter, who knows, it may be needed again at some point.
Thank you and carry on.

[wigglewiggle]

I would love to see you build a round house one day. That would be good.

[blackknight]

First you had my attention, but now you have even more of my attention.

[jimstacy]

I can't begin to tell you how much I (and my mum) LOVE what you do! Please, do not let the trolls get you down. And that's what they are! Any one who actually WATCHES you knows you are on private land and why you are out there and what you stand for. Those that bitch about doing this for "clicks" and "leave no trace" are NOT regular viewers! You are teaching people very valuable lessons. After watching you so much, I am far better prepared to build a shelter in an emergency situation than I've ever been. Don't waste your time on trolls, certainly don't let them get you down! I could tell something was bothering you from the start of the video. Please, keep plugging along and doing the outstanding work that you do! And don't lose your passion, your vids are outstanding. From camera angles, editing, music, everything, your videos are extremely well done. Head and shoulders above all the other bushcrafters out there. Now go get busy in the forest!

[daniellarcombe]

Best thing on YouTube hands down.🇬🇧🇬🇧👍

[mariomartin]

You go boy. Anyone who’s watched you for any length of time should know what a respectful young man you are. I love what you do and I wish I had a son that I could work with like you and your dad. Rock on