Great Hall
Home > The School > Facilities > Great Hall

Over the past four years, something special has been happening at the ISBA campus, we are building a great hall to showcase and celebrate our student’s talent. Rock and Timber form a functional symbol of strength and beauty. Nine student-built Hammer Bents, three sets of timber frames, converge like a peace sign to create a hexagonal center, creating 3000 sq.ft. of vaulted cathedral space. Four student-built rock Rumford fireplaces, three inside, another on the deck...rock piers and arched walls.

The Rumford fireplaces and rockwork were constructed in-place, over a few courses. The Hammer Bents were constructed on previous courses and stored, up to five years ago!  When it was time, the timber frames were re planed, assembled and raised into position like a giant lego set.

ISBA is the only school to teach the ultimate method of Timber joinery that doesn’t ‘loosen’ after finish planning, refer to the Master’s Guide to Timber Framing. Engineer approved wood-to-wood joinery with no metal connectors in the joints!

The rockwork and fireplaces are almost finished, the concrete floor has been poured and the in-floor heating system provides the most efficient method of heating vaulted spaces. We are planning on building heavy medieval  style doors and will be designing and installing concrete countertops this summer in our Concrete Countertop workshop.

When completed the ISBA Great Hall will welcome present, past and future ISBA alumni, freemen and journeymen, and knowledge-seekers. We’ve got a ways to go so stay tuned...

Photos   Click on photos below for a larger image

Portico Entrance
South Elevation
Deck (future) with Fireplace and BBQ
Hexagon centre post_cupola with Fireplace
West Wing with Rumford Fireplace
ISBA Great Hall (under construction)
Converging Frames
Hexagon support Post
Frames and Fireplaces
Student Bodies
Erection of First Hammer Bent Frame
Grand spaces
Island School of Building Arts - Construction of Great Hall
Island School of Building Arts - Construction of Great Hall
Island School of Building Arts - Construction of Great Hall
Island School of Building Arts - Construction of Great Hall
Island School of Building Arts - Construction of Great Hall
Island School of Building Arts - Construction of Great Hall
Island School of Building Arts - Construction of Great Hall
Island School of Building Arts - Construction of Great Hall
Island School of Building Arts - Construction of Great Hall
Island School of Building Arts - Construction of Great Hall
Island School of Building Arts - Construction of Great Hall
Island School of Building Arts - Construction of Great Hall
Island School of Building Arts - Construction of Great Hall
Island School of Building Arts - Construction of Great Hall
Island School of Building Arts - Construction of Great Hall
Island School of Building Arts - Construction of Great Hall
Island School of Building Arts - Construction of Great Hall
Island School of Building Arts -  Arial View Hall
Island School of Building Arts - Construction of Great Hall - Concrete Floor
Island School of Building Arts - Construction of Great Hall - Concrete Floor
Island School of Building Arts - Construction of Great Hall - Great Hall Panorama
Island School of Building Arts - Construction of Great Hall - Centre post detail
Island School of Building Arts - Construction of Great Hall - Drywall at taping stage
Island School of Building Arts - Construction of Great Hall - Fireplace drywall
Island School of Building Arts - Construction of Great Hall - Cedar in drivethrough
Island School of Building Arts - Construction of Great Hall - Drywall at taping stage
Island School of Building Arts - Construction of Great Hall - Insulation
Great Hall