founder immersion

learn the star hill method through direct instruction from jon anderson, founder of star hill timberworks.

5 days | ellsworth, wisconsin

limited to 4 students

many people want to build a timber frame.

most don’t know where to start.

common questions we hear:

• where do i begin?
• what tools do i actually need?
• do i need to be good at math?
• how do i know i’m doing it right?

this immersion answers those questions through direct experience.

you don’t just learn how timber frames are built.

you work alongside the founder of star hill timberworks, helping build a real timber frame while developing the skills, confidence, and understanding needed to continue the journey on your own.

4 students. one founder. one timber frame.

enrollment is intentionally limited to four students.

instruction is provided personally by jon anderson throughout the week.

every student participates.

every question gets answered.

every layout line gets reviewed.

this isn’t a demonstration.

it’s a working project.

the small class size allows instruction to adapt to your goals and interests.

whether you’re planning a cabin, a home, a shop, or simply want to understand timber framing at a deeper level, you’ll have direct access to the founder throughout the week.

objective-based learning

this immersion follows an objective-based learning model developed through decades of teaching, building, and workforce development.

students progress through a series of activities designed to build capability through direct experience.

activities may include:

• safety
• sharpening
• measurement & verification
• tool qualification
• plan reading
• the star hill method
• layout
• mortises
• tenons
• housings
• reductions
• verification
• pegging
• raising

each activity has a clear objective and completion standard.

the goal is not simply to cover material.

the goal is to develop capability.

the star hill method

this immersion is built around the star hill method, a practical approach to timber framing developed through years of designing, cutting, teaching, and raising timber frames.

the method is built around a simple belief:

timber framing should be understandable.

many people assume timber framing requires advanced math, complicated geometry, or years of experience before they can begin.

our experience has been different.

when the process is clear, the work becomes approachable.

the star hill method provides:

• a clear sequence from first timber to raising
• physical references instead of constant calculation
• repeatable layout and joinery processes
• systems that reduce uncertainty and increase confidence
• a framework that helps students understand why things work, not simply how

throughout the week you’ll learn the thinking behind the method, not just the steps.

the goal isn’t to teach you how to build one timber frame.

the goal is to teach you how to approach future timber frames with confidence.

the star hill layout system

every student receives the star hill layout system as part of their tuition.

the system includes:

• ezl
• ezb
• ezt

manufactured from stainless steel and designed for long-term shop use, the layout system is the same system used daily at star hill timberworks.

rather than relying on calculations or complex geometry, the system provides physical references that allow students to transfer information directly to the timber with speed, consistency, and accuracy.

used together, the star hill method and the star hill layout system create a workflow that helps students focus on understanding timber framing rather than fighting through unnecessary complexity.

students keep their layout system following the immersion.

build something real

this is not a bench class.

nearly all of your time is spent working on a full timber frame structure.

students participate in:

• full layout
• joinery layout
• cutting and fitting
• assembly and adjustment
• raising as a crew

everything you cut is part of the frame.

standing inside a structure you helped build changes what you believe you’re capable of.

tools & workflow

timber framing isn’t one thing, and we don’t teach it as such.

during the immersion, students are exposed to:

• traditional hand-tool timber framing
• mid-level power-tool workflows
• production-oriented power-tool systems

the goal isn’t to tell you what tools to buy.

the goal is to help you understand why you would choose one approach over another.

by the end of the week, students aren’t guessing about tools.

they leave knowing:

• which tools matter for their goals
• which tools can wait
• how different tools affect workflow, accuracy, and pace

tuition & registration

tuition for the star hill method: timber framing immersion is $3,000.

registration requires a non-refundable $700 reservation payment.

the reservation payment secures your seat in the immersion.

the remaining balance is due 30 days before the start date.

tuition includes

• five days of founder-led instruction
• participation in a full timber frame build
• instruction in the star hill method
• star hill layout system
  • ezl
  • ezb
  • ezt
• digital timber framing practices manual
• digital class plans
• lunch each day

additional package options are available for students who wish to include edge systems, cutting systems, manuals, and other tools with their registration.

ticket options

immersion

$3,000

includes:

• five days of founder-led instruction
• participation in a full timber frame build
• star hill layout system
  • ezl
  • ezb
  • ezt
• digital timber framing practices manual
• digital class plans
• lunch each day

immersion + beginner edge system

$3,539

includes:

• everything in immersion
• beginner edge system

immersion + full edge system

$4,075

includes:

• everything in immersion
• full edge system

immersion + cutting system

$3,293

includes:

• everything in immersion
• cutting system

immersion + complete shop package

$4,564

includes:

• everything in immersion
• full edge system
• cutting system
• poly shop manual
• marking knife

what you leave with

students don’t leave inspired.

they leave capable.

you walk away with:

• experience working on a real timber frame structure
• an understanding of the star hill method
• hands-on experience using the star hill layout system
• a workflow you trust and can repeat
• clarity around tools, methods, and next steps
• confidence that comes from having done the work

for many students, this is the moment when building a timber frame stops being a dream and starts becoming a plan.

4 students.

one founder.

one timber frame.

the star hill method.

build • remember • repeat

jon anderson
founder, star hill timberworks