Alright, so you’ve seen how they are built and what they look like on the ground, but how will our unique log trusses and purlins transform the look and feel of Coteau des Prairies Lodge once they are set in place? Well…see for yourself!
Coteau des Prairies Lodge is continuing to change the skyline of southern Sargent County. We have heard the lodge can be spotted on the horizon from all the way over by Cogswell.
The south gabled end of the lodge is framed in and supporting extra long purlins which extend out and will carry the roof.
This is the last lengthwise view of the loft level before the wall sheeting goes on the outside. It is a bit drafty up there without any walls or ceiling!
From the great room you see the magnificent trusses and purlins overhead. Can you guess why we are hoping the snow will hold off just another month or so?
Elevated view from the south with the wonderful unobstructed glow of the northern horizon many leagues from the lodge.
The lodge glows in the light of the setting sun. From the lodge, it is a treat to watch the prairie sun sink into the endless farmland of the northern great plains.
Using a super zoom lens across the coteau from a neighboring hilltop, Coteau des Prairies Lodge is shown here along with our newly constructed driveway.
Kirk Ivankovich and Jeff Richards work together to fasten 12.5' native North Dakota ponderosa pine log purlins to the roof trusses.
With the assistance of a large boom lift and a handy homemade lift basket the crew attaches purlins lickity split!
Kirk Ivankovich demonstrates one of the very most important skills needed in rustic lodge construction: sawing logs!
Bird's eye view of the lodge on a foggy day. Log purlins are beginning to appear on the south end.
Nate Rude and Jeremy Hovde select purlins from the pile to be hoisted to the top of the lodge for installation.
Kirk Ivankovich and Jeff Richards install purlins which as you can see firmly hold the trusses in place and will also be used to attach the roof.
Kirk Ivankovich and Jeff Richards must not mind heights as they works high above the floor attaching log purlins to the trusses.
Kirk Ivankovich drives an extra long and extra strong screw through the log purlin into the truss to fasten it securely.
The trusses are on and boy do they look great! Hats off to the crew for a safe, productive and exciting day of work at Coteau des Prairies Lodge!
The crane places the very last truss on the lodge. We were blessed with great weather on the day of the truss setting, it was about as nice as it can get in December!
Truss #6 is being hoisted over the lodge on its journey to its final resting place. Lucky #6 will enjoy a lovely view as it sits next the north window of the great room!
Reuben Hoeffer, the crane operator watches as the truss he lifted is being fastend to the lodge walls and secured with racket straps.
The crew works to secure truss #4 onto the lodge. Look at the cool 'Y' logs in the truss, aren't they great?
Truss #4 is making its way to its new home which will be over the second floor balcony.
Jeff Richards tightens a large ratchet strap which is used to secure the truss in place until the purlins and roof are installed.
Noah Breker watches intently from his quaint hiding place as an enormous ponderosa pine log truss passes overhead.
Kirk Ivankovich waits for his turn and watches as the massive boom of the crane moves a truss into place.
Jeff Richards attaches a log truss to the wall with long screws. Notice the wall is reinforced with extra 2x6s to support the weight of the truss.
The anticipation of this day has been building and building for weeks. Finally, the first truss is lifted into place as the crew watches in amazement.
It is truss setting day! The crew prepares the first truss for installation. It is almost time for lift off! 10...9...8...7...
Joe
Just watched the video and enjoyed it.Looks like the place is moving along.Terminology in construction is everything. It is what keeps everybody on the same page working for the same goal, complete the project.I was paying close attention to your talk on how the 2nd floor was supported by the (pillars) on the south side of the house. As the boys in Fort Smith Arkansas informed me,”thems columns son Pillars is what we lay our heads on at night.” Keep up the good work. I look forward to seeing it.
Todd Sjothun