[HBP#28] - Karl-Magnus Melin - Medieval Carpentry, Timber Churches & Ancient Techniques

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Welcome to another episode of the Heritage Buildings Podcast.

In this episode, Vincent Reed speaks with Karl Magnus-Melin, historic carpenter and craft researcher trained in archaeology at Lund University. The discussion centres on the reconstruction of a 14th-century Swedish log timber church, rebuilt between 2007 and 2021 as a national heritage knowledge project in collaboration with the Craft Laboratory at the University of Gothenburg.

They explore medieval timber construction, roof design research, experimental archaeology, traditional axe work, hand-split boards, tool mark analysis, timber species selection, moisture content, and how rebuilding lost techniques strengthens conservation practice and historic building knowledge.

Topics covered include:
Medieval timber construction and historic carpentry techniques
Reconstructing a 14th-century Scandinavian log church
Experimental archaeology and craft-based research methods
Traditional axe work, tool marks, and timber splitting by hand
Dendrochronology, tree-ring dating, and timber provenance analysis
Roof construction research and medieval geometry
Apotropaic marks, taper burn marks, and ritual protection symbols in historic buildings
Driftwood construction in the Faroe Islands and Nordic timber trade
Craft education, heritage skills shortages, and conservation funding challenges

This episode is essential viewing for conservation architects, heritage consultants, dendrochronologists, archaeologists, historic carpenters, timber framers, building historians, and anyone passionate about medieval construction techniques and experimental craft research.

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Below is a more detailed breakdown of the video with relevant timestamps
Click the time on the left to jump straight to that section

00:00 Welcome & Introducing Craft Researcher Karl Magnus-Melin
01:41 Family Roots: Grandfathers, Churches, and Early Curiosity
03:19 Archaeology Meets Carpentry: Learning by Doing, Not Just Digging
07:42 Burned Medieval Log Church Reconstruction Begins
12:35 Documentation Gaps: Roof, Attic & Research Challenges
17:48 Defining Roles: Leading Medieval Roof Construction Research
22:04 Building as a Knowledge Project for Swedish Heritage
26:32 Splitting Timber by Hand: Species, Seasoning & Tool Marks
35:56 Axe Work, Fitness & the Physical Reality of Medieval Craft
42:57 Rebuilding Lost Traditions: Lessons & Long-Term Impact
45:52 Funding Frustrations vs. Slow Restoration Wins
46:35 Turkey 2017: Inside a 700 BC Timber Tomb
49:39 Ancient Construction Knowledge Across Regions
51:41 Hidden Attics, Soot Lines & Craft Memory
58:39 Dendrochronology Beyond Dating: Forests, Seasons & Sourcing
01:04:55 Faroe Islands: Driftwood, Imported Timber & Burn Marks
01:08:07 Taper Burn Marks & Apotropaic Symbols Explained
01:14:24 Future of Craft Education in Sweden & Final Thoughts

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Connect with Karl-Magnus Melin and learn more:

LinkedIn:   / karl-magnus-melin-a318215b  
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/timmermansk...
Email: [email protected]
Website: http://timmermanskonst.se/

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https://heritagebuildingsassociation.com
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#MedievalArchitecture #Archaeology #HistoricBuildingConservation