Natural builders wanted, Lehigh Valley, PA (Allentown, Bethlehem, Easton).

We are looking for a reliable Natural Builder with carpentry skills to handle all building tasks related to residential structures and historic restoration. Primary carpentry roles include timber framing, rough framing, trim, insulation, woodworking (shop). Assistance with other trades expected to include natural plaster, stone, strawbale, tile, and labor. Highly desirable to be competent in preparing working plans, inspecting construction materials and constructing wooden structures. You must be able to read construction plans and keep records of supplies to be used.

Natural Building: construction with locally available minimally processed materials using traditional craft and methods with attention to organic and sustainable elements such as siting for energy and ecology, longevity of structures (target 1,000 years), zero indoor air pollution, natural/non-toxic products.

Artisanal Structures LLC is looking for workers to join its exciting portfolio of projects as carpenter, plasterer, mason, painter, and general labor. Open to various arrangements such as interns, sub-contractors, wage labor, barter. Excellent opportunity to use and improve your skills, gain experience, and enjoy life.

Artisanal Structures builds by hand high quality distinctive homes, outdoor structures, and crafted furnishings employing traditional and natural methods. Located in the historic Lehigh Valley, PA we also do extensive restoration work on historic structures.

Member of the Natural Builders Guild of the Lehigh Valley!

Current projects include:

• Garage conversion into a Master Suite with cathedral ceiling, timber rafter ties, radiant slab, custom natural plaster walls, on Pinetop Mountain, PA

• Timber frame poolside pergola in Black Locust and White Oak near Lake Towhee, PA

• Historic Restoration of the George Taylor House (circa 1768, signer of Declaration of Independence) in Catasauqua, PA

• Historic Restoration of the 1761 Tannery at the Moravian Colonial Industrial Quarter, Bethlehem, PA

Upcoming projects:

• Custom Natural Built residence (timber-frame, strawbale, plaster, stone) on South Mountain, PA

• Barn conversion from unconditioned space to guest/pool house, workshop, play room, greenhouse near Lake Towhee, PA

• Historic Restoration of 45

• Mycobrick and lime plaster Sweat Lodge in Fountain Hill, PA

Our work environment includes:

• Growth opportunities

• On-the-job training

• Lively atmosphere

Responsibilities:

• Assemble, erect and finish custom structures.

• Craft dimensional wood and/or raw timber to specified sizes, using woodworking tools such as saws, chisels, planers, table saws, mortising machines, drill/drivers, angle grinders in a woodshop or in the field.

• Locate materials and equipment, using appropriate tools, for specific projects.

• Prep and finish materials to finish quality according to specifications.

• Assemble lumber components in the rough to produce specific finished products, using fasteners such as nails and screws .

• Install custom elements in buildings according to specifications .

• Strong knowledge of carpentry tools and effective construction practices.
• Excellent communication skills, and a strong attention to detail.