The roof was "topped out" during the week of 16 to 21 August. This is our Topping Out Party on Sunday 22 August. There was short notice for the party, and not much publicity, but we ended up with good weather and a great attendance.
The topping out party is a European tradition which occurs when the last beam is put in place. A tree nailed to the last beam signifies the completion of the frame. The beam should be painted white and is signed by the workmen involved, but we did not have space. There have been over 200 islanders and friends who have donated time, equipment or money to this project so far.
This looks impressive, but at lockup, which will occur when the windows are mounted, the construction will be one third done.
This is a view of the rafters over the domed structure. These are cut from 14" high LVL beams. The undercut is reused for the wings of the curve which extend over the flat roof.