Green wood, axes and oaks: how ancient skills helped to raise Notre-Dame's new roof

"By March 2024, the entire roof frame-la charpente in French-had been identically reconstructed by a small army of 21st-century carpenters trained in the traditional technique of working freshly harvested green wood by hand with an axe. This commitment to traditional craftsmanship is complemented by modern fire protection methods, ensuring the new roof is both historically faithful and resilient against future risks."

"After generations of mechanisation, this ancient skill had almost disappeared in France when an association called Charpentiers Sans Frontières began promoting its revival in 1992. Their workshops, which now attract volunteers worldwide, are instrumental in re-establishing traditional carpentry techniques alongside new conservation needs."

"The workshops united in 2022 when the public contract was jointly awarded for the reconstruction of the wooden roof frames atop the nave and the choir. More than 60 carpenters from various backgrounds came together, demonstrating a remarkable blend of skill and a commitment to preserving the heritage of Notre-Dame."

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