Time-Traveling Carpenters Preserve Medieval Craftsmanship in Notre Dame Cathedral Restoration

Ancient woodworking techniques resurrected to rebuild the fire-damaged roof

In an awe-inspiring display of craftsmanship, modern-day carpenters are employing age-old woodworking methods pioneered by medieval artisans to reconstruct the fire-ravaged roof of the iconic Notre Dame Cathedral. The use of traditional tools and techniques has allowed them to rewind time and gain a profound appreciation for the remarkable skills of their predecessors who pushed architectural boundaries in the 13th century.

Peter Henrikson, one of the carpenters engaged in the restoration, describes the experience as “mind-bending.” As he skillfully wields a mallet and chisel, he marvels at the thought that his actions mirror those of medieval craftsmen who worked on the same joints nearly a millennium ago. Henrikson finds it fascinating to imagine that, in some ways, their thoughts might have aligned.

The deliberate choice to rely on hand tools for the reconstruction is a tribute to the cathedral’s original builders and their unparalleled craftsmanship. Although power tools would have expedited the process, the aim is to honor the centuries-old art of hand-fashioning wood. “We want to restore this cathedral as it was built in the Middle Ages,” asserts Jean-Louis Georgelin, the retired French army general overseeing the project, adding that it pays homage to the countless artisans who contributed to France’s extraordinary architectural heritage.

Despite the tight deadline to reopen the cathedral by December 2024, carpenters and architects have integrated computer design and modern technologies to expedite the reconstruction process. Computers have been instrumental in creating detailed plans, ensuring the hand-chiseled beams fit together flawlessly. Henrikson acknowledges the ingenuity of traditional carpenters who accomplished such precision using the limited tools and technology available during their time.

Led by architect Remi Fromont, the reconstruction reached a significant milestone in May as substantial portions of the new timber frame were assembled and erected in a workshop located in the Loire Valley. This dry run confirmed the structural integrity of the frame, which will ultimately be transported to Paris and lifted into position using mechanical cranes—an approach divergent from the medieval practice of on-site construction. Remarkably, around 1,200 trees have been felled to provide the necessary materials for the restoration.

According to Fromont, the objective is to faithfully restore the cathedral’s original wooden frame structure that perished in the 2019 fire. He emphasizes that the rebuilt frame is an exact replica of the 13th-century structure, using the same type of oak and replicating the precise tools and techniques. Ultimately, the roof will reclaim its rightful place, representing a true resurrection of the timeless masterpiece.