About Us
Ouiwood’s Commitment
AT OUIWOOD TIMBERWORKS, EVERY PROJECT IS CRAFTED WITH PRECISION, CARE, AND DEEP RESPECT FOR THE TIMBER AND THE TRADITION IT REPRESENTS. WE BELIEVE IN BLENDING THE RICH HISTORY OF TIMBER FRAMING WITH MODERN TECHNIQUES TO CREATE STRUCTURES THAT ARE NOT ONLY FUNCTIONAL BUT ALSO WORKS OF ART.
About Fabrice Lallemand, Owner
Fabrice’s journey into the world of timber framing is a tale of passion, dedication, and a deep connection to the ancient art of craftsmanship. For over 25 years, timber framing has been more than just a profession for Fabrice—it’s been his life’s work, a skill honed through decades of experience and a commitment to excellence.
Fabrice’s journey began in France, where he embarked on an extraordinary path with Les Compagnons du Devoir. This rigorous training is a true testament to Fabrice’s dedication to mastering his craft. During this time, he worked with over 25 companies across the globe, each project adding to his vast reservoir of knowledge and expertise, including some notable projects like the stunning Tomamu Cloud Walk in Japan.
Fabrice’s love for timber framing took him around the world, but it was a special kind of love that brought him to beautiful British Columbia in Canada. Inspired by his wife, Fabrice made the move across the Atlantic, settling in this beautiful country where they would raise their two wonderful children.
Upon arriving in Canada, Fabrice’s first role was with Macdonald & Lawrence Timberframing. He then took on a Supervisor position at Kinsol Timbers Ltd., where he continued to work as a subcontractor until now with a strong professional relationship. His work in Canada has been nothing short of remarkable, contributing to the construction of fun-filled playgrounds, mass timber projects, the zip line adventure park in Whistler, and iconic timber frame structures all across British Columbia. His dedication to preserving history also shines through his heritage work, where he has restored and revitalized structures that hold deep cultural significance.
Before his time in Canada, Fabrice’s hands crafted history in Europe. He played a pivotal role in rebuilding the Fregate Hermione, a replica of a legendary ship, and worked on restoring cathedrals, castles, and other historic landmarks. These projects not only showcase his technical skills but also his profound respect for the traditions and stories embedded in the timber he so lovingly shapes.
Today, Fabrice continues to pour his heart and soul into every piece of timber he touches, infusing each project with the wisdom of his training, the richness of his experiences, and the love he has for his craft. Ouiwood Timberworks is not just about building structures; it’s about building legacies—timber by timber, project by project.
Ready to start your next timberwork project?
What is Les Compagnons du Devoir?
Les Compagnons du Devoir is an esteemed French organization with a storied history that dates back to the Middle Ages. This unique brotherhood of craftsmen and artisans is dedicated to preserving and passing down the ancient skills and knowledge of traditional trades, including timber framing.
The training journey with Les Compagnons du Devoir is unlike any other. It is a decade-long commitment that demands not only technical proficiency but also a deep understanding of the cultural and historical significance of the craft. Apprentices, known as “compagnons,” are immersed in a world where the artistry of the past meets the challenges of the present, learning to blend tradition with innovation.
The first stage of the training involves intensive, hands-on learning under the guidance of master craftsmen. During this period, apprentices are taught the foundational skills of their trade, from selecting the right timber to the intricate joinery that holds structures together without the need for nails or screws. But the training goes beyond just technical skills; it instills a philosophy of meticulous attention to detail, respect for materials, and a commitment to quality that defines true craftsmanship.
One of the most remarkable aspects of this training is the “Tour de France,” a tradition where apprentices travel across the country, and often the world, to work with different masters and gain diverse experiences. This journey allows them to practice their craft in a variety of settings, from constructing rural barns to restoring ancient cathedrals.
By the time Fabrice completed his training, he had not only mastered the technical aspects of timber framing but had also acquired a profound understanding of the cultural heritage and artistic expression embedded in this ancient craft. His work is a testament to the centuries-old traditions of Les Compagnons du Devoir, blending historical techniques with modern innovation to create structures that are not only functional but also enduring works of art.
This depth of training means that when Fabrice approaches a project, he does so with a level of expertise that is rare and highly respected. His ability to envision and execute complex timber structures, whether they are contemporary designs or historical restorations, is rooted in the rich, time-honored traditions passed down through generations of craftsmen. His hands-on experience, coupled with the profound mentorship he received during his training, equips him to tackle any project with the confidence and skill of a true master craftsman.
For clients and collaborators, working with Fabrice is an opportunity to benefit from this exceptional training and experience—an assurance that every project will be crafted with precision, care, and a deep respect for the timber and the traditions it represents.
Testimonials
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Fabrice’s craftsmanship is truly remarkable. The timber frame structure he built for our home is both beautiful and sturdy. We couldn’t be happier with the result.
Northridge Admin
Fabrice was extremely punctual which is not my typical experience with majority trades people. He did an amazing job fixing our pergola & stayed within our budget. Highly recommend him for all your woodworking needs!!!
kathleen munoz-supnet
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Highly recommended! Working with Fabrice was an absolute pleasure from the start all the way to the finish line. He came with a plethora of information about best practices given the space and custom woodwork to build our kitchen nook and more. His experience and eye in design is clear in the final product. We will surely be working with Fabrice on many more projects to come! Thanks!
Justin Singh
Fabrice was great. We needed a fence repair and it was a small job and Fabrice spent the time consulting, pricing and completed the job on time. He was conscious of our budget and was extremely respectful of our space. We will be using his services again!
Anna Rae
