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Minnesota provides a great backdrop for creating a Russian wilderness—similar climates with a mix of coniferous and deciduous trees. To add a note of authenticity, the exhibit will include a log cabin from Russia. This cabin will serve the dual purpose of sheltered viewing areas for wild boars and Amur leopards as well as discussing important conservation issues affecting the Russian Far East and its’ animals.
 Choosing the Best Trees
Logs are chosen for their strength, durability, and beauty. Also important are those species that are known for their resistance to weather and decay. The logs for the Zoo’s Russian cabin are Norway spruce and Scots pine. The cabin was built and assembled in Karelia, Russia. Then it was unassembled and transported to Minnesota.
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How was it built?
The cabin is essentially two handmade, full-scribe-fit log cabins. The left side of the cabin represents an older cabin design—flat, smooth surface inside and out. The logs are hewn flat and notched to each other with a variety of hand tools (chisels and axes) and power tools (chainsaw and sanders). The right-hand side represents a newer log cabin look with rounded logs inside and out. The new logs were peeled of bark and scribe-fitted to each other lengthwise and at corners. |
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Creating a tight fit
“Scribe-fit" means the logs look like they grew together—it's an ancient art invented in Norway more than two thousand years ago. A tool called a scriber is used. It is a divider or compass but with a pen in both legs. Craftsmen use the scriber to measure the exact place to cut grooves and notches to assure a tight fit between the logs. The goal is to have every log to fit so tightly you can't get a business card between them! |
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Notches and Grooves
Once logs are scribed, then the timber is cut out between the scribe lines—first with a chainsaw for the big pieces and then finished with sharp chisels and sanders. Long lateral grooves are cut to ensure a tight fit along the length of the logs and notches allow the logs to meet in the corners. Every log, every layer is carefully measured and individually assembled, fitting together like an elaborate three-dimensional puzzle. |
 
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The Transport
It took two and a half months to build the log cabin in Russia. Once done, it was disassembled, one log at a time, and each log was uniquely numbered and coded. The logs were carefully wrapped and loaded into a 40-foot open top container. It went by truck from Karelia to St Petersburg. Then by ship to Hamburg, Germany, and by ship to Montreal, Canada. From Montreal, it went by train to St Paul, and finally by truck to the Minnesota Zoo. |
Photos courtesy of Robert W. Chambers |
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