The people behind the barn
Øhavsladen is built by people who spent years learning the craft, and who share it gladly.
Jesper Kjærgaard
Initiator
Woodworker, filmmaker, and the driving force behind Øhavsladen. Jesper runs Jesper Makes, a workshop and YouTube channel with over 350,000 subscribers where traditional and modern woodcraft meet. He brings entrepreneurial and leadership experience from the Danish culture and events industry. In 2024 he travelled to Latvia to learn traditional timber framing with The Northmen.
Tom Schotman
Master timber framer · Toms Timmervan
Dutch master timber framer specialising in traditional frame construction. Tom has built and taught with the Northmen Guild and raises timber structures across Europe. He is responsible for the design, cutting, and raising of Øhavsladen, and has moved to Denmark with his family.
Rihards Vidzickis
Advisor
Latvian woodcraft artisan, PhD in materials technology (RTU), and founder of Vienkoču Park, an open-air woodcraft museum in Līgatne, Latvia. Chairman of the Latvian NGO Zaļie Amatnieki. Rihards brings international experience with cultural heritage projects and EU funding.
Ditte Kjærgaard
Course and guest coordinator
Responsible for planning courses, guest facilities, and the daily operation of Øhavsladen as a learning and experience destination.