Visit Us
873 U.S. Route One
Woolwich, ME 04579
(207) 442-7938
Store Hours
Monday-Friday: 8am-5pm
Saturday: 9am-4pm
Sunday: Closed
Today, Shelter Courses offers in-person and online education with thousands of graduates annually; Shelter Design Build provides custom residential and commercial design and build services specializing in timber frame construction paired with panelized building systems that can create 1,700 square feet of insulated shell in just three days on site; and Shelter Tools, which started out of necessity in the 70's to bring excellent tools to students, has grown into an international supplier focused exclusively on the highest quality implements—if we sell it, we use it and love it.
Throughout our evolution, our commitment to durable, adaptable, and energy-conscious construction techniques has inspired thousands to become doers.
1972 - 1988
1972 - 1973
Pat and Patsy Hennin design and build a passive solar home during America's first energy crisis, planting the seeds for what would become Shelter Institute.
%201.avif)
1974
Shelter Institute is founded in Bath, Maine. Pat and Patsy move with their young sons Raoul and Gaius to start teaching people how to build smart, energy-efficient homes. First classes are offered in a modest second-floor space for $50/month rent.
1975
The New York Times features Shelter Institute, bringing students from around the world to learn home building in Maine.
1976 - 1978
Yankee Magazine highlights Shelter Institute's innovative educational program.
Popular Science showcases Shelter Institute's energy efficiency classes amid growing national interest in sustainable building.
1979
Shelter moves to a larger turn-of-the-century brick building in downtown Bath with multiple classrooms and workshops. The Hennins open Woodbutcher Tools and welcome their daughter, Blueberry. Time Magazine writes that Shelter graduates "leave knowing how to do something that most Americans only dream about doing: build a house."
1980 - 1982
The Hennin family begins building their own super-insulated dream house, applying the principles they teach.
Pat earns his pilot's license, allowing him to fly to conduct house inspections throughout the region.
1986
Shelter Institute gains national exposure through an Associated Press article. The company purchases their first crane and truck, expanding their timber frame construction capabilities beyond New England.
1988
The Hennins purchase a 68-acre wooded waterfront property in Woolwich for a new campus.
1990 - 2019
1990 - 1992
The second generation joins the family business. Raoul graduates from Harvard University and returns to work with his parents. Gaius graduates from Tufts University as a civil engineer and also joins the team.
1993
Development begins on the new Woolwich campus on Route 1 with the pouring of a 60x80 foot slab with in-floor heating. Shelter Institute is featured on "Made in Maine" TV program.
2001 - 2002
Hennin Post & Beam (now Shelter Design Build) celebrates its 350th frame built.
Family involvement deepens as Blueberry returns from Minneapolis' Handy Magazine to manage the retail store. Gaius becomes a certified Professional Engineer.
2006 - 2007
Patricia Kane Hennin passes away on November 3 after a courageous battle with cancer. Her memorial is attended by approximately 1,000 people, testament to her impact on the community.
The Patricia Kane Hennin Pure Cancer Research Foundation is established in Patsy's memory.
2019
Shelter Institute launches its first online course, "Purely Post and Beam," extending its educational reach beyond in-person classes.
2020 - Now
2020
When the COVID-19 pandemic forces cancellation of in-person classes, the online platform becomes essential, connecting Shelter with students worldwide during lockdowns.
2020
The third generation joins the family business. Gaius and Amy’s son, Clayton is poached from a local news station and takes over marketing efforts and helps with building and teaching.
2021 - 2023
Digital presence grows exponentially, with Shelter's social following growing 265%+ across platforms. Students from six continents share photos of their timber frame projects.
2023
Shelter builds an additional 8,000 square feet of teaching space allowing for 210 in person students to attend courses per year.
2024
Shelter Institute celebrates its 50th anniversary. The company has now built over 500 timber-frame structures, with thousands more constructed by alumni worldwide.
2025
Looking ahead, Shelter Institute has plans for 10,000 square feet of additional timber frame manufacturing space as well as a new studio for increased online course production. Shelter is also working on a couple other very exciting projects coming very very soon.
