Designing Without Limits: Building a Custom Hexagon Pavilion for a Local Summer Camp

At Great Northern Builders, we thrive on creative challenges—especially the ones that test the limits of traditional building practices. So when a local summer camp reached out with a unique request—to design and build a hexagon-shaped pavilion that could accommodate large groups of campers without any interior support poles—we knew it was a project meant for us.

A Vision for Connection and Open Space

Summer camps are all about connection—between campers, counselors, and nature. The design of the new pavilion needed to reflect that. By eliminating interior posts, the camp hoped to create an open, flexible space where gatherings could flow freely, from group activities to performances and quiet reflection. But structurally, building a wide-span hexagon with no central or vertical supports poses a real challenge.

Custom Framing with a Turnbuckle System

To bring this vision to life, our team engineered a turnbuckle tension system that would provide the necessary strength and stability without interrupting the open layout. This innovative framing method allowed the structure to bear weight while remaining visually and functionally unobstructed.

Turnbuckles—typically used in industrial applications to add tension and adjust structural alignment—were key to distributing the load and maintaining the integrity of the six-sided building. While it would have been easy to stop there, with a strong and code-compliant solution in place, our team chose to go further.

Details That Define Our Craft

We meticulously aligned the turnbuckles with the rafters of the building’s roof system. To some, this might seem like an insignificant detail. But to us, it represents the heart of what we do. Clean lines, thoughtful alignment, and architectural harmony aren’t just aesthetic choices—they’re a reflection of our commitment to craftsmanship.

These kinds of design details often go unnoticed by the average eye, but they contribute to a feeling of intentionality and quality that clients and users instinctively recognize. It’s not just about how a building functions, but how it feels.

More Than Just a Pavilion

The final result is a striking hexagon pavilion that’s both structurally sound and beautifully designed. For the camp, it’s a flexible gathering space that enhances their programs and helps create lasting memories. For us, it’s a project that speaks to what’s possible when creativity and quality come together.

Whether we’re building custom camp structures, reimagining residential homes, or tackling complex remodels, our team brings the same care, problem-solving mindset, and attention to detail to every job.

Building With Purpose

At Great Northern Builders, quality construction isn’t just about meeting code or checking boxes—it’s about building with purpose, precision, and pride. Every beam, joint, and fastener is an opportunity to do things right. And while not every client will request a hexagon-shaped building, we approach each project with the same mindset: to deliver thoughtful, well-executed work that lasts.