a modular beam / column construction having a tension member securing end caps to the opposite ends of the beams and columns which are placed in compression . in one embodiment , the end caps mounted to horizontally extending beams are in turn secured atop a base plate with a threaded fastener controlling the positioning of the beam ends relative to the base plate . in another embodiment , a cap mounted atop wooden beams is secured to a base plate by a tension member . the cap includes vertically movable adjustment members to horizontally level the cap although the columns are of different lengths .