On the stone foundation, four huge ground beams ("grunnstokker") are placed like a sign, their ends protruding 1–2 meters from the lap joint where they intersect. The ends of these beams support the sills of the outer walls, forming a separate horizontal frame. The tall internal posts are placed on the internal frame of ground beams, and carry the main roof above the central nave ("skip"). On the outer frame of sills rest the main wall planks ("veggtiler"), carrying the roof over the pentice or aisles ("omgang") surrounding the central space. The roof thus slopes down in two steps, as in a basilica.