Visit our new website ~ www.strawbalestudio our new website ~ for updated information ! Our Strawbale Studio was started in 1997 when we designed the structure to nestle between existing trees at the edge of a small meadow. The Dutch hip roof is a beautiful shape, and was commonly used on ancient structures throughout the world.
With a focus on local materials and organic shapes, the fieldstone foundation was built from rocks on site, while the spruce logs were given to us by some folks clearing land for a new home nearby.
In the winter of 1997 - 1998 we collected reed grass (Phragmite), from nearby marshes. 1200 bundles were collected the first year, and used to thatch about 2/3's of the roof. Over the next 2 winters the additional 800 bundles were collected (for a total of 2000!)and the roof thatching was finished.
The reed bundles are cleaned by hand or by using a combing technique. This picture shows participants at our one day Introduction to Thatching, April 25, 1998.
The flowing, sculptural roof was thatched by a group of 6 students lead by Master Thatchers Flemming Abrahamsson and Ole Hav, from Denmark (in cooperation with the Cob Cottage Co). This 12 day workshop, April 17-28 taught the basic techniques of Danish thatching.
Students getting some "Hands On" experience in the basic techniques of thatching.
