This is an extra special opportunity to join us in completing the experimental log cabin roundhouse build started in 2022.
Last year a group of 12 fantastic eco-builders in the making came together to learn a Norwegian Style Notch - we had a fantastic time learning to use the axes and working out angles - but the notch was so complex we didn’t finish!
This time round we have experimented with a simpler style of notch and built a few more layers - and will finish the roundhouse and put the roof on!!
Come and spend 4 days in the Beautiful Forest of Dean with us Rewilding yourself and honing these physical and enjoyable skills.
Building buildings, and building community, Rewilding ourselves.
Over the 4 days you will be fed local, organic and wild food, camp out together at a private camping field with full facilities, and learn all the skills needed to build your very own log cabin round house.
During your stay with us we will complete the build of a 6 sided, stacked wood cabin, with a reciprocal roof, you will receive a course booklet with handouts and information to take away.
Our fantastic chefs will provide breakfast, lunch, hot drinks and snacks throughout each day.
The knowledge and skills you will go away with:
Site Overview:
We will start the week with an overview of The Rewild Project 3/4 Acre Permaculture Allotment, and how the plot has been transformed and soil been build over 7 years using a Forest Garden, edible perennial growing system, chop and drop system.
Roundwood Building Techniques:
Discussion about various roundwood building techniques & options.
Reciprocal Roof
A reciprocal roof is a self-supporting spiral of timbers where each timber rests on the next and needs no central support. It leaves a round skylight that brings light into the room.
Cobbing
How to assess the suitability of subsoil for making cob, and how to determine the right ratios for making a strong, long lasting mix. We will then be applying this to the building through various methods.
Lime Render
A discussion on the benefits and applications of lime render.
Ground works:
Groundworks will already be in place prior to commencement of the course. We will discuss and evaluate different approaches and methods available for groundworks, foundations and what the environmental considerations would be.
Notches - Simple Lap Joints
These are quick easy joints which can easily be mastered by anyone using chisels, mallets & saws - tools that most people have to hand.
With 12 attendees you will split into groups of two to scribe one of the six sides each.
Straw Bale – Various methods of insulating & finishing walls will be discussed, one of which is straw bale construction.
We will be using Sweet Chestnut, coppiced locally by our social forestry team who are teaching local people new skills and bringing local disused Forestry England woodland back into rotation.
Throughout this course we aim to create a demonstration of how to build simply with local materials and create answers to the current housing, economic and ecological crisis.
More about your course leaders…
Scott Baine
Rewild Project Founder will be leading the course. Scott learned this building technique during his previous life living in the wild in Sweden.
Click on his picture to read more…
Emma Gleave
Will be on hand to support the build, and assist with organisations, logistic and is looking forward meeting new people and and the sense of achievement on completing a project.
Click on her picture to read more…
