In 2011, a group of individuals cooperated to construct a roundhouse at Boiling Wells. To achieve this, they relied on cob walls made from logs which they had carved specifically for the task. The goal was to build a structure employing traditional and sustainable techniques while promoting community involvement and ecological living.
Cob is a traditional building method that goes back thousands of years. It involves the use of earthen materials, including clay, sand, and straw. The mixture is tempered before being formed into different shapes, usually by hand. Cob walls were common in Europe until the eighteenth century when they fell out of fashion due to the availability of machine-made bricks and later on, concrete.
However, cob buildings have made a revival in recent years due to growing concerns about the environmental impact of modern construction techniques. Cob is a low-impact material that is locally sourced, non-toxic, and offers a high level of thermal mass, making it an ideal building material for sustainable structures.
The Boiling Wells roundhouse project sought to tap into these benefits, while also involving the local community in the construction process. The design called for a central area with walls made from cob, with a thatched roof on top. The walls were to be formed from logs sourced from the surrounding area, which required careful attention to ensure that they were suitable for use in the wall construction process.
The logs had to be peeled and dried for at least a year before the construction process began. Some were cut down to fit the desired length, while others were left sticking out of the wall, forming timber posts. The logs were then carved using a chainsaw, ensuring that they were shaped correctly to fit together without any gaps. Each log was numbered and recorded, and then put aside for later use.
As the construction phase of the roundhouse began, the logs were then placed onto a stone foundation, which had been previously laid by a team of volunteers. The logs were positioned to create the walls of the roundhouse, and then the cob mixture was applied in layers, with each layer being allowed to dry before the next was put on top.
The cob mixture was prepared on-site using clay, sand, straw, and water. The mixing process was labor-intensive, as the ingredients had to be combined by foot, with builders stepping on the mixture to ensure that it was thoroughly mixed. It was then applied to the logs, forming the walls of the roundhouse.
As the building process continued, more volunteers arrived, bringing with them their own unique skills and expertise. Some assisted with the thatching of the roof, which was done using locally sourced materials such as reed and wheat straw. Others helped with the floor, which was made from rammed earth and finished with a layer of linseed oil.
The result was a beautiful and sustainable structure that was built with the help of the local community. The roundhouse was used for various community events, from yoga classes to cooking classes, and as a space for reflection and relaxation.
In conclusion, the construction of the Boiling Wells roundhouse using traditional and sustainable techniques has demonstrated that it is possible to build beautiful and functional structures while involving the local community and promoting eco-friendly living. Such projects offer a way to connect with our roots while also respecting the environment, and should be encouraged as a way to build a better future for ourselves and our planet.
Posted by ShiftBristol on 2012-04-27 19:08:39