Sept 18th-19th - Second Group Build/Raising the Roof

On Septmber 18th we had our second group build. Originally we thought we might put some daube on the walls, but instead we decided as a group that it would be better to get some of the roof poles up first. This way we can tarp it once it's been daubed to protect the walls, until we're able to thatch the house. We were blessed with the help and presence of Ryan and Aryn Jones, Chris and Sarah Thomas, Andrew Nickel, Amy Cripps and Tyson Collecton.

They started off by cutting down spruce trees which were dead standing up, making sure to choose sound ones with no rot or fungus growing on the trunks. Once the trees were cut down, they were assembled into what resembles a tipee-pole-like structure. The posts were also tied with a rope around the top to keep them in place until they were pegged to the walls.

We had a lovely visit that evening with those who were able to stay for dinner. Once again I want to thank you all, not only for your help and smarts in  the building process but for your friendship. Each and every one of you are valued and we count ourselves lucky to taking on  this project with all of you.

The next day on September 19th it was back to being just Garrett, Richard and I. We had a busy day of striping the bark and tiny twigs off the poles, both to protect the life of the poles but also to preserve the tarp we will have to place on the house until it's thatched. We also put up more poles for the roof, bringing the total thus far to 10 poles. (more to come soon!) We then drilled holes into the poles with a Victorian wood auger and pegged the poles to the top plates of the wall.

The following night we had a fire in the roundhouse. The flames were perhaps a little wilder than we'd have them when the thatch is on! Despite not having a completed roof or daub on the walls, there was a significant difference in the warmth inside the house, even when we just had a tiny fire going. We're convinced that when the house is finished, the cold won't be an issue!

Day 10, Sept 13th '10 - End of Wattling!!

The Roundhouse had been neglected for a few weeks, due to other events such as various Highland Games, but on September 13th we came back to it, energized and ready to finish the rest of the wattling. In less than a week there will be another group build and we feel the wattling should be done before then so we can move onto the next stage of the build.

We wattled what we had left of the willows we've previously gathered, which only allowed us to go around 2-3 times. Once we exhausted our supply the three of us went into the bush and gathered a truck cart load more, which we harvested with khukris.

It was then back to the process of wattling (which luckily we all enjoy so it doesn't feel tedius!) At the end of the day we'd used up the rest of the willow we gathered and pretty much reached the Top Plates. There are a few spots we need to feel in with the odd willow here and there, but over all we can say that the wattling stage of the wall has been completed!!

Day 8-9, August 16th-17th - More Wattling!

After the Group wattling, Garrett, Richard and I put in a couple days of harvesting more willow and wattling to about the half way point. We also cleared the remaining grass from the floor and set up a fire put in the centre. It is finally starting to look more like a house than wood henge or an animal pen!