Straw bale building is fun!

Awards and TV!

This amazing trophy was presented to me at the Real Yorkshire Tourism Awards last Thursday evening. The award was called Yorkshire Passion - in recognition of all the hard work we have put in with our unique straw bale cabin and cottage. It was presented by our famous local playwright, John Godber at the ceremony in Cottingham. The trophies were designed by students at Hull University. Each one is different but they all have the colourful fields of the East Riding and the Humber Bridge! You can read more about the award and the trophy at www.vhey.co.uk. 

Earlier the same day, I went into Beverley to record an interview about straw bale building at Humber TV. I've just looked on the website - www.humber.tv but it won't play on my laptop - perhaps when it is archived in a day or two?

There is more good news. Bookings for April are the best ever, Sam has started work on a straw bale bungalow for Ben and his family, near Driffield and we have received funding to develop our plastering process. Just need some sunshine!

Back home

In 3 and a half weeks travelling I crammed in 9 flights, a few thousand miles in a hire car, 12 beds, 16 straw bale buildings, a natural building conference, 2 sustainable agriculture conferences, 3 universities and one day off at Niagra Falls! It was the most amazing experience and thank you to all the wonderful people I met along the way. Now to put all that information to the best use....................

This is a picture of a very special straw bale home I went to see on my way back to the airport on the last day. Martins house is nearing completion - an inspiring design that has 2 flat sides and 2 curved sides. In the core of the building sits a charming wood burning stove with a thermally massive earthen chimney breast. The house is built in a forest and the tree theme is brought inside with beautiful, stripped tree trunks featuring throughout.