This two-day workshop covers the techniques and practice of building with straw bales. This unorthodox building material is quick to build, has good fire resistance and extremely high insulation properties.

Rob Buckley describes how building with straw bales results in extremely cheap and easy buildings very much suited to artistic curves and interesting doors, windows and roofs. He will cover many aspects of these building projects, with demonstrations and hands-on practice:

• History of bale building

• Advantages and disadvantages of straw bales

• Planning and Building Control implications

• Environmental impact and Costs

• Current building practice and recent innovations

• Planning your project

• Foundations, Walls and Roofs

• Finishing options

• Maintenance

Rob also provides consultancy on renovation and conservation, timber frame building, stone walling, cob wall building and use of lime mortar. Further information can be found on www.dorsetruralskills.co.uk