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5 day Roundpole Timber Frame workshop
9-13th August 2008
Discover the benefits of creating a beautiful roundpole timber frame structure during a week connecting with the earth at a beautiful rural location nestled in Exmoor National Park.
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Title : 5 day Roundpole Timber Frame workshop
Date : 9-13th August 2008
Location : Treborough Woodland Campsite, Somerset
Cost : £410/ £365 (including food and camping).

Course details
Discover the benefits of creating a beautiful roundpole timber frame structure during a week connecting with the earth at a beautiful rural location nestled in Exmoor National Park

Objectives
A 5 day course, which will inspire and amaze you. During the course you will discover how to create a small timber frame structure using green wood in the round ( larch, western red cedar and sweet chestnut). This is an intensive practical and theoretical course; expect long days of hands-on work with short theory sessions. Also you can expect good company, hearty vegetarian food and time to relax and explore the beautiful surroundings soak up the sunshine and absorb what you have learned.

During the week you will be helping to build a small cruck frame workshop which will be the beginning of a host of natural builds intended for the community space on the land. You should leave the course with all the skills necessary to begin a small roundpole timber frame building project of your own.

Practical sessions will cover:

• The location of suitable materials - suitable species for use in roundpole timber frame
  
• Jointing techniques
  
• Tools required and their maintenance
  
• Suitable foundations for roundpole timber frame structures

Theory/design sessions will include:

• Using our site as an example, how to assess your site and build holistically, taking into consideration passive solar design, drainage, natural features, flora and fauna.
  
• The advantages and disadvantages of roundpole.
  
• How other sustainable building techniques such as straw bale, light straw clay and cob can be used in conjunction with round pole timber frame to create hybrid designs.
  
• Round pole timber frame buildings, planning permission and building regulations.
  
• The practical and environmental benefits of roundpole timber frame

During the week there will be a trip to the local pub the Valiant Soldier in Raleigh Cross. There will also be a visual presentation of cob from around the world, from the functional to the fantastic. Magical and inspiring buildings to fire your imagination.

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About the land at Treborough Woodland Campsite

Located in the heart of 'cob country' this 56 acre site is situated in the stunning landscape of the Exmoor National Park, located 10 miles away from the historic and picturesque town of Minehead.

Treborough Woods sit at the foot of the Brendon Hills 800ft above sea level; an ancient oak and beech woodland, mentioned Doomsday Book, it is home to a wide variety of flora and fauna with panoramic views of rolling countryside and the Welsh coastline.


The surrounding area

The campsite is ideally situated for exploring this beautiful part of Somerset:

Minehead is situated right on the Exmoor National Park boundary and has a wide choice of excellent walks starting in the town and leading out into the beautiful Exmoor countryside. With its mild weather and wide sandy beach Minehead offers its visitors modern amenities and facilities, whilst conserving the best of the past: - the enourmously popular steam railway, the old town with its many spacious Edwardian era villas (some of which are today's guest houses) and the attractive harbour area and nearby medieval village Dunster with its superb castle.

http://www.stayinminehead.co.uk/

Dunster is an idyllic medieval village set in Exmoor National Park. With a wealth of heritage and history from the National Trust's 11th century Dunster castle to the Old Yarn Market in the middle of the high street.

http://www.dunster-exmoor.co.uk/

Watchet is an ancient harbour town, steeped in history, nestled between Exmoor National Park and the Quantocks in the South West of England. It is centrally located for people who want to Explore Exmoor National Park, the Quantocks or a traditional beach holiday.

http://www.visit-watchet.co.uk/


Blue Anchor West beach is one of the many beaches to visit in the area. Made up of mud, sand and shingle it is a great beach for finding fossils.

http://www.familyholidaysouthwest.co.uk/main/en/att-provider-16451.html



How to get there

Full directions by bicycle, public transport and car will be sent to you when you book. To encourage cycling, public transport and car-sharing, there will be a levy of £5 for every car. This money will be used to plant a tree on the land.

Accommodation

Accommodation will be camping and for those of you who are less inclined to the camping life and who wish to pay extra, there are a host of local B&Bs, however we do recommend you try stay on site to enjoy the full experience of the workshop and the land.

General Exmoor accommodation

http://www.accommodation-exmoor.co.uk/list.php?accmtown=Luxborough

Little Brendon Hill

http://www.exmoorheaven.co.uk/




Facilities

The water comes direct from the woodland spring. There are flush toilets, and hot showers. For the cooler evenings you can warm up in front of the outdoor fireplace or relax in the outdoor wood fired bath. A marquee kitchen and dining area is available for shelter and a cordwood sacred space for meditation. A tipi classroom will also be used during the workshop. Children are welcome to participate but under 16s must be accompanied by an adult. There are no childcare facilities available on site.




Food

The host of the workshop and her daughter will be providing hearty vegetarian meals with vegan options (please inform us a.s.a.p if you have any special dietary requirements). Some of the food will be cooked in the on site cob oven.



Schedule
We will expect participants to arrive Friday evening by 6 p.m for a hearty meal at 7p.m, introductions and a short inspirational slideshow. Your day will start at 8.30 a.m and finish at 6.30 with a long lunch break/siesta to avoid working in the midday sun. The workshop will finish the following Wednesday early evening and departure will either be Wednesday evening or Thursday morning.


What to bring
Pen/pencil and notebook, camera, work clothes or overalls, safety boots/wellies, warm clothing, waterproofs, torch, money for the pub!


Instructors
Alan Cameron-Duff and Annabel Fawcus apprenticed with Cob Cottage Company, the inspiration for thousands of natural builders around the world. They were so inspired they went on to build many cob structures in the UK, America and New Zealand and set up their own business Earthed here in Britain to enable others to access there own creative potential and inspire people to build using sustainable materials.


Booking
Please book directly through Earthed. Tel: 07917361580 Email: info@earthedworld.co.uk
Please then complete and send us a booking form with deposit to secure a place on the course. We will then confirm your booking, sending you detailed directions and information about what to bring etc.
There are 15 places available so please book as soon as possible.

Click here for a printable booking form