STRAWBALE GARDEN GAZEBO During the autumn of 2001 we built a simple small straw bale construction, taking only 2 weeks from start to finish. It is a basic semi circular shape with a built in bench and roof.
Marking out the shape
Foundations laid with concrete blocks
Bales put together
Concrete blocks were used as a foundation and bedded in with cement. Straw bales were laid on top. We had to use set aside bales, as finding good straw bales was difficult in this part of Devon due to foot and mouth disease. Most farms either had the disease or were contiguous to an infected farm, therefore as part of the disinfecting and cleansing process straw bales were burnt. Although these were not as rigid as straw bale, being rather ‘spongy’ they were adequate for this structure.
Fitting wooden 'plates' as part of the compressing process
Ratchet straps used to compress the bales
Plastering with clay plaster. Note the tools, a pair of gloves!
Once the bales are in the correct position they have to be bound together with twine using a baling needle. This is as a load bearing construction so the bales have to be compressed down with ratchet straps. When this is complete the bales were plastered with a mix of clay, chopped straw and lime putty. The roof was constructed from rafters and particle board and covered with roofing felt. However if a more permanent and more aesthetic building is required the roof could be made from slate or thatch. Whatever is used a good overhang should be made to protect the walls from rain.
First coat of clay plaster is complete. Rafters and central post in place
Plastic sheeting used to screen off smooth lime plaster to create simple design with the scat coat
Finished gazebo - yellow lime washed in the spring
The outside wall of the gazebo was scat plastered with a runny mix of natural hydraulic lime. A fine mix of lime mortar was used for the inside and the bench. This mix was floated on with ordinary plasterers trowels.
In the spring the structure will be lime washed with a bright yellow ochre colour.
