The straw bale building has been an ongoing project at the Centre for the past three summers.

Initially it was a partnership between the Mt Arthur Centre and the Architecture Department of the University of Tasmania, Launceston campus.

Matthew Parnell was the building technology expert and Richard Burnham the architect. With ideas from the architecture students (who were assessed for this as part of their course) the Mt Arthur Centre board members and community members have had many times of fun and learning experiences.

From this a community built structure is emerging, showing how to build in an ecologically friendly manner using as little technology as possible.

To date the people who have worked on this project have enjoyed a wide variety of interaction between International students from Singapore, Malaysia, India and China; local Lilydale residents both young and old, a range of people from around Tasmania and a group of young people from Perth (Tasmania) who have been coming regularly for the past two summers.

The process involved a lot of planning and organising which the students were initially involved in. Things like, gathering information regarding the feasibility of using straw bales as infill for the walls, council approval, material use and sourcing these materials (a lot of which were recycled timbers, bricks and blocks) and making models of the straw bale, sod roofed building. The models were made mainly in the University workshops.

A lot of research was done to establish what type of render to use. The render is made from the earth which was dug from the footings, sand, a small amount of cow dung and water, sieved and mixed by hand (shovel) in wheelbarrows. On some walls a small amount of llama wool was added as an experiment. Each coat of render must be completely dry before the next one goes on top. So far there are three coats of render on the inside and outside of the building.

In the roof three different types of waterproofing were used. The roof was then filled with a layer of gravel, some earth from the footings and some natural fibre (fine bark) to encourage the native grasses/plant species to grow. There is a slope on the roof to make sure it drains well.

A major part of a project such as this is the social aspect. At lunch times most people bring something to put on the table to share, then we have a lovely time chatting and getting to know each other better. Lots of jokes and a feeling of satisfaction are often talked about.

If you would like to become involved with the finishing off of the straw bale, sod roof building please check out the diary dates (working bees are usually held on Saturdays) or phone the Centre for more information.