Crit Day!

Pin Up for the Final Crit

This Wednesday was the report hand in and the presentation for all the individual projects in Stage 5 MARch at Kent School of Architecture.  

The day went really well and there was some great feedback from the tutors.  Everyone had some great individual work, and it was good to see what everyone else had been up to.

The Story So Far....

A short video of where we are up to. . . . 

Triangulating Bales

Currently Straw bale buildings can only be applied to the level of the eaves, and cannot fill Gable ends due to their shape. 

But I am sure this is possible? 

I am going to test this theory on a couple of my own bales.  

Being able to build the bales up into gable ends will not only create a consistent building material, but will also make sure the insulation and air tightness is consistent throughout the wall, leaving no gaps.

Wish me luck.....

Baling Needles and how to Split Bales

To make Bales certain sizes, to fit around openings and in the bale courses, it is vitally important to retain the tension and tightness in the twine, holding the straw together.

Baling needles are not available to purchase in the UK, and very hard to find in the USA, the only way is to make your own.
Here I have found some existing designs, two which are used in the construction industry currently, and the third, a custom made Needle used in the baling workshop I attended under Mark Saich.

The needles take two new pieces of twine through the bale, at the level of the original string. 

These are my notes and easy to read and follow guide on how to split straw bales.