Roundhouse

For the last year we've been planning to build a roundhouse in the Centre Garden. It will provide a great shelter for Forest Tots - the Outdoor Parent and Toddler Group who visit every Friday - see Blog post March 12. We also intend to use it as a shelter when running bushcraft sessions. 

So How Do You Make a Roundhouse?:

1: Find someone who is an expert at making roundhouses - Tony Wrench

2:  Recruit lots of enthusiastic people who want to learn how to build a roundhouse. Provide warm and comfortable accommodation for them.

3: Source lots of wood. The majority of our wood was sourced within 50 metres of the build site. Additional wood came from the offcuts from a local sawmill and also scrap wood from the classroom build.

4: Mix ingredients 1-3 together.

6: Simmer on a low heat - averaging 3 degrees Centigrade! for 5 days

7: At this point you will have got the skelton of a roundhouse - a wooden henge and reciprocal frame roof.

8: Rest for two days so that you are ready to continue with renewed vigour

9: Clad the roof leaving a hole for light that you later cover with a recycled van windscreen to keep out the rain.

10: Cover with old carpet and then a waterproof membrane before cutting turfs 20 metres away to put on as a living roof.

11: Mix a cob from clay, sand and water to bind the log round wall together.

12: Add some magic in the form of recycled bottles that glow in the sunlight.

13: And put in a few port holes at toddler height made from old washing machine doors.

14: Feel a sense of satisfaction with a job well done.

15: Have an opening ceremony the next day with one of the main user groups - Forest Tots and find out what they think about your wonderful creation.



16: Well we think that's a thumbs up from the toddlers.

17: What a fantastic achievement from a great bunch of people in only two weeks that will give great enjoyment to many people for many years to come.