Most of last week I was working on a video shoot for Subzero. Then shift everything radically to the left as I race to West Virginia at the end of the week to volunteer on a straw bale building project.
Several friends have asked me if I'm going through some sort of midlife crisis early. It seems lately I've been anxious to do things outside of the realm of glamorous. Stretch myself a little.
Working on a house building project was a definite stretch for me. But here's how it all started: I pitched a story to a magazine (I sometimes work as a writer, too)on straw bale houses. I'd seen pictures of one in a book at Barnes & Noble.
When I got the green light to do the story, I sent out a mass email asking if anyone knew of someone who lived in a straw bale house. Three families contacted me. I visited their homes, heard their stories about building their own abodes and learned more about Green architect than I'd ever imagined.
In all of the discussions the same name came up several time: Sigi Koko. She's a seriously good architect who focuses just on natural building projects. I loved her already.
I connected with Sigi through email and picked her brain for my story. She was absolutely wonderful. She answered all of my questions, but in a way that didn't make me feel silly for asking. I'd never built even a book shelf so I'm sure some of my questions were very basic.
My story was published. The magazine got accolades for covering such an interesting topic. And I got paid. All's well that ends well.
But for me, it hadn't ended. I really wanted, no needed to get my hands on some straw bale and build something! It became an obsession. I am so serious here.
So, when I found out about a hands on workshop that Sigi would be giving on a retreat area in West Virginia, I jumped at the opportunity. Three days in the woods lugging hay around and connecting with total strangers? I loved it.
The house we worked on will be home to a kind couple who is a part of the Rolling Ridge Study Retreat Community.
I have to say it was hard work, but a lot of fun, too. And how excited was I to finally meet Sigi in person and learn from her! Here are shots of the crew and a link to more photos, if you're interested.
If you'd like to volunteer to help on this project, check out this link.
11 comments:
Okay, seeing you with that saw made me really nervous. I mean, my heart jumped. But I haven't heard of any missing digits yet so I'm going to assume you came home in one piece. That looks so amazing. I can't wait to hear more about it. I should start buying up the empty lots around town and building some of them here. That would just be splendid. Glad you had fun! You look so cute all dirty and hard-workinglike.
Wow, that looked like a challenge but it sounds like you enjoyed it. Great pictures.
You guys are so lucky! We have no spare land here in the UK and getting planning permission and insurance for a straw house is more difficult than building a nuclear power station!
Best of luck!
Oh, I am so jealous! We wanted to do a straw bale barn but our rural town won't give us the permit...the idea is too "new-fangled" for the 90-year-old+ old-time farmers on our town board. How wonderful for you to have the opportunity to have the hands-on experience.
A lot of places are still leery about allowing residents to build with straw bale. They don't understand that it's incredibly safe (it's too dense to burn easily) and very eco friendly. And the reduction of noise pollution in a straw bale house is just amazing. It's nearly impossible to hear what's going on outside of one. It's like being in a cocoon. I love it. Would like to have one of my own some day.
That's an amazing idea! I know in States you have a lot of volunteers. It's not so popular in Europe and that's a shame.
Thank you so much for your sweet comments you left on my blog!
btw. amazing job you do. I would love to have a make up like you do from time to time!
bisous from Geneva!
Thanks for returning the visit, Deva84. I saw on your blog that you're in Switzerland. I adore Switzerland, although I've not been for many years. It's such a beautiful country. Maybe I will come to do your makeup. LOL
I saw you featured in another blogspot about natural hair and I wanted to ask you about the techniques you use for henna. I didnt really know where else to contact you. My email address is LLilDup08@yahoo if you have any free time. Id really appreciate it :) Im also LLilDup08 on fotki
Hi!
There is not much like that in China, I mean the natural building, except for in some minority group areas. It can be really sad when many people care more about money (quick money is better) than their own needs...
You guys are great! Again, you have a wonderful job!
Thank you very much for the comment on my blog. You are now on my blogroll.
Best,
Fran
When you do good things, with good intentions, a good plan, and a pure heart, there is nothing but good that can follow.
You have finally, naturally figured out that your talents have not boundaries and that when your give your Self a chance to step outside the boundaries of your expected comfort zone, a your entire world expands beyond your expectations.
It just proves how you are comfortable in your own personal success, that you are able to stretch out, and be that ever expanding talent that you are.
Be well.
Do good.
All ways.
All days.
Stay true.
Todra,
What a fabulous thing to do - 'lock of top model hair dos' to enviroment home bulding - awesome. thanks for sharing
Sarah@barleans.com
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