What did we do?
By using local, natural materials, natural building techniques and bioclimatic design we can create shelters and other spaces with high efficiency in terms of energy, functionality and aesthetics. During the workshop we learned about the various materials and techniques used around the world and got a hands-on experience building with Cob and Wood. The main construction was the frame of a big Yurt (8m in diameter), consisting of the trellis, the roof poles and the crown. We also made (laid) an earthen floor, from ground preparation to final layer.
What did we gain?
Designing a building is a process that reflects individual needs, which have to be defined. This on its own is a profound realization and connects us to the space(s) we live in. On the practical side of this workshop, making a big Yurt was a challenge. Although the design is simple, constructing the various parts needs quite some skills. And laying an earthen floor is serious physical work! Participants gained knowledge and experience in using hand- and power-tools for a variety of different tasks and learned to combine their efforts in small and big groups. The result is an inspiring and functional space that will host people and activities in the long term.
Facilitator
Spyros Kourkoulos
Yurt maker, yoga/movement practitioner
Spyros was born and raised near Athens, Greece. He moved to Scotland in 2007 and after some time he spent in Edinburgh he moved to the country side where he lived in a yurt for three years. Spending time in a yurt in the beautiful country side of south west Scotland was a catalyst for him and there he developed a deep love for life close to nature.
Living with the natural cycles and seasons, learning to identify trees, tracking wild animals and walking the land was complementing his first steps as a self taught yurt builder. In 2009 he started building yurts for a living which he does until today. Working with wood and canvas (the basic materials of a yurt) as well as all kinds of alternative structures is an ongoing field of interest and learning for him.
Apart from structures he has a deep interest in movement and body-mind disciplines such as yoga (of which he is a certified instructor), Qi-Gong and free dance. Spyros is currently living between Scotland and Greece.
Facilitator
Dominic Taylor
Carpenter, bodger, old codger
Dominic has been a professional builder for 40 years and did his first earth-building in 1991. Since then he has worked continuously on eco- projects on most continents and taught extensively. He moved to Evia island, Greece in 2013.
Earthern Floor
Yurt
Podcasts
We thought that producing a series of podcasts would help spreading the word, but also help participants digest the information gained. At the end of each module the thematic was briefly summarized and three questions where selected to be answered. Participants were split into seven different groups (according to language), consisting of four to six people each. The questions were:
- Natural Building: What are the benefits that you see on using natural materials and techniques?
- Bio-climatic design: How can you work with Nature and not against it so you are part of it?
- Building regulations: You cannot go and build your house anywhere you want -even if the footprint is low. How can we influence the government to adapt their regulations?
Are you interested in the next Community Toolset workshop?
Subscribe now to receive first an update