residential weekend course

building with timber


venue: Redfield Community, Bucks

With the current interest in climate change, what better way to lock up carbon than in timber homes, rather than use bricks and cement that entail the emission of huge amounts of CO2 in their manufacture.

This course is run by Andy Reynolds & Geri Clarke, who built the beautiful timber Eco-lodge near Boston, Lincs.

The course will provide an introduction to building a timber home. By Sunday, participants will be equipped with the know-how, information and confidence to undertake a timber building project. The course is particularly aimed at those wishing to start building their own low-impact home or similar structure.
NB: we will not be building a timber structure during the weekend - that would entail a much longer carpentry course.

The following topics will be covered:

  • location
  • design
  • planning and grants
  • building control
  • footings
  • materials specification
  • sourcing / recycling
  • local timber procurement
  • materials quality control
  • base construction
  • wall structures, insulation and windows
  • external cladding and roofing
  • heating, water and electrics
  • flooring, steps and ramps

more on timber building


how to book:
 

if you can't open the booking form, you need Acrobat Reader - it's free

arrive:
 
Friday evening at 6.30 for dinner at 7.30
depart:
 
Sunday after lunch (served at 1.00)
directions:
 
click here for directions by bicycle, public transport and car
what to bring:
 
pen and notebook; towel (meals and bedding are provided)
NO DOGS PLEASE
let us know:
 
if you are vegan or have any food allergies, or any special needs
accommodation:
 
3-4 people sharing single-sex rooms
prices:
 
£190 high-waged; £160 waged;
£130 student / unwaged
Refundable up to two weeks prior to course (minus £30 admin fee)
No refunds for cancellations within two weeks of course
discounts:
 
car sharing:
 
visit our car sharing forum to offer or request a lift
 

 

 

 


the porch of the Eco-lodge

 

 

 

 

 


 

 


skeleton of a timber building

 

 

 

 


 


 

 


Andy at the back door of the unfinished Eco-lodge