Work is continuing at EcoWorks with the Straw Bale building. The whole building is very nearly fully enclosed now.
The wooden top-plates had been laid on top of the bales and stayed there for a few weeks, so that under their weight, the whole issue settled down.
So, main issue for today, was the finishing of the walls 'structural strength'.
I guess there are various ways of doing this, but this method seemed quite effective. A tool, normally used to put plastic strapping around 'palet-loads' in factories, was hired. Thus strapping was looped around the whole height of the bales and then tightened. This has provided much tension and has resulted in the desired walls strength.
Briefly, to explain the use of the tool: Plastic strapping dropped around the whole wall. Over the sharp edges, rubber hose sections, spread the load. The end of the straps then inserted into the tensioning wheels of the tool and leavers wind until taught. Then, another pair of leavers bring a crimping edge down onto a metal clip to close and seal.
Thought now being given to the roof, over the kitchen area. This is likely to be the next part of the sequence to show you ....... Watch this space.
The last few shots, are of the building taken from about 1 mile away through long lens.
*****
Ecoworks is on the Hungerhills allotment site, reached off Ransom Road, St.Anns .....
If needed, they can provide transport from the city centre by arrangement. Ring Tim on 07719 428187 for more info.
Hot drinks supplied; please bring your lunch.
Ecoworks
info@ecoworks.org.uk 
http://www.ecoworks.org.uk >>>>
The story so far:
EcoWorks: Straw Bale work on "eco-building" in St.Anns
Part 1
http://indymedia.org.uk/en/regions/nottinghamshire/2005/08/321023.html Part 2
http://indymedia.org.uk/en/regions/nottinghamshire/2005/08/321341.html Part 3
http://indymedia.org.uk/en/regions/nottinghamshire/2005/08/321520.html Part 4
http://indymedia.org.uk/en/regions/nottinghamshire/2005/09/323670.html Part 5
http://indymedia.org.uk/en/regions/nottinghamshire/2005/09/323739.html Part 6
http://indymedia.org.uk/en/regions/nottinghamshire/2005/10/326154.html Part 7
http://indymedia.org.uk/en/regions/nottinghamshire/2006/08/348189.html Part 8
http://indymedia.org.uk/en/regions/nottinghamshire/2006/08/348210.html Part 9
http://indymedia.org.uk/en/regions/nottinghamshire/2006/08/348233.html Part 10
http://indymedia.org.uk/en/regions/nottinghamshire/2006/08/348254.html Part 11
http://indymedia.org.uk/en/regions/nottinghamshire/2006/08/348275.html Part 12
http://indymedia.org.uk/en/regions/nottinghamshire/2006/10/353572.html Part 13
http://indymedia.org.uk/en/regions/nottinghamshire/2007/03/364622.html Part 14
http://indymedia.org.uk/en/regions/nottinghamshire/2007/03/364643.html Part 15
http://indymedia.org.uk/en/regions/nottinghamshire/2007/04/367142.html Part 16
http://indymedia.org.uk/en/regions/nottinghamshire/2007/04/367250.html Part 17
http://indymedia.org.uk/en/regions/nottinghamshire/2007/05/370333.html Part 18
http://indymedia.org.uk/en/regions/nottinghamshire/2007/06/373754.html Part 19
http://indymedia.org.uk/en/regions/nottinghamshire/2007/06/373775.html Part 20
http://indymedia.org.uk/en/regions/nottinghamshire/2007/07/375507.html Part 21
http://indymedia.org.uk/en/regions/nottinghamshire/2007/09/381873.html Part 22
http://indymedia.org.uk/en/regions/nottinghamshire/2007/10/382863.html Part 23
http://indymedia.org.uk/en/regions/nottinghamshire/2007/12/387066.html Part 24
http://indymedia.org.uk/en/regions/nottinghamshire/2007/12/387087.html More to follow, i guess ........ >
____________________________________________
ALAN LODGE
Photographer - Media: One Eye on the Road. Nottingham. UK
Email:
tash@indymedia.org Web:
http://tinyurl.com/2gf3mf Member of the National Union of Journalists [No: 014345]
____________________________________________
"It is not enough to curse the darkness.
It is also necessary to light a lamp!!"
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e-mail:
Wow, vote Ecoworks for proper ecotowns!
05.12.2007 06:09
I dont want to wait until peak oil hits before this happens. Hopefully the council or Land Roots group will hire ecoworks amazing workers one day, I'd buy a share
Anyway this is definetely the best urban community earthship project in the UK & most well documented.
The pallet strap way looks very professional. I guess another method is to use wire or rope tensioned with a tourniquet,garrott technique to strengthen the walls?.
Aren't these dole scroungers lazy heh?
looks like chapter 7,Simon Fairlies"the land is ours levellers" website has gone due to web costs like Tashs excellent site.Thankfully it seems people at universities have made note, here are some links below
Johnny