Building with Purpose: The Straw Bale House Experience - Jo Bolton & Matt Whitaker - BS102
07/11/23 • 46 min
Are you ready to embark on a journey that blends architectural innovation with environmental sustainability? Come along as I engage in a vibrant discussion with the gifted duo, Jo Bolton and Matt Whitaker of Abundant Earth. We delve into the captivating process of constructing a straw bale house that exists in harmony with its natural surroundings. It's not just a house, but a tribute to human ingenuity and a testament to the beauty of nature.
The tale doesn't stop at the mere structure; it's the life force that fueled its creation that forms the crux of our conversation. We reminisce about the energetic team that breathed life into the project, from the dedicated participation of the community to the unique challenges and delightful surprises encountered along the way. Unearth the inspiration behind the design, be it the Nebraska-style straw bale construction, timber frame, turf roof or the unparalleled retaining wall crafted from truck tires.
As we tread the path of understanding the deep connection between the house and its environment, we’ll also immerse in the beauty of waking up to buzzards wheeling in the sky. This episode isn't merely about creating a house; it’s about forging a relationship with Mother Nature and the indomitable human spirit. Become a part of this journey, as we explore the union of nature, architecture and human resilience.
Episode Links
- Jo Bolton Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/joimbolc/
- Matt Whittaker Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/matty.whittaker/
- Time Lapse of Frame Raising - https://youtu.be/JMlqLREh49k
- Beautiful 17m video of frame raising - https://youtu.be/vhU6qDBmN9E
- Abundant Earth - https://www.abundantearth.coop/
- Building With Bales - Barbara Jones - https://tinyurl.com/236u65ss
- Building the Timber Frame House : The Revival of a Forgotten Craft - https://tinyurl.com/2658n4n5
- The Last Straw Journal - https://www.thelaststraw.org/
- European Straw Bale Gathering - https://strawbuilding.eu/
- Woodland Pioneers - http://www.coppiceapprentice.org.uk/pioneersbook.php
If your looking for all things BMX racing you’ve found the right podcast. Here at “Lane...
Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify
Support the showConnect with me:
IG - @jeffreythenaturalbuilder
Twitter - @JNaturalBuilder
Facebook - Jeffreythenaturalbuilder
LinkedIn - Jeffreythenaturalbuilder
Support this podcast - https://www.patreon.com/buildingsustainability
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Are you ready to embark on a journey that blends architectural innovation with environmental sustainability? Come along as I engage in a vibrant discussion with the gifted duo, Jo Bolton and Matt Whitaker of Abundant Earth. We delve into the captivating process of constructing a straw bale house that exists in harmony with its natural surroundings. It's not just a house, but a tribute to human ingenuity and a testament to the beauty of nature.
The tale doesn't stop at the mere structure; it's the life force that fueled its creation that forms the crux of our conversation. We reminisce about the energetic team that breathed life into the project, from the dedicated participation of the community to the unique challenges and delightful surprises encountered along the way. Unearth the inspiration behind the design, be it the Nebraska-style straw bale construction, timber frame, turf roof or the unparalleled retaining wall crafted from truck tires.
As we tread the path of understanding the deep connection between the house and its environment, we’ll also immerse in the beauty of waking up to buzzards wheeling in the sky. This episode isn't merely about creating a house; it’s about forging a relationship with Mother Nature and the indomitable human spirit. Become a part of this journey, as we explore the union of nature, architecture and human resilience.
Episode Links
- Jo Bolton Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/joimbolc/
- Matt Whittaker Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/matty.whittaker/
- Time Lapse of Frame Raising - https://youtu.be/JMlqLREh49k
- Beautiful 17m video of frame raising - https://youtu.be/vhU6qDBmN9E
- Abundant Earth - https://www.abundantearth.coop/
- Building With Bales - Barbara Jones - https://tinyurl.com/236u65ss
- Building the Timber Frame House : The Revival of a Forgotten Craft - https://tinyurl.com/2658n4n5
- The Last Straw Journal - https://www.thelaststraw.org/
- European Straw Bale Gathering - https://strawbuilding.eu/
- Woodland Pioneers - http://www.coppiceapprentice.org.uk/pioneersbook.php
If your looking for all things BMX racing you’ve found the right podcast. Here at “Lane...
Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify
Support the showConnect with me:
IG - @jeffreythenaturalbuilder
Twitter - @JNaturalBuilder
Facebook - Jeffreythenaturalbuilder
LinkedIn - Jeffreythenaturalbuilder
Support this podcast - https://www.patreon.com/buildingsustainability
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Previous Episode
Building an Off-Grid Community: Lessons from Abundant Earth - Jo Bolton & Matt Whitaker - BS101
Ever wondered what it's like to create an intentional community from the ground up? Join us for a heartwarming conversation with Jo Bolton and Matt Whitaker, co founders of Abundant Earth, as they share their journey of building a sustainable, off-grid life for themselves and their families. With experiences ranging from living in cabins on the outskirts of Newcastle to navigating the planning permission process, Matt and Joe have come a long way, and their story is sure to inspire and uplift anyone interested in intentional living.
In this episode, we discuss the importance of communication, conflict resolution, and the power of friendship in community building. Jo and Matt share insights into the systems they've put in place, such as land management, weekly meetings, and seeking external support for conflict training. Plus, learn how their experiences have led them to work with probation services to help those in need, making a tangible impact on the lives of others.
Finally, we explore the joy and gratitude Jo and Matt have experienced as they reflect on their journey together and their friends' role in establishing the Abundant Earth community. From building oak-framed houses to sharing meals and memories, this conversation is a testament to the power of connection and the beauty of living life with intention. Join us for this uplifting episode and discover the magic of creating a community from scratch.
Episode Links
- Jo Bolton Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/joimbolc/
- Matt Whittaker Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/matty.whittaker/
- Time Lapse of Frame Raising - https://youtu.be/JMlqLREh49k
- Beautiful 17m video of frame raising - https://youtu.be/vhU6qDBmN9E
- Abundant Earth - https://www.abundantearth.coop/
- NVC Non-Violent Communication - https://www.cnvc.org/
- Co-ops UK - https://www.uk.coop/
- Somatic Experiencing Association - https://www.seauk.org.uk/
- Northern Bowl - https://www.abundantearth.coop/new-page
- WWOOF - https://wwoof.org.uk/
If your looking for all things BMX racing you’ve found the right podcast. Here at “Lane...
Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify
Support the showConnect with me:
IG - @jeffreythenaturalbuilder
Twitter - @JNaturalBuilder
Facebook - Jeffreythenaturalbuilder
LinkedIn - Jeffreythenaturalbuilder
Support this podcast - https://www.patreon.com/buildingsustainability
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Next Episode
Designing the Future: Creativity and Innovation in Sustainability - Helen Gordon - BS103
What if we told you that the journey to sustainability involves more than just recycling and reducing emissions? Prepare to be enthralled as we navigate through transformational narratives of businesses pivoting towards sustainable and regenerative projects. We share the intriguing story of an Oxfordshire project that breathed new life into discarded barn doors by repurposing them as shelves, countertops, and a dining table. Witness how embracing imperfections and honouring craft can, in fact, revolutionise the way we view sustainability.
Daring to challenge the traditional models of capitalism, Helen proposes a fresh perspective on creating ethical and regenerative business models. We discuss the potential of creating a material passport, life cycle analysis, and other revolutionary concepts to promote transparency and traceability for customers. The episode also explores the exciting potential of often-overlooked materials like mycelium, hemp, and food waste, hinting at the boundless possibilities for future sustainable projects.
Lastly, we reflect on the critical role of designers and creatives in driving a change towards a sustainable future. The episode highlights how designers' innovative ideas coupled with scientific facts can stimulate significant transformations. We also delve into the concept of regeneration, it's potential to remap ecosystems, and re-establish local communities. Buckle up for a thought-provoking journey that challenges your conventional understanding of sustainability and presents a fresh perspective on transforming our world for the better.
Episode 103 Links
- Kite Creative - https://kitecreative.co.uk/
- Purposeful Business - https://www.thebritishacademy.ac.uk/
- Edward Bulmer Paint - https://www.edwardbulmerpaint.co.uk/
- Planted - https://planted-community.co.uk/
- Kinsugi - https://theconversation.com
- Planet Mark - https://www.planetmark.com/
- 2050 Materials - https://2050-materials.com/
- Cradle to Cradle (Book) - Hive.co.uk
- C2 Certified products - https://c2ccertified.org/
- Material Passports -
If your looking for all things BMX racing you’ve found the right podcast. Here at “Lane...
Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify
Support the showConnect with me:
IG - @jeffreythenaturalbuilder
Twitter - @JNaturalBuilder
Facebook - Jeffreythenaturalbuilder
LinkedIn - Jeffreythenaturalbuilder
Support this podcast - https://www.patreon.com/buildingsustainability
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Building Sustainability Podcast - Building with Purpose: The Straw Bale House Experience - Jo Bolton & Matt Whitaker - BS102
Transcript
Welcome to the Building Sustainability Podcast . With me , jeffrey Hart , every fortnight . Join me as I talk to designers , builders , makers , dreamers and doers . Together we can explore the wide world of sustainability in the built environment by talking to wonderful people who are doing excellent things . Hello and welcome to Episode 102 . This episode's guests are once again the
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