The Symondsbury Apple Project: Green buildings

Initially as part of the fruit Swap project we planned to buy a shed for storage and shelter. However after drawing up our green housekeeping policy the hunt was on for a green shed, made using timber from a sustainable, preferably local source.

We finally found Dave Burleigh of Greenlands Conservation who is passionate about timber frame construction and could not resist building us a little barn of oak and larch. With volunteer help the barn was erected in a few days and has proved invaluable as a dining room on our pruning days.

Yurts were first used in the orchard on training days and then as workshop spaces on apple day. The yurt is a perfect structure for the orchard creating a light airy round house amongst the trees.

The Yurt originates in central Asia and is traditionally built entirely from sustainable materials; timber, leather or hair rope and felt made from sheep's wool. It is sublimely simple to erect, to dismantle and transport and so leaves little mark on the landscape. A yurt is the ultimate green building.

Our yurt was commissioned as part of the treewise project. To house children's activities, meetings and workshops.

Various parents within the membership offered their skills to the project, amongst them were woodsmen and craftsmen who were able to supply and work locally grown timber. Bridport based furniture maker, Asaf Tolkovsky drew all the elements together to create a beautiful space. Our damp climate demands a canvas cover but we will be running annual felt-making workshops to furnish the interior.

By commissioning and sourcing locally, the project demonstrates its commitment to supporting the local economy and sustainable land use.

www.chaingang.org/yurtquest/FAQ.html
www.asaftolkovsky.ukgo.com