[Strawbale] Straw Build in Surrey

[donald mchardy]

Hi all,

Started the plastering on Saturday with Chug and a few willing helpers; 6 
folks in all and a most productive, informative and enjoyable day it was 
too.

Things I learned:
make sure the walls are well trimmed. I used a strimmer and it does kick out 
a lot of straw but this can be raked up easily and the surplus is absorbed 
back into the ground over time. The difference between trying to get plaster 
to stick to "hairy" bales versus tightly trimmed biscuits is not just an 
issue of time - it rapidly becomes frustrating and irritating.

Don't go mad! It can be hard going and sore neck and shoulders will 
ensue...take your time and enjoy it - plastering can actually be quite 
therapeutic.

Having 6 people is great, subsequent plastering with just one or two on 
Sunday and Monday was waaaaaay slower ... with some more layers of lime 
render to apply and the inside still to do, there's definitely some more 
plaster parties happening here in the very near future.

There are some things you just *have* to do, reading doesn't quite give you 
the idea.

Thanks Chug, Paul, Justin and Chris.