Round Pole framing is a basic, and relatively easy, way to construct projects and buildings by simply using small trees gathered from the woods.  It has a lot of potential for many projects, and works well in combination with natural building materials (which generally do not need the standardized dimensional lumber from the store). 

The Strawbale Studio uses round spruce poles.  They are very large, and it took a carpentry team of 4 men to put it up, using timber-frame type techniques.  Since then we have been finding more "user-friendly" approaches that the average crew of novices could work with safely and comfortably. 

We have experimented with using smaller round poles lashed or cut out and bolted together, and are using those strategies in the following projects:

The "Spiral Chamber" is constructed of round poles set in the ground with stones, and lashed with horizontal sticks to make a "wattle" framework.  The main posts are in, the wattle complete, some cob "daub" applied, and as of 11/15/07 the round pole roof is yet to be completed.

The Oxford Kids Cottage is designed with round poles set into a rubble trench.  The round pole rafters will carry the thatched roof.  This structure will be worked on from November 2007 through its completion date expected to be in mid summer 2008. 

During the winter of 2008 we plan to make a small model of round pole framing to take to exhibits as a teaching tool.

Round Pole construction project from the internet with photos:

 http://www.roaldgundersen.com/LastStraw/index.html