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The Basics of Thatching

Thatching is a traditional skill used in most parts of the world to create a durable, beautiful, and all-natural roof system using plant material.

Learn basic thatching skills to make a small roof out of Phragmite (water reed grass).  This type of roof is made from local, hand-harvested materials (an invasive weed, actually).  It is all natural, long-lasting ( 50 - 75 years is the expected time in Europe but I would be happy with 20 !) ... beautiful, and eventually...biodegradable. 

 In this workshop you will learn the the design principles of a thatched roof, information on how to locally collect, store and the reed (Phragmites) and see a thatching demonstration on a small frame. 

Saturday  (Date to be determined)

9:30 am  Registration + tea, coffee & bagels. 

10 am    Tour several small thatched buildings on the land.

11 am    See a small thatching demonstration.

12 pm    Collect reed in a local field with a picnic lunch. 

3 pm      Transport reed and put into storage "tipi's".

5 pm      Watch two thatching videos while having a light supper. 

Optional evening program & access to natural building resources and reed collection on Sunday. 

Location: on rural land outside Oxford Michigan, 30 minutes north of Rochester. 

Fee: $75 or sliding scale as necessary. 

Instructor: Deanne Bednar  (see bio on home page)

Information on Thatching

Thatching Articles 

After date has been determined you can

 Click here to register.