Last week we had our first straw bale workshop onsite at The Den, our project for Chailey Heritage Foundation. Organised in partnership with our studio, our wonderful building contractors Hartley Quinn Wilson and the University of Brighton, the day was led by Straw Bale Construction expert Ian Brown, Senior Lecturer in construction courses at the University of Wales Trinity St. David.

Students and staff from the School of Architecture, Technology and Engineering joined HQW staff and Project Architect Lee Fox to take part in a hands-on day of learning and making.

The first of what we hope will be many inspiring days working on this project. It's not that often that Practice, Teaching & Research merge into one event where everyone is learning together.

William Folkes, Chailey Heritage Foundation Director of Specialist Services and Income, said:

“When it is completed, The Den will be an indoor-outdoor space at our therapeutic farm. Patchwork Farm enables the young people to engage with animals and the local habitat where they achieve communication, physical and wellbeing outcomes that would not be possible in a traditional classroom.
“We want local schools and other communities to join us in The Den to experience unique learning – this will include all aspects of inclusivity and a focus on our environment.”

If you want to find out more this project and join us for future workshops (they are free!) please contact us.