Project description:
For students to build a straw bale building as a temporary structure in their school grounds.
A local builder who had recently completed his own straw bale house worked with the students in developing the structure.
The project aimed to demonstrate the importance of alternative building techniques in the modern world and took place over the course of the school’s science and technology week.
This assignment made many cross-curricular links, including:
- the origin of roundhouses in history
- the use of natural materials for decoration in art
- the properties of insulating materials and clay render in science
- technical drawing and costing of the build in maths.
The actual build process included fun and practical activities and the completed house was left up for one month when all students were able to use it during break times. The whole school were involved in the project at some point.
Dr Thomlinson students using sustainable building materials © A&M Photography Ltd
Key stage
Key stages 2-3 (years 5-8)
Curriculum and whole school areas
- science
- maths
- English
- history
- geography
- Learning Outside the Classroom
Learning objectives
For students to:
- understand the potential of alternative, sustainable building materials and techniques and why they may be of benefit to building sustainable communities
- understand the potential application and versatility of naturally sourced building materials and how these are constrained by their physical properties
- make comparisons between conventional and sustainable building materials and techniques in terms of their environmental impact, safety and design.
Length of project
Throughout March 2009.
Activities
Dr Thomlinson students building the straw bale house © A&M Photography Ltd
What did the learning involve?
Activities
Activity 1
The students initially learnt about the structure of the house - the wood joinery and construction process, why a frame is needed and how strong it needs to be.
Activity 2
Students explored the principle of stacking a bale - how easy it is, why they are a good material to use and how they can be shaped. Students then built their own straw bale wall. Some students received a brick laying demonstration to show the contrast between these two methods. Laying bricks turned out to be messier and trickier than working with straw bales.
Activity 3
Students completed a lesson in how to make a clay mixture and rendered one wall of the house. They also turfed the roof and made decorative panels.
Activity 4
Students took part in lessons linked to the design and build of their structure (see project description) including the origin of roundhouses in history and technical drawing of the build.
Activity 5
Students visited a farm to see the builder’s permanent straw bale building.
Student looking through a window on the straw bale build © A&M Photography Ltd
Funding £1,500 was received as a (CABE) educational grant. The PTA paid for the visit.
How well were the aims met?
Outcomes
Students are now:
- able to identify properties and sources of building materials
- build a straw bale structure
- have sufficient knowledge to be able to assist in designing a straw bale building for use as an outdoor classroom within the school grounds
- more aware of the term sustainability, and have gained knowledge on how local materials can be used in the design and build of a classroom.
Group of students infront of their completed straw bale building © A&M Photography Ltd
What worked well
- the build itself - students were surprised at how easy it was for them to build the house and were allowed to experience for themselves the processes
- students that can sometimes be disengaged during standard lessons were thoroughly motivated and excited by working outdoors on a practical project (many of the students live on farms and took interest in the fact they could use materials sourced locally for building).
What didn’t work well
The design aspect could have been improved with the input of an architect, making it more ‘real-life’ than just an aspect of the technology curriculum.
Comments from teachers and students
‘The project was thoroughly enjoyed by all pupils, they were all very well engaged and learnt to consider their local environment and all it has to offer.’ Emma Garland, head of science.
‘We were delighted to win this award from CABE which has allowed us to undertake such an unusual, stimulating project.’ Tracey Boldy, home school link worker.
Further information
Read the 2008/09 grant winning projects here on Engaging Places:
A BSF design think tank at Sittingbourne Community College
Exploring regeneration at Archbishop Blanch School
School grounds design at Chesham Bois CE Combined School
Playground canopies at Orleton CE Primary School
Community art at Lower Darwen Primary School
