Cabaña Fever
Back in 2006, the original plan for the cabaña (wood cabin), started life as a much more simple idea, more like that of a 'shed'; a fairly unambitious project of a reasonably substantial wooden shack, to be built from wood from the surrounding forests and mud (clay) from the land.
The original design was loosely based on Tony Wrenches round house (thatroundhouse.info). Although we always knew that the roof would have to be completely different to his, as the heavy snowfall and harsh winters in north western Spain, necessitate a steeper and stronger roof.
As time has gone by, the design of the project has changed, with modifications being made along the way. Thus, from the humble beginnings of an eco-shed, the plans evolved, and grew into the more ambitious and complex, yet most beloved, cabaña. Many different people have been involved, mostly volunteers, each with their own ideas and beliefs about how best the cabaña should be completed, yet the basics have always remained the same; a wood and stone circular structure, with cob and wood walls.
Out of all the different stages involved in creating the cabaña, the quandary of the roof has certainly been the most taxing and problematic. Various options were contemplated, including a grass roof, peg tiles and asphalt tiles. It was finally decided to use slate tiles and to build a reciprocal roof, which works as a self-supporting structure, using the beams to support themselves. Underneath the slate lies a layer of planks, a layer of straw and slip insulation and another layer of planks.
As is often the case, with projects such as these, there have been some unavoidable hold-ups and delays along the way, such as spells of bad weather and equipment being stolen (more than once). Yet despite these setbacks, the grit and determination to complete the project has remained. And the roof's nearly done! There is only the very top of the roof to finish and one area left undone to make way for the more recently planned extension, which will eventually become a bathroom.
Having been put on hold during the winter season, it is still too cold and snowy to make any progress with any work on the cabaña at the moment. But plans are being made for work to continue as soon as it is warm enough. So, watch this space and please continue checking out our blog for updates on our further cabaña adventures.
If you think you might be interested in helping us complete this project, or have any skills that you think might be useful, please check out our volunteers page, or contact us.
