The Cobber’s Companion: How to Build Your Own Earthen Home
Curriculum & Art by Deanne Bednar Global Ecovillage Project Collaboratively create a model of an ecological community that is inspiring, fun, and restorative.
World Pledge Poster(illustrated by Deanne, written by Lillian Genser) & accompanying Conflict Resolution Curriculum
Every year we try to get up to Deanne Bednar’s Straw Bale Studio (strawbalestudio.org) a few times to do building workshops with her. In 2017 we took a walk in her woods to share some of the lovely natural structures including this firewood cover with a very simple (mostly) natural living roof. Stay tuned for part 2 where we look at an example of a simple thatched roof.
We continue our tour of Deanne’s Living and Natural roofs with a stop at this simple firewood storage thatched with the local phragmites reed, which is an invasive species here. By harvesting it in the winter and burning the seed tassels we are using it and also slowing its spread. Stay tuned for part 3 where we check out the different species of plants living on the roof of Deanne’s straw bale sauna.
Welcome to part 3 of our 2017 tour of Natural and Living Roofs at Deanne Bednar’s Straw Bale Studio in Oxford Michigan. Here we are looking at the beautiful mixed vegetation living on the roof of the straw bale and cob sauna we helped build.
Next on our tour of Deanne’s Living and Natural roofs is the jewel of the property: Deanne’s Straw Bale Studio thatched with the local phragmites reed, which is an invasive species here. Strawbalestudio.org
The Global EcoVillage Project was an on-line learning option for Upland Hills School students who are currently learning at home ! During 4 weekly sessions in May, 2020, during covid-times, students came together by zoom with teachers Deanne Bednar and Michael Mallon to explore ideas for designing an Eco-Community. Yay! Blog post.
2017 Natural Cottage Project 1 min video by Y Innovations ! See what Y Innovations are up to.
MI Earth Day Fest, Rochester Michigan. Strawbale Studio had an exhibit table, Rocket Stove and Earth Oven, fired up…and a Strawbale Climbing Pyramid for kids of all ages. Watch the video to see and hear more about Strawbale Studio segments at minute: 5:00 and 6:30.
Phragmites Reed Collection for Thatched Roof by Petar Simic 1/2016 Deanne Bednar of the Strawbale Studio in Oxford, MI shows how to harvest Phragmites as reed for a thatched roof system. Thatched roof is a technique of roof building that has been used all….
PODCASTby “PERMACULTURE REALIZED “! Interview with Deanne Bednar about the formation of the Strawbale Studio & a variety of natural building techniques. 11/08/2015
The Strawbale Studio, in Oakland County is already green – inside and out. – and loaded with charm. It offers educational workshops and activities that promote sustainable living skills. FOX 2 News May 20, 2020. Original video – a news segment on sustainability is no longer available. Alas.
A few years ago I left my cubicle and headed to southern Oregon for a 9-day course in natural building, and my view of home construction would never be the same. The traditional techniques being taught displayed the wisdom of centuries past, simpler …
Foraged Brunch at the Strawbale Studio May 17, 2014 – Video Production: Justin Holmes. Photography: Deanne Bednar, Ruthie Lane, Chelsea Emery, Justin Holmes Music: Red Tailed Fox – Costa del Sol, Voices of the Lifestream, OC ReMix-