Research and Analysis of Methodology in the Preservation of Thatched Roofs in EuropeCase Study in the United Kingdom and Netherlands (9/4/2019-9/16/2019)Research Fieldwork Report

Yusuke NakagawaDepartment of Media and Governance 2nd Year81825497

ContentsBackground & Purpose

Methodology

Schedule

Fieldwork 1-1: Amsterdam, Noord

Fieldwork 1-2: Near Zaan River

Interview 1: Delft

Fieldwork 2: Badger

Interview 2: Rugeley

Conclusion

Background & PurposeBackgroundThe number of traditional peoples’ houses in rural areas of Japan are on the decline due to depopulation and deteriorated communities. These houses are abruptly retrofitted by own-ers by cheap alternative materials, or entirely reconstructed. This results in a loss of local land-scapes and traditional, sustainable techniques.Thatched roofing in rural houses play a signifi-cant role of conserving local traditions and land-scapes. Although efforts to preserving these roofs are made (such as covering with iron sheeting), these only last around 50 years, and are not sustainable.

Many Japanese locals do not know that thatched roofing, and its usage is very common in Eu-ropean countries such as the Netherlands and United Kingdom, and have a rich history.

PurposeBy analysing past research, It is possible to con-clude on the necessity for preserving thatched roofing in Japan, but from a different stand-point to contemporary methods such as iron sheeting, which is not a sustainable method. Advanced and alternative technique may be ex-plored in Europe, and in this way, I may position this segment of my research to be an analysis and application study of European methodology for houses in Japanese rural areas.

For my research, I will study methods of con-servation and preservation of thatched roofing of rural houses in United Kingdom where many practices involve re-thatching traditional roofs and sustaining traditional methods, and more advanced, modern applications through design in the Netherlands, where new architecture with thatched roofing are tolerated (unlike in Japan), and architects explore new designs. This will al-low me to widen my perspective for cases in Ja-pan, from two different standpoints, preserving and re-designing. This in turn will provide hints to my overall conclusion to find the optimum method to conserve thatched roofing in Japan.

MethodologyIn order to compare and analyze methodology and technique for cases in different countries, I will conduct interviews and document complet-ed/ongoing construction sites.

In the UK, I will visit the rural areas of Shropshire where traditional folk houses still exist, with thatched roofing. By interviewing locals and-craftsmen, I will document traditional methods and technique for constructing thatched roofs, contemporary renovation methods, fire-proof methods, logistics for materials, details on theindustry (number of craftsmen, cost for renova-tion, etc). For accomodation and consultation, I will engage locals I know.

In the Netherlands, I will interview and consult local architects and/or adjacent companies and craftsmen, to learn about modern technique in-volving thatched roofing, new design methods, and details on industry (number of craftsmen, cost for renovation, etc). I will visit architectur-al sites available within my schedule, and docu-ment their characteristics.

Additionally, an assitant will travel along on this research trip, to aid me in organizing accomoda-tion, transportation, and destinations, as well as voice-recording, note-taking, and other forms of physical documentation during my interviews.

Schedule9/4 (JPN-UK) [Transfer Day]6:00 Haneda Airport20:30 Heathrow Airport21:00 Accommodation22:00 Dinner

9/5 (UK-NL) [Transfer Day]8:00 Breakfast9:00 Travel via Train, Eurostar16:00 Amsterdam Central Station17:00 Travel via Train18:00 Accommodation 18:30 Schedule Meeting + Appointments for FW in Netherlands20:00 Dinner

9/6 (NL)8:30 Breakfast9:30 Travel via Train11:00 Amsterdam Centre for Architecture13:00 Lunch14:30 OBA Library of Amsterdam19:00 Travel via Train20:00 Accommodation + Dinner 9/7 (NL)8:30 Breakfast9:30 Travel via Train11:00 Noord, Visit “Floating Office”12:00 Lunch13:00 Travel via Train/Bus14:30 Near Zaan River, FW17:30 Travel via Train/Bus20:00 Accommodation + Dinner21:00 Documentation 9/8 (NL)9:00 Breakfast10:00 Schedule Appointment for 9/9 12:00 Sightseeing Visit + Lunch15:00 Preparation for Interview Visit/Documentation21:00 Dinner 9/9 (NL)9:00 Breakfast10:00 Travel via Train/Bus 13:00 Rotterdam, Sightseeing Visit + Lunch16:00 Travel via Train/Car17:00 Interview with Voogt Rietdekkers19:00 Dinner@Voogt Rietdekkers20:00 Travel via Car/Train/Bus23:30 Accommodation + Dinner

9/10 (NL-UK) [Transfer Day]9:00 Breakfast 11:00 Travel via Train12:00 AMS Airport, Lunch15:30 Travel via Flight/Train19:00 Albrighton, Accommodation20:00 Dinner22:00 Interview Documentation

9/11 (UK)10:00 Breakfast 11:00 Travel via Car12:00 Badger, FW16:00 Sightseeing Visit + Lunch18:00 Travel via Car19:00 Albrighton, Accommodation19:30 FW Documentation21:00 Dinner

9/12 (UK)10:00 Breakfast 11:00 Schedule Appointment for 9/1313:00 Lunch, Tea16:00 Preparation for Interview Visit/Documentation21:00 Dinner

9/13 (UK)10:00 Breakfast 11:30 Travel via Car13:00 Rugeley, Interview with David Wood Master Thatcher17:00 Travel via Car18:30 Albrighton, Accommodation20:00 Dinner

9/14 (UK)10:00 Breakfast 11:00 Travel via Car12:00 Sightseeing Visit + Lunch14:00 Travel via Car15:00 Albrighton, Accommodation16:00 Interview Documentation21:30 Dinner

9/15 (UK) [Transfer Day]9:00 Breakfast 10:00 Travel via Train13:00 London, Lunch15:00 Travel via Train16:00 Heathrow Airport18:00 Travel via Flight

9/16 (UK-JPN) [Transfer Day]20:30 Narita Airport

Fieldwork 1-1: Amsterdam, NoordResearch and fieldwork done in/near Amsterdam mainly consisted of consulting local architectur-al experts for any information regarding thatch and geography, scanning local publications and information availble in English, and visiting exis-iting architectural sites with thatch as its main medium of construct.

Amsterdam Centre for ArchitectureThis location provides geographical and histor-ical information on the city, as well as informa-tion on new movements in architecture. Con-sultation was done to gain basic background on the industry and for information on other loca-tions where research may proceed.

Library of AmsterdamThis library contains information on local archi-tecture, including resources on thatch and nat-ural materials used in buildings. Preliminary re-search was done for thatching in Netherlands and its basic current usages. Extra time was spent for discussing the sequence of the on-coming fieldwork, as well as attention towards how architectural history correlates with the shape of thatching in the Netherlands today.

Floating OfficeThis office in northern Amsterdam is a prime example of modern thatch application in archi-tecture. The near entireity of the facade of the office is vertically thatched, a trend in design seen in Netherlands and other European nations. Although an interview to the empolyees of the office was not possible, we were able to identify some key features and issues with this form of thatch. The project was realized in 2010, and its unique facade makes it an icon of the waterfront area. The deteioration of the material caused some changes in the overall appearance, how-ever was suprisingly intact and unchanging in its form, with only a few segments of the thatch facade repaired. Damage was centered around areas adjacent to the aluminum frame of the windows and parapet, a siginificant obervation to look for in other projects. Overall, this was a great opportunity to witness modern thatch nearly a decade old (almost halfway through a normal roof’s lifespan), while it is said 20-30 years is a common lifespan of thatch roofs.

Center for Architecture

Close-up view of thatch facade and damage

Waternet Floating Office

Fieldwork 1-2: Near Zaan RiverThe vertical thatching practices seen in modern projects throughout the Netherlands originates in traditional uses of thatch in windmills, which have supported the development of the coun-try. In this region, traditional styled windmills were studied in close proximity, to analyse the inherit characteristics in vertical thatching.

The windmill is an evolutionary piece of architec-ture of practicality. Because the purpose for the building is clear, the shape and material are de-signed to be efficient. Thatch was readily avail-able in the era of windmills, as the landscape of Netherlands mainly consisted of wetlands. Of course even today, reed is seen near the edges of the river, a sign of the connection between architecture and environment.

By studying the history, environment and me-chanics surrounding the traditional Dutch wind-mill, it is possible to conclude the origins of thatch uses in the Netherlands. The need for roof functions, as well as insulation and protec-tion for dwellings inside the building, combined with the vertically elongated shape of these towers, made vertical thatching a very practical and spontaneous solution.

The side walls of the windmills are not entire-ly vertical, however would be accurate to con-sider a “wall“. The substructure is timber, how-ever lack efficient construction elements such as plywood boards. Nevertheless, there is no doubt this genre of functional building has been passed on as a tool of modern architecture, al-though not for the same reasons, but as pure iconic design.

Around the roof of the windmill

Thatching around window

Vertical thatch on the walls of the windmill

Interview 1: DelftMr. Jan Voogt is a thatcher based in Delft, in a family run business for over 100 years. He now works with eight workers for project both local and international. He has worked with numerous architects on modern projects, as well as tradi-tional re-thatching projects of large farm hous-es in the rural areas of Netherlands. Some key points from the interview is noted as follows:

Thatching in Netherlands:- the government has allowed new buildings to consist of thatch material under certain circum-stances.

- the number of thatched buildings in the coun-try has risen in the past 20 years.

- traditional methods still exist, however thatch-ing is very business based, new modern visual designs receive demand in the market.

- as demand (especially from young buyers around 40 years old) increases, competition among thatchers increase, bringing the price down.

- central organizations conduct research on new methods and materials, and is shared among members of the society.

- material is usually not obtained locally, but im-ported for the lower price.

Mr. Voogt’s office/workshop

Example of modern project (Voogt Rietdekkers Web)

Stock of reed

Mr. Voogt explaining roof structure

Thatching Methodology:- roofs are usually maintained around 30cm thick to lighten the weight and prevent damage from water trapped in reed.

- the “screw roof“ is a modern and popular method in the country, where thatch is secured on the substructure board via a screwable met-al wire.

- the “screw roof” method also lessens the risk of fire, since no air is let through on the interior of the thatch.

- a layer of insulation or waterproof membrane is placed between the board and thatch to fur-ther increase its performance.

- vertical thatching and thatching along curved surfaces are among new modernistic designs that are popular.

For additional information, see Appendix 1

Wire used to secure thatch

Ceramic covering for the ridge

Screw with wire attached

Picture with Mr. Voogt

Fieldwork 2: BadgerBadger Village is located in Shropshire, one of the rural regions of the UK. The village contains many traditional thatched cottages, preserving the forms and materials from centuries into his-tory. In the UK, thatched cottages are a sta-tus, and are valued and passed on by many resi-dents, both static and dynamic, for generations.

Numerous cottages within the village were doc-umented, and brief interviews were conducted to villagers for information from an owner’s per-spective.

Cottages often are re-thatched within 30-40 years and can be up to 200 years old. Unlike ru-ral villages in Japan, many residents have moved into the area to live in a thatched cottage, which are very highly valued in the real estate market.Through brief interviews, it could be concluded the villagers valued traditional forms of the roof as a lifestyle, and were aware of its significance in preserving the village atmosphere.

It was also noted only a few (specific) thatchers work in one village, each with their specfic style and locality. Given the lifecycle of the roof, and the continuous demand for thatched cottages, a thatcher may unceasingly work in a village with 20-30 homes for generations to come, creating a very delicate and sustainable balance.

The fieldwork gave proof to the esteemed value of traditional cottages in the market, and also provided hints to how thatchers work in the UK; mostly independently, their work being localized and genuine to traditions for generations.

A thatched cottage next to a pond

A cottage recently re-thatched

The ridge of a hut

A cottage over 200 years old

Interview 2: RugeleyMr. David Wood is a master thatcher based in Rugeley. He runs a family business, generally focused around re-thatching cottages in local villages in his area. Some key points from the interview is noted as follows:

Thatching in the UK:- thatched cottages are highly valued, organiza-tions such as English Heritage protect tradition.

- master thatchers are approved by the society, thatchers usually train under more experienced master thatchers

- thatchers are on the decline due to diminishing demand and aging craftsmen.

- most businesses are small-scale and family run, industry is not based on new design, but keeping traditional forms and materials.

- a thatcher usually works around a few local villages, in a cyclic pattern around cottages throughout local area.

- a thatcher’s job consists of not only re-thatch-ing, but promotional activities such as events and lectures.

Rope used in more modern methods of thatch

Hemp rope over 200 years old

Hazel wood peg used in ridges

Thatch roof under construction

Close up of curved roof form

Thatching Methodology:- traditional methods such as the straw ridge with hazel wood pegs are still utilized today. Some materials like hemp rope are replaced by modern alternatives.

- mallable straw is used on the ridge, and reed is commonly used on the main roof structure for longetivity.

- the substructure of the roof consists of wood-en rafters and smaller elements of lumber. Thatch is secured by hammering into the raft-ers.

- nothing goes under the thatch except for cas-es with felt, for insulation.

For additional information, see Appendix 2.

Reed stocked in warehouse

Close-up of thatched roof

Mr. Wood’s ridge design and iconic pheasant

Picture with Mr. Wood

ConclusionThe thatching industry and methodolgy in the Netherlands and the UK has been observed to be very contrasting with both similarities and differences with that of Japan.

In the Netherlands, preserving the “traditional“ thatch is not of highest priority, rather mod-ern designs of thatch are inspired by traditional forms. The industry is purely business based in contrast to Japan, with better designs attract-ing more clients. For this reason, competition is high, and the thatching industry is booming. It is important to note the regulations for building in thatch is alleviated when compared to that of the UK and Japan, however it is astonishing to witness thatch as a very realistic and viable option in architecture, and not something to be preserved only as a cultural heritage.

In the UK, the current state of the thatch in-dustry seemed to more closely resemble that of Japan, with a declining and aging population of craftsmen. Similarly to Japan, and as opposed to the case in the Netherlands, preserving tra-ditional methods are of utmost significance, as they represent the cottages and village scapes which shape the UK countryside. Thatchers learn generations of methods from their mas-ters, preserving the ways of the past. The main difference with Japan however, is that thatched cottages are esteemed by the buyers, and there is a continueing demand for re-thatching. In this way, small businesses are able to survive, and thatching remains a vital industry.

Key factors able to be applied to preserving thatch in Japan lies in the demand for thatched architecture. In both European cases, thatched roofs were mainly recognized for their appear-ance or resemblance of culture, and not for practical uses as an architectural material, i.e. from an engineering perspective.

As Japan’s dynamic real estate market is heav-ily centered around price and design, the UK approach is important, however will be on the long run. Increased heritage recognitions may lean home owners towards valuing traditional thatched houses, but is not an immediate solu-tion. On the other hand, the Dutch approach has a potential to be very effective in Japan, if architects continue the challenge to implement thatch in building design. Although however, be-cause the Japanese value preserving tradition, implementing outright designs with no resem-blance of historical form is a dangerous option, where delicate balance is needed.

Overall, this research suggests a market based approach in Japan, but with values of tradition incorporated within the modern designs. Such increased demand of thatched roofs or walls may kickstart the industry, while maintaining the elegancy and pride of the works of thatch-ers in Japan. One method to acheive this may-be re-thatching and refurbishing old folk houses through the use of the modern “screw roof“ but retaining the traditional forms of the roofs by consulting “masters“. An increase in the number of newly thatched roofs may eventually miti-gate regulations, launching the positive demand cycle in the thatch industry.

This research segment has been a vital start-ing point for future research regarding thatched roofs in Japan, and I would like to give my ap-preciaiton to the Mori Grant for giving me this opportunity.

Appendix 1Interview at Mr. Voogt’s House Thatch traditionally is a vernacular material, and labor was cheapQ. Not many local companies cut their reed that are locally grown?A. It happens but it is maybe 15% of all the reed in Holland they use Holland reed, and the rest they buy. But the quality of holland reed sometimes good but not always good. Q. And is it cheaper? A. No, its quite expensive, Holland reed because the labor here is expensive. If you buy it from Hungary or Romania, they work for maybe 40 euro one day, and here the labor is one hour 40 maybe.Q. (Looking at photos of works) Is there any difference between the substructure between the traditional and modern? A. Yeah, for me some work is more difficult if you make it round, and it is typical to make reed round, because with natural material you can do very good curves, as you see on top of windmills, it is also like this. On the top there is some wood, and the sides are sometimes filled with thatch or wood, but that is traditional.Q. Its really interesting how you can go vertical with it (thatching)(Shows japanese thatching, and thick roof of layers of thatch)A. With a thick roof, alot of people think the thick roof is better but not really. Thick roof is not better. You need a sort of balance. If you make a roof like this where they do sometimes in Germany like 50cm thick, if on the inside if they get water or something, the wind is not going through, so it can easily spoil. The best balance for a roof is like 30-35cm. Q. Is there a specific new technique to (picture of curved modern roof).A. Normally in the past, we did it with old-fashioned things that you saw inside (picture) where the iron goes behind the wood, but now one line of wood, like a board and you have machines to screw and put inside (screw roof), its really easy to do this. …. That is new, and its much more fireproof because on the other side you dont have air, and its really difficult to catch on fire. Q. So its not really a ventilated roof?A. No, not on the outside…. When there is fire, it is very difficult to decide where to start to make wet (extinguish) because it also goes on the inside. Q. Thats why you can make it thin as well?A. That is also why you dont make it too thick, yes. Q. Is there like a fireproof membrane? A. Well, you can use some anti-fire spray, but it doesnt last long, and you spray on top when the roof is finished but the rain takes it away and after a few years it doesnt work.

Q. Is it the same way to do this? (living on the edge)A. Yes, but these corners are very difficult. Q. Is it (thatch) a good insulator as a wall?A. Yes, reed is a good insulator isolated, but under the reed there is also tempex about 15cm thick, nowadays. Q. But ofcourse it is Moroe expensive then other methods of construction?A. Hmm, well its not so much more expensive. If you have a special design, then it is the same price as with stones. But if you have a very large scale, like a farm and its quite easy to thatch, then it is maybe a bit more expensive, but on average it is not so much…. If you have a normal house with stones, then you have under these stones you have this thing that catches the water, but with a thatched roof, they dont have it because the water goes outside the house. The water just goes out. So if you make this house (living on the edge) out of stone and you have all (drainage and things) then it cost like 3000 or 4000 euros, then the price is more or less the same. BUT, if you make a traditional house with stone, it lasts longer, like 100 years quite easily, but with thatch after ten years you do a bit of maintenance, and after 20 or 25 years you need to repair or make it totally new. So a the end, it is more expensive, but not from the start. Q. In Japan its very expensiveA. Well it has to do with the number of people that do this, labour cost.Q. Are there any government aids or grants for new thatched buildings?A. Yeah, but it has to do with old buildings, they try to keep the old buildings, but not only when its thatched. The government may give you money when its two years old, (in order to preserve the shape) Has nothing to do with thatch but old historical buildings.

Q. The architect asks you to make these kinds of (certain) shapes?A. Yeah the architect is in charge, I just do the roof. But they ask me about the thatch.Q. (Picture of circle design facade) so these are based on the same basic principle?A. Actually, everything is based on the same situation. (But making these shapes) was a challenge, it was difficult. Because you never see a round hole on a thatched roof. So we make one example here at home, and then the architect sees it.Q. Is the government more strict on thatched roofs? (after seeing plans from architects)A. I think if its a single house with no neighbors, it is quite easy to get permission. But not really inside the city, it also has to do with the fire, its more difficult.

Q. Is there a license in the Netherlands to become a thatcher, or is it more family run?A. Yeah, most of the time it starts with family, my father was also a thatcher, but you can do a sort of exam that all thatchers go and work, then an exam for theory and practice, then they give you a notice or proof that you are a thatcher. Q. Who is it (being a master thatcher) recognized by?A. It is recognized by overall companies but thatchers in Holland, they have a sort of organization, they have two actually, and they take care of the thatching business and quality and if you join this organi-zation, then you have to make the roof in this tradition and you have to do what they think is best. Iam also involved with this, and if I make a roof that is not good (water leaks, etc) the clients can go to this company, (and tell them)Q. So its like a way to check-up on you? (thatchers)A. Well the best check is the market. If you have a good company, the clients come. Q. How long is this family run business? (Voogt Rietdekkers)A. Its over 100 years. … I have now eight people who work for me.Q. How long would you say you have to work before you become a master thatcher?A. At the end its practical, by doing by working, it takes maybe 5-6 years. If you have the skills. If you like to work outside, you need to be a nature man, you like to work with hands. Q. So your work involved around not so much in design, but mainly handcraft?A. I dont do design. I just do the handcraft. Q. If you discover new techniques, do you share it with the federation?A. Yes, im very open. If they ask me, ill put pictures on the internet, etc.Q. So do thatchers work together?A. It is also a bit like a competition, and when there is not too much work because the economy not doing good, and the cooperation is not really great. At the end it is still a competition. At this area it is very difficult to compete for lower price, (etc)Q. Would you say your work with RE-thatching is on the decline? Work with architects? A. The amount of thatch roofs in Holland, it goes up in last 20 years. When it was arouond 25 years ago when my father worked, it was only farms and a bit of houses, but nowadays it is going up. But most people in holland live together, in apartments or flats, and business with thatch is not possible. A free house with maybe a garden, that is maybe 1% or less. So it is a small market, but it is going up. Q. What would you say the reason for that is? A. I think they like it the design. People 40 yrs old, 50 yrs old, they doing well in business and they get money or theyre successful, and once time in their life they want to build a new house, and some people think a thatch house is cozy, its warm, the feeling.Q. So its more on the looksA. Yeah the looks, its definitely the looks. Q. Not really engineering? They market “sustainability” “energy efficiency”A. You can also make a sustainable house with stone, with other material. In promotion you can say “thatch is natural” but its not really the (factor).Q. So its more of architects in the Netherlands, and their ambition to design new things?A. Yeah, sure. Q. Do you think thats what makes thatching in the Netherlands different from other places?A. I think in Holland, yes. Im in alot of countries, also working, lets say Germany, it is a very big country for us, like 80 million people, there are thatched houses in the North, but every thatched house in the north is old fashioned farm house, same sort of house. And modern houses in Germany, thatch does not exist. In Belgium, a bit. Maybe a little in Denmark, Denmark is also more into design. …. You have to have a certain way of thinking to make things in another way, and you have to have permission from the government, and they say yeah okay, make something new. I think in Holland, they are quite far in this. Q. Do you think its important to preserve traditional techniques? Or not so much?A. For the business its good that we make new houses, because in an year we make like 20 houses now. For me, if its only old fashioned farm, I will employ only 2 people but now I have eight. Q. So its more business based for your projects?A. Yeah. If you want to look at it in a romantic way “yeah its good to preserve it” Q. I think my research will involve finding ways to preserve traditional Japanese thatched roofs. A. This country (Japan) is one of the richest countries in the world, so you need people with money, you need architects, and then you need the government. …. but they do alot of research in Holland because of this fire, and they have almost no problem when thatching with fire. ….(talk about fire)Q. Are the people researching about these things associated with the government? A. Not the people, but the organization I pay money to, they do the research, they have the knowledge, they inform me about new things.

Interview at Mr. Wood’s HouseLooking at the strawQ. This is from a local supplier?A. Well these are hundred mile away, use to have a guy like 20 miles up the road that did it, but he’s retired now.…workforce, labour started to diminishShowing the small scale thatch, hazel wood (split and then twisted to fasten thatch, pegs for only the ridge)Natural spring of the fibers that opens out and secures into the thatch.

Q. Do you use these pegs for the entire roof or only the ridge?A. Only the ridge, and water reed on the lower part of the roof. Because a thatch roof can be alot of different kind of materials, but in this country, you’ve got two types of roof, you’ve got all-straw, which you would use alot of these (pegs) on places on the roof, or you have water reed on the lower part of the roof with a straw cap. The reason why there is a straw cap on top of the reed, is because the straw is soft enough that it will bend over the top (over the ridge). (with reed, it will break and rot)Q. Is this (decorative stickwork) a very popular and traditional way in the UK?A. Yes, different shape, more chevrons, small little crosses, things like that, there is slight subtle differences, and today the thatcher’s trademark is this banding. (you would recognize the thatcher from it)

There are different methods to fastening the material to the roof. Straw, you tie it to the roof, and traditionally they would of used the waste material, I.e. the grasses wound into a two plat grass rope, or later on they would use hemp. …grass rope that is 500 years old…hemp, tar rope was used in the shipping industry Q. When would you say the transition was from grass to hemp? A. Hemp rope came into England maybe 300 years ago. That grass rope (shown) was used 200 years before this old hemp came into the country. … The real difference between the two is that (grass rope) cost nothing. … This (tar rope) you would of had to have bought this, because it was transported to us. …tar rope would have been used on high status houses, not farm housesQ. Is the English heritage a government run organization, trying to preserve the traditional buildings?A. Yes, otherwise it will be gone. Alot of thatched cottages have been knocked down for roadways, development in the past, but today no chance. There are different grades of buildings, the very high quality ones are grade one, and you could barely do anything to it, it has to stay as it is. Alot of those grades ones are like museum type houses. Grade two, which is sort of a house like you or I could buy, but we will have to ask permission from English heritage to do alterations to it. … Q. Do they (English Heritage) give out funds?A. They used to, there were grants available. Not today. …you wet the straw, makes it Moore supple to work with, then dry it in the sun

…To farm with materialsPeople start to recognize you after apprenticeship, start taking on the role in the village.

Q. Most of your work is in local areas?A. It can be, sometimes I travel, but its usually its people who have lived in this area, but have moved away and bought a thatched roof.

…Thatched trailer for shows…shows reedsQ.You said these were from the UK, but from very far away?A. Yes, thats right, .. they are in bales of 100s. Q. Would you say these are costly?A. They were, but not today. The straw is more expensive because its more time consuming to produce.

…To site with scaffoldingQ.The wire netting is for?A. To stop the birds from pecking and pulling at it.… The water runs just on the tip of the reed. The reed you saw at the barn, that were 5-6 ft long, that (shows roof) is all you see. …So what happens when these reeds get wet, dry, wet, dry, the tips of these reeds rot, and it just fades back very very slowly. Q. You would consider this (roof) a traditional form?A. YesQ. How about the substructure? Is it like a frame or do you have a board? A. Theres wooden rafters, 60inch centers apart, with lattice running horizontally at 10inch centers apart, like a square framework. This (thatch) is fastened with metal hooks and steel rods. The steel rod spans across the materials, and the metal hook is driven, and as you tighten it down, the wire tightens the materials down to the roof. So there are about 14 layers going across. Q. Are the metal hooks screwed?A. No, they are hammered into the rafters. You can screw things (like in holland) but thats a really modern way of doing it. Thats only been done in the last 20 years. Its not as evasive as knocking and banging. (bits of plaster board goes down)…sometimes parapet walls hold the thatch edges. …the thatch is firm where two walls meetQ. Was this building re-thatched? A. Yes. …the original cottages is maybe 4-500 years old. …I was asked by the planning department what should go on the roof, I suggested for longevity, reed. Because this roof will do probably 50-60 years, that top bit is replaced maybe every 18-20 years. If this (main roof) was straw, after 20 years you would have to put another coat over this. Q. How much did this roof cost? A. About 20,000 pounds. Q. Have you got any films under the thatch for fireproof? A. There was something under this, because this was done originally in the winter time previously, there was a thin layer of felt underneath that, but today you can buy these breathable felt… traditionally they would not have anything underneath. Q. The design comes from the original house? A. Well, the ridge on the top, that would be my patent. (originates from master)

…rethatching, put a sheet on area by area, and step by step rethatch the roof. Usually 7 weeks, clockwise around the building

Q. Some cases they spray material over the thatch to prevent fire? A. There has been solutions you could treat the thatch with, but they havent really faired pretty well, because its a chemical on a natural material, it tends to rot it, as opposed to protect it. …90 percent of the time it would catch fire from the inside.…globe theatre roof deteriorated by chemical

Q. Do you get a certificate or something as a master thatcher?A. No, its a thing you document it down, The process that I did, (had a job for a thatched roof for a couple in Melbourne, a person from the association and oversaw the roof) …we thatched the cottage, and he was with me along every aspect of it, he never really missed anything. At the end he wrote a report on what he has seen, not only the workmanship I did but how you conducted yourself on the site, and with the customer, and with people that walked by everyday. (asked Jeff if he is good enough to become a member)

Appendix 2