A Roof from Nature: Crafting with Wood and Old Tiles

Building a roof with natural materials is a fascinating and rewarding project that requires both craftsmanship and a deep connection to nature. For our current project, we used wood from the nearby forest – specifically, fallen pinetrees. We carefully debranched them, removed the bark, and treated the wood to make it weather-resistant and protected from insects. From the processed trunks, we built the roof frame according to the architect’s plans. The trunks, irregular and unique in their natural form, posed a challenge but also beautifully expressed the essence of nature.

After cutting the trunks and erecting the frame, the next step was to attach the cross beams. These serve as the base upon which the roof tiles will be placed. The tiles are reused, giving the roof a special beauty and history. It’s a wonderful feeling to use old tiles, as the “soul” of the old house is embedded in them, and they provide the new structure with a deep connection to the past.

So far, building the roof has been a lot of fun, especially working at height. It improves your balance and helps develop new skills. At first, nails and tools often fell, but over time we developed techniques to continually improve. Working on the scaffolding not only challenged us physically but also sharpened our problem-solving skills. When working with natural materials, there are always unforeseen challenges, especially since the wood in its natural state is irregular – with varying thickness, length, and knots. But it is precisely this unpredictability that makes the construction so exciting and varied.

Through this project, I have learned many new methods and techniques and have taught myself a lot. By now, I can easily imagine building my own house in the near future – another adventure that will surely be as enriching and challenging as building this roof.

By Sarah K.