Although the idea of building this workshop was hatched last year, it was not until the beginning of this year (2009) that anything definite began. Actually, I lie... In August of last year I attended a one-week straw bale building course run by Andrew Morrison down in Oregon. (strawbale.com) If you are interested in building with SB I can whole-heartedly recommend this course. It was fun, very informative, and convinced me to build with straw bales.

A brief history of the process so far...

More years ago than I can remember I knew I wanted to build my own house one day. Over the years I have played with different designs in my head but most involved more conventional post-and-beam, wooden-clad, structures.

About eight years ago I moved into an apartment near Sidney on Vancouver Island, and discovered that one of my neighbours had built with straw bales. A tour of their house had me hooked, and ever since I've been planning to build with bales one day.

Seven years ago I bought an old farmhouse just north of Victoria (my present home) and have been gradually renovating it. Although the renovations are, to a large extent, necessary they also have provided valuable lessons about some of the processes involved in house-building.

The renos continue, but now it is time to start working towards my original dream and building the workshop is a step in that direction. A way to learn and practice on a structure that is not as critical as a full-blown house, while also adding something of value to my present property.

My goal for January has been to work on the design and content of this website as a way of providing information to anyone interested in the project.