那須 ストローベイル

October 31 through November 2, participated as a staff member in the Japan Straw Bale Association's annual seminar and workshop in Nasu, Tochigi Prefecture.November 3, collected data from a straw bale building at a dairy farm and milk processing plant also in Nasu run by Amita Corporation.

Coffee, Straw Bale, YouTube

June 20-21 attended a workshop and gathering at the Japan Straw Bale House Association in Tochigi Prefecture. Shigeyuki Ikuta, who runs the office, is also a barista. Ikuta-san making coffee in the straw bale kitchen.

June 26-28 attended the annual festival at Bethel’s House in Urakawa, Hokkaido. Bethel’s House is a community of about 200 people including adults with psychological issues. In April and May I assisted with the renovation of Bethel’s House’s Bura Bura Café using straw bale and earthen plasters. The renovation of the café using natural materials is presented in this 6 minute video clip. Kyle speaks briefly at the end.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5dmm8pQ1gOA

The following are photos of the finished Cafe with gallery and storefront.

At the festival, Kyle presented for 10 minutes, providing an introduction to straw bale building. Also had a chance to visit Noda-san's studio. Noda-san is the master plasterer who did the finish work at Bura Bura Cafe. On June 28 there was an opening party of sorts.

July 3-7 was in Tochigi Prefecture working on the construction of a straw bale Kura. A Kura (蔵) is a storehouse where grains, food stuffs, and valuables are traditionally preserved in Japan. Traditionally the walls are constructed of bamboo and earth.