The March Hare: Spring '04
Issue 40

Spring is in the air! * Truth and perspective * Compost this wigwam * The Ecovillage at 1 Jaunty Weasel Lane * Maggie sends memories of her time at Dancing Rabbit * Ironweed: native blossom * Nature Corner: Spring Peepers * DR experiences growing pains

Compost this wigwam
by Thomas Kortkamp

Last year I finally began settling in among the homes, piles and paths of this dear ecovillage. Winters are fierce in these parts and right off I was dreaming of a simple and cozy shelter. I'd been fascinated by all sorts of indigenous, low-tech "earth shelters" and the creatures who've built them throughout the ages. I fancied something round, warm, dry and created from local materials with gratitude and care. Many thanks to the beings who have helped.

I started with long, flexible branches pruned from thorny, rot-resistant honey locust and osage orange. These were stuck in the ground in a circle and bent and lashed together with hemp to form an arching, interlocking framework, made stronger by lashing more branches around as horizontal hoops. Next, thin scraps of oak were woven up half of the frame and a cob mix was daubed on thick from the outside. These walls were plastered with an earthen plaster and then it was time for a roof. We cut bunches of native Indian grass and started tying this grass thatch to the top of the dome. That's the basics. There's also a drainage trench, cookstove, fancy window, door flaps, cold storage pit, sleeping platform and shelves in the works. Thatching and plastering continue little by little and the whole place has been very happy under a canvas tarp.

This little hut is a very comfortable place to live and truly a joy to create. You should try it with your friends. Build simply and please have fun. Such possibilities are endless.