House build

For the last year we have been working with an architect and structural engineer to create plans for our house.

We have ended up with a round-wood timber frame and hempcrete design.

Here’s a video from a round wood framing course I ran in 2024.

We are now ready to host volunteers on site for the build. You’ll be helping us with the project whilst learning new skills and meeting like minded people. As of May 30th 2025 we are doing site preparations, moving into the framing phase during the summer.

There are 2 types of volunteers. Live-in volunteers and local volunteers.

All volunteers need to be 18 or over.

Live in volunteers.

You will be living onsite all week with food provided for the whole week. You’ll be helping with the project for 7.5 hrs a day, 4 days a week, Mon-Thurs and get fead for the other 3 days. Accommodation is camping with the possibility of staying in a small cabin if you’re here for longer. There’s a large outdoor, covered kitchen, compost loo and shower.

We’d expect live-in volunteers to be here for a minimum of 2 weeks.

Local volunteers

If you live local enough to Leadburn to come for the day, then this is an option. Days on the build would be Mon-Thurs starting at 8.30am. Lunch and hot drinks would be provided. We would need a commitment of at least 5 days volunteering, but this could be spread over a few weeks.

Travel

We are based at Leadburn near Penicuik. You can get the X62 bus from Edinburgh or Galashiels to the door. I’ll provide full directions if you decide to join in.

What do I do next if i want to volunteer?

Please fill in THIS FORM and i’ll be in touch.