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Host rating
85 %
Last replied
2 Mar 2024
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Details
Description
Are you interested in learning about ecologically friendly renovation using local materials? Are you a ceramicist interested in exploring wild clay? Come help me in researching, problem solving, getting hands-on and having fun in France!
I’m Joanna. I originally trained as an architect, but spent many years in East Africa, Nepal, the US, working in crisis zones as a film maker. I’m also a ceramicist with an interest in wild clays.
The building is very interesting, made from soft porous limestone mixed with a harder stone from an ancient underwater volcano. At the moment is a shell with no internal fittings, so there’s lots to do - some with professionals, some for lovely and interested volunteers. At the same time I'm building up a ceramics studio with a focus on hand building (but not wheel throwing), and I have a workshop for carpentry.
Types of help and learning opportunities
Help with Eco Projects
DIY and building projects
Creating/ Cooking family meals
Help with Computers/ Internet
UN sustainability goals this host is trying to achieve
Cultural exchange and learning opportunities
Renovating an old building is like doing a giant puzzle - there's a plan, but along the way a lot of little parts to figure out using traditional and natural building materials (stone, lime, clay, timber). Note, this is very different from a new build construction site project like a straw bale or rammed earth build!
The main work on the roof will be done by insured professionals but there will be lots of measuring, marking, and tile stacking at ground level to make it all possible, and you can learn how it all goes together.
The interior walls are being pointed with lime mortar and stone sand from the local quarry - it's a lovely mix to work with, the ‘fun job’!
Stone help tasks include re-opening existing windows in the exterior stone walls; dismantling and repairing a small section of stone wall (directed by a stonemason). The stone help on door jambs needs to be repaired, with some research into how this is done with the right mix for the stone - and door frames have to be fitted.
Constructing a level first floor framework between existing oak joists, and fitting tongue and groove floorboards.
Outdoors there's a courtyard to clear of random plants, and the remains of a small stone outhouse to dismantle.
I want to lay poured clay floors over blown glass insulation, so we need to shovel out the existing earth floors and mark a datum level all around. We also need to source, experiment, and make tests with local materials for the installation next year (I can direct, and this might be interesting for an architectural student or similar).
Help
I’m looking for people serious about building, or exploring clay and traditional materials - the project would suit architectural students or those wanting to ‘learn by doing’. You should have some experience of building or craft ‘making’, or be demonstratively good with your hands with a good feel for materials.
I’d also love someone to take over the kitchen, especially in September! It would be a role of its own, and you’d be free to watch, participate, hang out or use the pottery in free time. Nothing elaborate expected!
Lastly - project online? I have film and photos, and can write... I'd love some web help. I'm sloooow with tech but I'm sure there's someone out there who is super on it and if they came here I would give them chocolate and strawberries and -OK, wrong season for strawberries. Figs? Wine? Anything! ).
Languages
Languages spoken
English: Fluent
French: IntermediateThis host offers a language exchange
I'm really wanting to improve my French, so French speakers especially welcome! Previously we have been very successful in using Franglais :-) I'm happy to help with English, especially words used in building ....
Accommodation
I can accommodate up to three people, plus anyone with a camper or their own tent. At the moment the accommodation is quite basic: a double trailer tent with its own kitchen, and a large bell tent. You are welcome to bring vans or campers, but sorry no dogs - the field is not fenced, and neither my neighbours nor the cat are big fans :-(
I have a field kitchen with a big table and sofas to hang out; there is electricity but the mains water connection is still in process so we use rain collection tanks. There is a basic field shower and dry loo. It’s pretty warm until early October here.
I’m mostly vegetarian but don’t mind cooking meat occasionally.
What else ...
The local area is beautiful and ecologically very interesting with birds, small animals, bats, owls… a hedgehog visits every evening and occasionally a small deer comes in! There are many lovely markets, but it is not big on ‘entertainments’. I have a kayak you can take to the local river which is full of fish and one of the cleanest in Europe; the area is great for cycling and there are day trips to the Dordogne vineyards or the caves at Lascaux. Paris is two hours away by train - a good day or weekend trip - likewise Bordeaux; the coast is about an hour’s drive.
I also have a pottery, two kilns and a variety of different types of clay (I hand build and don’t have a wheel for throwing). You are welcome to use the studio within reason in free time, provided you either have some experience or are willing to learn from YouTube - I can make suggestions but not teach. I’d also ask that you buy your own clay (available locally) and cover the cost of firing the kiln.
Please note that you will need independent health/accident insurance if you're not a French national.
A little more information
Internet access
Limited internet access
We have pets
We are smokers
Can host families
Can host digital nomads
Re digital nomads, I don't have a fibre connection but I do have excellent 4G reception if you are able to tether your laptop to your phone. I have worked online myself this way with no problems, likewise 4G streaming media works well.
Space for parking camper vans
There is room for a camper, and I also have several small tents that can be used as an adjunct if you have a small van.
How many Workawayers can stay?
More than two
Hours expected
Maximum 4-5 hours a day, 5 days a week. Helping pace is fairly relaxed, but the focus is on getting things done, some days might require more ie if the weather threatens work - but it will even out :-)
