Structures built by communities, for communities
At Woodcraftian we believe in creating inspiring structures for land based community groups that are affordable and accessible. We utilise natural and local materials and engage members of the community to deliver unique low impact structures for the groups that need them most.
We want to create a greater social equity in the construction process, where there is space for people and communities to work and learn together and to develop a stronger sense of ownership over their space.
Our Process
At Woodcraftian we aim to support you through every step of the project, from initials designs and sourcing funding through to organising and delivering the build itself.
We understand that cost tends to be the prohibitive feature for small groups, but don’t let this deter you - we can support you with identifying and accessing funding, undertaking a ‘phased’ build process, and innovating around available or abudant materials to help reduce costs.
Once you get in touch we can provide indicative costings for a variety of potential structures to help scope what might be achievable with the resource you have available
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We want you you to feel included, empowered, and engaged throughout the process of creating your structure. From guidance on planning permission, to materials choices, we’re here to inform and support you.
We working closely with you during the design stages to understand what you are looking for in a building, what you intend to use it for, and how the costings stack up. We build each of our buildings bespoke to your requirements - whether it’s a log store, a roundhouse, or a barn, we can build you something that will meet your requirements and exceed your expectations. -
We’re aware that finance is the big constraint, and at Woodcraftian we do our most to help you identify sources of funding and create a design that utilises low cost and readily available materials. Through the facilitated inclusion of a volunteer build crew we can source lots of labour at a low financial cost and in utilising natural materials we are able to keep material costs low.
We are used to designing to a budget, figuring out what we can achieve with the resoruces available as wel as consiering how to source further funding. Once we’ve worked through a viable design we will provide a detailed quotation for the project, as well as providing a guarentee for what we can achieve.
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We focus on quality and detail during the build process, utilsing wherever possible natural and low ipmact materials. Whilst on site we work efficiently and conscientiously to ensure the work is done quickly, with as little disruption and mess as possible, and with respect to the local environment and community.
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Following initial discussions, assuming no planning permission is required, we will get a quote and a 3D model of your building over to you within two weeks.
Once you’re happy with the design and quote we take a deposit and book a date for the build. This will be at least 6 weeks in the future to ensure enough time for the materials to be ordered.
A typical build will take around 3-4 weeks to construct on site., varying according to the design particulars.
Interested in a community structure? Get in touch to get the process started!
Community Participation
At Woodcraftian we create structures that focus on social equity - creating buildings for communities using volunteers who are fully involved in the building process.
By including volunteers during the building process we can add so much value - a safe environment for people to learn, increasing the scope of viable materials and approaches, and space for hand crafted details and elements.
We see our build process as facilitators, enabling low cost oppurtunities for people keen to learn natual building or support local projects. The experience of participating on a live building project as part of a working team is an accessible and invigorating platform for learning, an augmentation to the typical process of paid tuition.
For more information about how to participate in one of our build projects please see our participation page.
See what the power of many hands can achieve!
The erection event for a ‘social polytunnel’ space at the Meanwood Valley Urban Farm in Leeds, a community structure created over 3 weeks using a pool of local vounteers
Testimonials
“Being involved in a build like this has been so amazing, I’ve learnt new skills and felt part of a team working together to create something beautiful together”
“Our experience with Woodcraftian was exceptional! They were highly engaged and attuned to our needs and delivered us a totally unique and amazing sturcture for a great price ”
