Thatched roofing ideally suited for eco-friendly buildings

"This is particularly regrettable as thatch is so admirably suited to the growing call for sustainable eco-friendly 'green' building systems," Lucas said shortly after his return from an eight day convention in Sweden. The convention was organised by the International Thatching Society and was attended by just over 100 master thatchers from 14 countries.

What came home to him most forcibly, is that certain of these countries - notably Sweden, Denmark, Holland, Japan and to a lesser extent the UK and the USA - have developed technologies that not only make thatching more versatile and adaptable, but also enhance its longevity and durability.

New tools

"We were introduced to a whole range of new tools and to systems in which the compaction of the thatch, the quality of the final product and its impermeability to wind are greatly improved. We were also shown how thatch can be made highly suitable for vertical walling and be given such extras as gutters - something we have as yet virtually never seen in South Africa. Furthermore, it became clear that many of the new techniques can be applied to existing roofs to upgrade them," he explained.

Lucas said that while it is true that the tough woody thatching reeds grown in the Albertinia, Riversdale and Bredasdorp districts are almost certainly the best thatching material in the world, many other parts of Southern Africa have grass suitable for thatching - and this can be the ideal roofing material, not only on the more expensive homes but also on low cost housing. The large labour input that thatching requires is a bonus in a country with such a serious unemployment problem.

Trainee thatchers

One Southern African country that has appreciated the huge potential for thatched buildings, is Namibia. Here he is contracted by the government to build a R30m college for trainee thatchers who will be trained to master thatcher level. Two further such colleges are also in the planning stage - the aim of the government apparently being to train two or three men from every village in Namibia.

Although at least one South African municipality has shown interest in initiating a similar training project, so far the proposals made have not got much beyond the discussion stage and interest appears to be waning.

"The fact remains, however, that thatching is a skill ideally suited to many people in South Africa and it is a tragedy that, with the exception of a few companies, we are not training them in this," he said.