Artisans at Work

Rudolph Steiner was an architect, as well as a philosopher, scientist and social thinker. A quick glance at his major buildings – The First and Second Goetheanum and The Stuttgart Eurythmeum – show an abiding interest in geometric forms. Steiner contended that too many straight lines, flat planes and right angles, stifled the imagination and bred conformity.

He favoured forms that replicated nature, captured the subtle shapes of a movement as it came to rest – like a butterfly the moment it lands – and so create buildings through which energy flowed. To create these new architectural forms, he had to think outside the box and pioneer new ways of building.

This tradition continues in the new building work at Kindlehill.  Lynn describes it as a process that is “in the becoming”. The craftsmen and women are encouraged to work, not from plans, but apply their skills intuitively and respond to each challenge as it presents itself, whether it be a join, fixture or decorative flourish. This approach allows the team to work their craft and become artistically involved in the creation of the building.

For the artisans on site, the process has been an eye-opener. Ramon and Sarah, who were insulating the veranda frame with “light straw” (ie straw and clay) the afternoon I spoke to them, felt they were part of a project than was bigger than the sum of its parts.  There is a greater good at stake. Carpenter Paul, who was fixing a blue gum support beam in the veranda, felt that his craftsmanship was valued. “People believe in your gifts and allow you to express your talents”.

Of course there is one seditious agitator in every utopia, and he was on the chicken house roof issuing challenges to Lynnie and the boys. So who will be king of the cob and straw castle? Tune in next week…