thatched roofing

In the picturesque region of Lake Neusiedl in Austria, a remarkable house stands out with its unique roofing material. The two hundred square meter roof of Horne's house is adorned with stacked straw, sourced from locally grown cane. This unconventional choice has not only raised astonishment but also brought attention to the environmental benefits of thatch. Jacobus van Horne, a former scientist at CERN who pursued a career in roofing, is on a mission to revive the ancient practice of thatching.

Embracing Tradition and Environmental Consciousness

Horne's house is truly a sight to behold. The roof, constructed with stacked straw from locally grown cane, accentuates the natural beauty of the area. Lake Neusiedl, with its captivating landscape, has even been recognized by UNESCO and included in its World Heritage List. This recognition further highlights the significance of preserving traditional practices that align with sustainable development goals.

As a physicist, Jacobus van Horne found inspiration in the environmental benefits of thatch. With his expertise and determination, he transitioned from his prestigious position at the European Organization for Nuclear Research in Switzerland to become a roofer. This bold decision allowed him to combine his scientific knowledge with a passion for sustainable construction.

A Labor of Love and Skill

Thatching a roof with straw may seem like a daunting task, but for Jacobus van Horne, it is a labor of love. After the winter harvest, he meticulously weeds the hay and skillfully ties it into bundles. This technique has been passed down from his father, a Dutch immigrant who settled in Austria in the 1980s. Jacobus embraces this traditional craftsmanship and brings it into the modern era, adapting it to suit contemporary roofing needs.

Challenges and Market Dynamics

While Jacobus remains steadfast in his commitment to thatch roofing, he acknowledges the challenges posed by the market dynamics. In particular, he points out the dominance of China, which holds an 80% market share in Europe due to its attractive pricing strategy. Buyers in the Netherlands, Germany, England, and France find it difficult to compete with China's low prices, especially in a time of inflationary pressures.

Furthermore, the recent drought in Europe has added to the complexities of thatch production. Insufficient hay harvests and unripened cane have led to a decrease in supply, resulting in the need for significant price reductions. Despite these hurdles, Jacobus remains optimistic about the long-term viability and environmental advantages of thatch.

The Resurgence of Thatch: A Sustainable Choice

Thatch has experienced a resurgence in Europe, thanks to its exceptional thermal and sound insulation properties. With climate change concerns and the increasing scarcity of resources, there is a growing recognition of the importance of using environmentally friendly building materials. Azra Korginik, an expert at the University of Vienna, asserts that reverting to these materials is an "inevitable" step, citing their historical usage in the construction of prehistoric houses on stilts in the Alps.

One of the key advantages of biodegradable straw thatch is its low carbon footprint throughout its life cycle. From production to disposal, considering the entire life cycle of the material, straw thatch proves to be environmentally responsible. Moreover, straw's lightweight nature and comparable cost to tile roofs make it an attractive option. It also boasts an impressive ability to store carbon dioxide through photosynthesis, surpassing even that of forests.

Overcoming Challenges and Nurturing Craftsmanship

Raphael Bauchitz, a French-Austrian architect, acknowledges that the main challenges lie not in the material itself but in the training of craftsmen and the influence exerted by large corporations. Traditional materials like straw, which rely on the skill and expertise of craftsmen, often fail to garner interest from industrial entities.

Nonetheless, enthusiasts of thatch continue to persevere and implement projects in various locations. Marine Leparc, the coordinator of the French Association of Thatched Roofers, appreciates the recent attention given to straw and other natural materials. The growing interest in sustainable and eco-friendly practices has paved the way for the resurgence of traditional techniques.

Conclusion

Jacobus van Horne, an Austrian former nuclear research scientist, has embarked on a mission to revive the use of thatch for roofing. Through his dedication and expertise, he showcases the environmental benefits and timeless charm of straw thatch. Despite market challenges and the pressure exerted by larger corporations, advocates for traditional materials persist in their efforts to promote sustainable construction practices.

As the world grapples with climate change and limited resources, embracing environmentally friendly building materials becomes imperative. Thatch, with its excellent insulation properties and low carbon footprint, emerges as a viable choice for forward-thinking individuals and communities.