The quest for durable and resilient shelters has been a fundamental pursuit throughout human history. In the world of primitive technology, the A-Frame Hut stands as a remarkable accomplishment.
This article delves into the intriguing process behind the creation of this remarkable structure, showcasing the ingenuity and resourcefulness of our ancestors.
From the meticulous selection of tools to the ingenious thatching and roofing techniques, every step in the construction of this hut is a testament to human adaptability and resilience.
But what makes this A-Frame Hut truly remarkable? How does it withstand the test of time and the elements? Join us as we explore the practicality, durability, and fascinating features of this impregnable shelter.
DIY A Frame Thatched Roof Hut
- The A Frame Hut was constructed using primitive tools such as a Celt hatchet with a wattle handle, showcasing the ingenuity and resourcefulness of primitive technology.
- Thatching and roofing techniques were employed using palm fronds and a dome hut thatch, demonstrating the effectiveness of natural materials in creating a durable and weather-resistant structure.
- The wattle and daub wall at the back of the hut, made with wooden poles and lawyer cane, provided stability and added protection to the structure.
- The A Frame Hut was not only functional as a shelter but also offered practical features like a bed made from wooden stakes, and a convenient rack for tools, showcasing the resourcefulness in creating furniture and storage solutions.
Construction of the A Frame Hut
The construction process of the A Frame Hut involves the utilization of various materials and techniques to create a sturdy and functional shelter. Traditional construction methods and building techniques were employed to ensure the durability and strength of the hut.
The timber for the hut was cut using a Celt hatchet made of amphibolite, while the handle of the axe was crafted from a species of wattle. The floor plan of the hut measured 4 X 4m, with a ridgeline height of 2m above the ground. A frame in the front supported the ridgeline.
Thatching and roofing were done using palm fronds that were collected, split, and lashed to the hut’s frame. Thatch from a dome hut was also added to the structure. Approximately 1200 fronds were used in total, with the ridgeline thatch placed without lashing, using pairs of sticks called jockeys to prevent the thatch from blowing away.
The wall at the back of the structure was constructed using wattle and daub techniques, with wooden poles planted into the ground and lawyer cane woven between them. Soil was dug around the hut for drainage trenches and daubing material, with no fiber added to the mud daub, only straight mud used.
Furniture and storage were created by sticking pegs into the wall to hold the stone axe and fire sticks, and a bed was made by hammering wooden stakes and lashing timber to the frame, covered with palm fiber for bedding. The sides of the hut were used for storing firewood, tools, and other items, with a convenient rack formed by pegs to hold the stone axe off the ground.
The durability of the hut was tested by collecting and eating/storing Atherton oak nuts in a pot, and by exposing it to heavy rain to test its ability to shed water. The A Frame Hut proved to be a simple yet strong shelter that can resist strong winds without requiring scaffolding or ladders, showcasing the ingenuity of traditional construction methods.
Building the Wall
Utilizing traditional building techniques and natural materials, the construction of the A-Frame Hut continues with the meticulous process of erecting a sturdy and resilient wall. The wall is built using the wattle technique, which involves planting wooden poles into the ground and weaving lawyer cane in between them. This creates a strong and flexible framework for the wall.
The next step is the mud daubing process, where soil is dug around the hut to create drainage trenches and provide material for the daubing. Straight mud is used without any added fibers. The mud is carefully applied to the woven cane, creating a solid and cohesive wall that offers protection and insulation.
This combination of the wattle technique and the mud daubing process ensures that the A-Frame Hut’s wall is not only durable but also resistant to the elements.
Creating Furniture and Storage
Continuing the construction process of the A-Frame Hut, attention is now turned towards the creation of functional furniture and storage solutions within the structure. The primitive furniture and storage solutions not only serve a practical purpose but also add a sense of belonging to the hut.
Here are some of the items that have been created:
- Pegs stuck into the wall to hold the stone axe and fire sticks, ensuring easy access and organization.
- A bed made by hammering wooden stakes and lashing timber to the frame. It is covered with palm fiber, providing a comfortable sleeping area.
- The sides of the hut are utilized for storing firewood, tools, and other items, keeping them within reach.
- A convenient rack formed by pegs to hold the stone axe off the ground, protecting it from damage.
These primitive furniture and storage solutions not only enhance the functionality of the hut but also create a sense of order and efficiency within the space.
Thatching and Roofing
Following the construction of the A Frame Hut, the process of covering the hut’s frame with palm fronds and additional thatch from a dome hut is explored.
- Palm frond collection: The builder skillfully gathers palm fronds, carefully selecting the ones with the ideal shape and size for thatching the hut.
- Splitting and lashing techniques: With precision and expertise, the fronds are split into thinner strips, making them more pliable for weaving. These strips are then skillfully lashed to the hut’s frame, ensuring a secure and tight fit.
- Thatch from a dome hut: To reinforce the roof, additional thatch from a dome hut is added, providing extra protection against the elements.
- Impeccable craftsmanship: The meticulous process of thatching and roofing showcases the builder’s attention to detail and their commitment to creating a durable and weather-resistant shelter.
Testing the Hut’s Durability
The durability of the A-Frame Hut was put to the test through various natural elements and conditions, showcasing its ability to withstand and protect its occupants.
To evaluate its strength, the hut was subjected to rigorous testing methods, including exposure to heavy rain. The rain resistance of the structure was a crucial aspect in determining its effectiveness as a shelter.
As the rain poured down, the hut proved its capability to shed water efficiently. The thatched roof, made from palm fronds, effectively diverted the rainwater away from the interior, preventing any leaks or dampness.
Additionally, the well-designed drainage trenches surrounding the hut efficiently directed the water away from the structure.
These testing methods demonstrated that the A-Frame Hut is not only a simple and easily constructed shelter, but also a dependable refuge that can withstand and protect against various natural elements, including heavy rain.
Watch The Entire Process…
The A frame hut is a simple shelter that can be built quickly and simply. It’s basically a large roof built directly on the ground. The shape is strong and will resist strong winds. Check out the complete build below…
