On Bouzov, builders will use straw, and they will also build a bus stop in the village

Straw Building - source: www.slamenestavitelstvi.cz

Bouzov (Olomouc Region) August 19 (CTK) - Builders of straw bales from all over Europe will gather in Bouzov next week. The European meeting takes place every two years, and the Czech Republic is hosting it for the first time. So far, 90 builders from 22 countries have registered. People will also be able to witness the construction of a bus stop made of straw and other natural materials in the village of Bouzov, said Martina Petrů, a member of the organizing team of the meeting, today to CTK.
"At the European level, this is the seventh meeting, the last one took place two years ago in Belgium. It will be this year's central European event for all 'straw' builders, architects, scientists, teachers, and students," she stated.
While the meeting at the Permalot Natural Building Center in Podolí near Bouzov is accessible only to registered participants, others from the public are welcome to attend other events. These include, for example, a conference on Friday, where experienced European builders will present topics related to education, research, and business in modern low-energy construction.
People will also be able to observe the construction of the bus stop in Bouzov, which will be the first building of its kind in the country. "The goal is to create a structure that is low-cost, utilizes natural materials, is insulating, and serves a public purpose. The building will have a roof covered with wood and clay, where succulents such as stonecrops will grow," Petrů stated. Local youth will also have the opportunity to participate in the construction. According to Petrů, it is built from regular straw, which must be sufficiently compressed. Further construction work will also take place at the Permalot Natural Building Center, involving not only straw building but also insulation, clay plasters, and facades.
The public can also attend a concert by the band Poitín at Bouzov Castle on Friday. On Saturday, an E-kohabitat fair will take place at Permalot. "Visitors can look forward to interesting practical workshops, demonstrations of natural building techniques, and eco-products ranging from ecological building materials to cotton diapers, and homemade farm and cosmetic products," added Petrů.
The meeting will take place from Tuesday, August 23, to Saturday, with the construction of the bus stop starting on Wednesday. A detailed program is available at www.slamenestavitelstvi.cz.