ON THE ROOF

DINING CHALET WITH THATCHED ROOF


Who knew grass could make such a strong and weatherproof roofing material? In the bush, almost all structures have a traditional thatched roof. Frikkie was building a new lodge and we got the chance to watch the fascinating thatching process close up on a daily basis. A truck first delivers bundles of grass/reeds. Workers then climb on thin long sticks as makeshift scafflolding to attach the grass to the wood framed roof. Two workers on the outside of the roof catch bundles of grass that are tossed up to them from the ground. They work the bundles into place and fasten them with a wire.  The workers feed the wire through while another worker on the inside feeds the wire back through to the workers on the outside. They use a large brush to comb the grass into position and to keep the ends even. It really was amazing to watch these skilled craftsmen apply their trade. The South African style of thatched roof is very strong and durable. With a combing every year or two it can last for up to 50 years.

DINING CHALET INTERIOR



BUNDLES OF GRASS

WOOD FRAMING

THATCHING CREW