The Strawbale Dance Studio

An intimate performance space for dance, music, poetry, yoga and meditation.

[ Outside The Strawbale Studio ]

A unique studio space set in woodlands at Michael's Folly, available for workshops, dance/yoga classes, rehearsals, lectures or retreats. It lies close to London (Potters Bar train station), yet situated in an idyllic rural setting.

This 22 feet diameter circular strawbale building with a transparent roof was designed by Yasmin Shariff of Dennis Sharp Architects, who described it thus:

This structure has one of the lowest eco-footprints in the UK as bales were produced in neighbouring fields and the main timbers obtained from a recycle yard less than 5 miles away. Construction was a community effort with children and the elderly making an equal contribution.

Since taking these photos, the outside has been traditionally rendered in lime plaster, and it now has a lovely new dancefloor. Heating, lighting and electricity are connected. Cosy accomodation is available in The Ark.

[ Inside The Strawbale Studio triptych ]

>>> See more pictures of The Strawbale Studio, and read an interesting article about the place, which The Sunday Times didn't print.

Cost

£10 per hour
£70 per day
£90 per day in conjunction with an overnight stay in The Yurt (or £95 per day including use of firewood)

Low income rates negotiable.

The Yurt

A furnished yurt 16 feet in diameter with a wood burner stove, self-contained with cooking facilities and cutlery, etc. It is available for short stays and retreats at a cost of £30 per day (or £35 including use of firewood). It's also available for overnight stays in conjunction with renting The Studio at £20 per day, or £25 per day including firewood.

> > > More pictures of The Yurt

The Ark

In the orchard is The Ark, a cosy wooden cabin that sleeps three/four with kitchen facilities, wood-burning stove (which heats water for the shower) and compost loo. It makes for a lovely self-contained accomodation; there are two sofa beds in the lounge and a double bunk bed upstairs above the kitchen area in the porchway. Ideal as a communal eating place, rest room, dressing room, retreat or quiet space.

Contact:

Fabrizia Verrecchia
Michael's Folly
Henderson Place
Epping Green
Hertfordshire
SG13 8NE
01707 879 597
http://www.bitzia.co.uk/