Blog

Posted on 29/08/2015 by Joni Beal

Thatching, a rural art form

We're privileged at The Lapa Company to have master thatchers to call upon for the creation of our Lapa roofs, but what is this art form and why is it still used?

Thatching is a highly-skilled craft that has been part of building construction across the world for hundreds of years. In the UK it has been particularly prominent in the South West and East Anglia and is still used on many country cottages - and found on many 'picture perfect' postcards.

A thatched roof is a delicate balance of layered reed and straw, held in place with steel rods, wires and hazel spurs. On a residential building, it's unlikely you would see the inside of the roof, unless you're up in the atttic, but on our Lapas the internal structure is as visible as the exterior, and part of the skill of our thatching team is being able to create a stunning roof both inside and out.

On the outside our skilled thatchers roll out reed bundles, securing and shaping the reed to create the angled roof. Inside they are tucked to produce a single layer effect when viewed from beneath. Our Lapa roofs are then finished with a flush or raised ridge, a technique dating back centuries, and found on Lapas, cottages and farm buildings alike.

The unique and essential reason for using water reed is that the roof does not become waterlogged due to the reeds hollow nature and tight cell growth. Most thatched roofs are up to 12 inches thick and will form a very effective barrier against the elements for many years to come.

We add traditionally thatched roofs to our Lapas, not only because this ensures they are an authentic replication of the original African inspiration, but because this stunning coverage is natures own natural shelter and provides us with no need to find any improvement.

Click here to find out more about our Lapas...

To read more of our blogs, please use our blog archive at the top of the page...

About The Lapa Company

The Lapa Company is based in the heart of Kent where we handcraft a premium range of luxury Thatched Gazebos and Garden Buildings. 

Our exclusive range includes Thatched Lapas, Tiki Huts, Spa Gazebos, Cedar Shingle Garden Buildings, Cape Reed Thatched Tiles, and Thatched Gazebos - available for installation and as a Gazebo Kit.  

 

Our Product Portfolio

Classic Gazebo

Premium Gazebo

Prestige Gazebo

Spa Gazebo

Lapa Buiding

Tiki Bar

Bespoke Gazebo

Outdoor Classrooms

For our Renson Louvered Canopies, Garden Rooms and Landscaping services visit  life-outdoors.co.uk.

Find Us On

Hear about all our new products and offers by signing up to our newsletter! Don't forget when signing up to our newsletter you agree to our T&Cs and Privacy Policy - both available to view on the links below.

Head Office

01732 884030

The Lapa Company UK Ltd
Unit 15, Orchard Place Business Centre,
Seven Mile Lane,
Borough Green,
Kent
TN15 8QU

© The Lapa Company (UK) Ltd 2024

Company Number: 04949894
Registered Office Address:
Fifth Floor Intergen House, 65-67 Western Road, Hove, East Sussex, BN3 2JQ

Your Perfect Gazebo