Next task to prepare for the straw is to start constructing the timber ladders which will go underneath and between the straw bales.  The ladder under the straw (shown in red) will be constructed of ex.50x100, while the other ladders (shown in blue) will use 38x50mm.  There will also be similar ladders on the first floor.

The ladders will be used to locate the ratchet straps around, in order to compress the bales.  They will also be fixed to the timber posts which will tie the bales to the main timber frame.