Introducing people to types of wood and grain learning how to choose appropriate pieces of timber for the particular job. It is also a useful way of learning different types of finishes for the different effects required.
The Arches
The Arches is the base for our Environmental Crafts department. Here we use a range of different crafts and small industrial processes to produce environmentally friendly products and systems.
The Arches workshops consist of two enclosed workshops: Arch 10 and 11. Between these arches is an open workshop including two small enclosed rooms. We call this the 'cage'. Each part of the arches is used for a different function:
Arch10:
Arch 10 has recently been set up to run specific environmentally related projects. We are processing glass bottles from the Coach House Trusts bring site. The glass is crushed and then tumbled to remove sharp edges and then sieved. The last process is to wash the cullet to remove chemicals and it is then stored ready for use. The cullet is then used for decorative aggregate in concrete. We have a number of moulds: some have been made by participants of the C.H.T and others have been purchased. The arch has been set up to cast the moulds and then polish the finished product. Also there is a metal working booth for welding, cutting and bending metal for a number of different projects.
The cage:
The caged area is used for storing wood and
it is also an all weather work area. This is mainly
for chainsaw carving, pneumatic chiseling and sanding
- jobs that are more suited to the outdoors. We occasionally
produce both figurative and abstract sculptures that
are great for the garden.
One of the adjoining rooms is a functional office space.
The office is used for research and development, including
designing projects in CAD.
The second room acts as an electronics and wood finishing
room. The C.H.T. renewable energy projects are run
from here, where we assemble small scale wind powered
and solar powered systems. Here we have the facilities
to prototype, produce and test electronic circuits.
Arch11:
Arch 11 is a
multi-functional workshop, used for small woodwork
projects, wood turning, casting of resins and fibreglass
mould making and other general craft and recycling
based work. We are currently making ornaments, furniture,
rocking horses, walking sticks, jewellery, birdhouses
and bird tables, and we are always developing new ideas.
We also do a lot of maintenance up at the head office!
Locality:
The Arches are located in a friendly and bustling light
industrial area of Yorkhill, where our neighbours on
one side are a granite workshop and on the other, artists’ studios!
We have great links with other businesses in the area,
especially the local galvanisers opposite, who have
been most generous to us in the past.
Dalmally
For a number of years now the Dalmally house has been used by the Coach House Trust for various training and educational workshops. These workshops have involved both C.H.T. staff and participants. Some of the training includes: chainsaw tuition, cord wood construction, joinery, installations of renewable energy systems and electrical wiring. The house in Dalmally has also benefited Coach House participants by providing a relaxing and therapeutic environment as a break from city living.
Key function of the arches is to give individuals the opportunity to Put into practice their own ideas
Friends & Funders of The Coach House Trust
