Mike Dennis had little interest in buildings…

…that is until a desire to find a job that could take him around the world led him to enroll on a course in site carpentry for adults in Bristol. Appalled and disheartened by what was being taught as standard building practice in the UK, a friend suggested that he try traditional carpentry.

After a week long timber framing course in the Welsh woodlands with Alan Ritchie a passion for traditional skills was kindled, and Mike began a traditional apprenticeship, exchanging labour for learning, bed and board. As funds dwindled, Mike was fortunate to be offered a National Lottery funded Traditional Building Skills bursary.

Fast forward a number of years, and an interest in traditional architecture, sustainability and environment that was kindled by his travels and work in places like Canada and China let him to pursue further studies. In 2016 Mike successfully completed an MSc in Timber Building Conservation at the Weald and Downland Open Air Museum, validated by the University of York.

More recently after moving to France, Mike identified a lack of research into local architecture in the Dordogne, and so undertook an MA at the University of York in order to furnish himself with more tools to enable him to better research and interpret this amazing local resource.

Outside of buildings Mike loves to create and to learn, and is currently learning how to cultivate both a flourishing garden and beard. The hope is that at least one of them will provide a good habitat for nesting birds!

Why Three Hares?

The three hares design has been traced around the world, from China to the UK. It is used here to symbolise the similarities between cultures around the world, as well as a respect for nature.