Pascaline Ballet’s Self-Build Cabin
Pictured: Pascaline’s self-built cabin nestled in the winter landscape of Geneva, France.
Pascaline Ballet’s journey to building their own cabin began with a desire to take control of their living situation. Having spent 15 years in Ireland, the high cost of rent led Pascaline to seek out a more permanent, affordable, and sustainable solution. This led them to embark on a self-build project in France, but it was the decision to attend Common Knowledge’s Build School that truly set the foundation for their success.
In this article, we share the inspiring journey of Pascaline Ballet, who embarked on a self-build project to create a sustainable and affordable cabin in France.
Pascaline’s experience shows how learning practical skills can lead to achieving personal dreams and new career opportunities, with Build School providing the foundation for her journey.
Getting Started at Build School
Pascaline’s path began when she attended Build School in 2022, back when it was still held at Harrison's house before moving to the Common Knowledge centre in Kilfenora. The course provided her with the essential knowledge and hands-on experience needed to begin her self-build journey, covering everything from basic construction to plumbing and electrical work.
She recalls how the instructors not only helped answer her technical questions but also fostered a sense of confidence, allowing her to see the potential in herself and her project.
For Pascaline, Build School was the crucial starting point in turning her dream into reality.
Pictured: Pascaline alongside fellow participants at the 2022 Build School.
Designing and Building the Cabin
Back in France, Pascaline set to work designing her own cabin. With a focus on sustainability and efficient use of space, she drew on her new skills and insights from Build School to create a design that was both functional and environmentally conscious.
The design process involved collaboration with her cousin, a carpenter, who helped bring her vision to life using tools like SketchUp. The result was a practical and compact cabin with clever features like under-stair storage and a built-in workshop.
Pictured: The timber frame of Pascaline’s cabin. Pascaline cut and treated the wood herself from fallen trees on her family farm.
Overcoming Challenges
While building, Pascaline faced a number of challenges. One of the toughest was learning welding, which proved more complex than anticipated. However, the confidence she gained at Build School, along with becoming familiar with power tools, gave her the courage to tackle this new skill.
She also had to modify her design to meet local requirements, such as reinforcing the roof to handle heavy snow. Despite these challenges, Pascaline embraced each as an opportunity to learn. She credits the practical skills she gained at Build School for helping her navigate these obstacles and keep the project moving forward.
Pictured: Pascaline standing inside her cabin during the installation of roof trusses. Built in France, the roof was specially designed to withstand the weight of heavy snowfall.
Sustainability in Practice
Pascaline’s commitment to sustainability shaped many of her building choices. She used wool from her family’s sheep for insulation, a process that involved preparing the wool by washing, carding, and treating it to make it durable. This hands-on effort tied the project to her roots, both personally and environmentally.
The cabin is also powered by solar panels, allowing Pascaline to live sustainably and independently while reducing her reliance on external energy sources.
Pictured: Pascaline used wool from her family’s sheep for insulation, a hands-on process involving washing, carding, and treating the wool to ensure durability and sustainability in her cabin build.
A New Career in the Building Industry
Since completing her cabin, Pascaline has transitioned into a new career within the small building industry in France. After spending years as a bus driver in Ireland, she now helps others with their self-build projects, offering advice on DIY techniques and sharing the knowledge she gained.
Her career shift reflects how the skills and confidence gained from Build School can open new doors and create meaningful opportunities for personal and professional growth.
Pictured: The interior of Pascaline's self-built cabin, showcasing her thoughtful use of space and light.
Advice for Future Self-Builders
For those considering a self-build project, Pascaline encourages gaining the right skills and preparing thoroughly. She stresses the importance of careful planning, budgeting, and understanding the practical use of space. However, she also believes that confidence is key—and that’s where Build School can make a real difference.
Reflecting on her experience, Pascaline believes that attending Build School was the moment that changed everything. It wasn’t just about learning technical skills; it was about realising that anyone, with the right knowledge, can build something meaningful with their own hands.
If you're ready to begin your Build School journey and gain the skills to bring your self-build project to life, click the button below to explore our next course and start building your future today.
