We experimented with very thin thatch roofing over polycarbonate on the pump sheds in the idea we might use this for BaanLoiNaam eventually. I like the traditional rustic look and the improved thermal insulation properties of thatch compared to bare roofing. But our biggest reluctance to doing this for a house we will be occupying is the fire hazard.

So we finally got our hands on a sample of synthetic thatch:

I think it looks reasonably realistic up until quite close up. This one advertises as “fire retardant” and a quick search of the internet show quite a few cases of synthetic thatch being much better than real thatch in this regard. For example this one:

This probably isn’t the same brand we got, but you get the idea.

I’m quite curious to see what it looks like lashed down on the roof of BaanLoiNaam. Hopefully it will help the more modern looking steel roof blend in better with the rustic wood aesthetic we have going around the property.