I am working on a design for a structure which may or may not get built some time in the following years, this being barn structure replicating an old world style. To stay authentic, the massive roof of this structure can be covered either in straw thatch or wooden shingles. I would really like the archaic look of a thatched roof, but logistics stands in my way.
Being in Central Indiana, what would be solutions to the problems of thatching, namely the lack of resources locally (unless I were to go into all the wetlands and cut water reed for the next 3 years...) the risk of fire, and to moss issues associated with the fact that this is likely to be built in a wooded area.
I just want to explore some possible solutions to these problems, and see if it is realistic to pursue thatching as a viable option, or whether I should just focus on shingles.