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An in-depth look into the design considerations and the variety of styles and techniques of the evolving field of straw bale construction. Participants will gain hands-on experience with different techniques, discuss and experience different construction and detailing ideas, and try their hand at sample plasters.

• State of Straw Bale Construction
• The Qualities of Straw
• Design Considerations
• Construction Techniques
• Plaster and Finishes
• Building Codes
• Insurance and Financing

Sessions

Related Reading

Building Without Borders by Joseph Kennedy

More Strawbale Building by Chris Magwood, Peter Mack, and Tina Therrien

The Art of Natural Building by Catharine Wanek, Kennedy & Smith

The Hand-Sculpted House by Ianto Evans, Michael G. Smith, Linda Smiley

The Natural Plaster Book by Cedar Rose Guelberth and Dan Chiras

The Solar House by Daniel D. Chiras

• Building for the Future: Sustainable Home Design
• Building for the Future Online
• Designing and Building Natural Homes
• Straw Bale Construction and Natural Plasters
• Ecolgy, Permaculture and Renewable Energy (Ecuador)

Workshops begin at 9 am unless otherwise noted. Please show up at 8:30 am the first day.