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2008
May, Fayston VT. 11-week Natural Building Intensive Program. Opportunity to develop a range of natural building skills for owner-builders and aspiring professional natural builders by helping design and build complete structure from natural stone, straw, timber, and clay. Yestermorrow Staff. $5,800 plus food and lodging, or $4,800 without the three tutorial weeks (scholarships available). For more information about Yestermorrow1s Natural Building Intensive and application information, visit www.yestermorrow.org or call 802-496-5545.

May 5-7 (tentative), Anapra, Mexico. Clay and Lime Plaster Party. We will plaster walls of Las Hormigas kitchen building retrofitted in April. 10 people maximum. $40/day suggested donation. Contact Dean for details and to coordinate travel arrangements: 915.539.0801

May 5-11 in Jacksonville, OR Seven Day Intensive Straw Bale Workshop Andrew Morrison, Instructor For more information, visit www.StrawBaleWorkshops.com

May 8-11, Williams OR. Intro to Natural Building. Opportunity to get your hands (and feet) dirty stacking straw bales, mixing and building with cob, and making and applying earthen plasters. Lectures and discussions: light-straw-clay building, design basics, foundations, roofs, and more. Tour hybrid pole frame-straw bale-cob home, straw bale-cob sauna, and cob oven. Instructors: Jim Haim of Cob Together and Taylor Starr of White Oak Farm. $320. White Oak Farm & Education Center. For more information <info@whiteoakfarmcsa.org> www.whiteoakfarmcsa.org

May 17-18, Crestone CO. Sustainable Building and Natural Plasters Workshop. Hands-on approach to natural plaster, lime and earth, straw-bale construction, cob, and earth bag foundations. Also solar design, solar thermal, and solar electric; all aspects of natural building including application of plasters and the construction of an outdoor wood-fired clay and cob oven. $175. For more information and to register, contact EcoBuilders www.ecobuilders.com/Education/Registration.htm or call 719.539.7065 <keri@ecobuilders.com> www.ecobuilders.com

May 24-25, LanderLand, Kingston, NM. Strawbale and Earth Plaster Workshop. Tom and Satomi Lander, www.LanderLand.com for more info. 575.895.5029 <Tom@LanderLand.com>

May 24-25, Hopland CA. How to Build a Straw Bale Home. Gain knowledge and practice you need to tackle your own straw-bale construction project. Instructor: Leading expert in straw bale-construction and building inspector. Course topics include design, basic construction methods, foundation systems, window and door framing, roofing materials and roof-bearing assemblies, interior details, building to code. You will help build a small load-bearing structure, including foundation and roofing, mix and apply various plasters. Solar Living Center, PO Box 836, 13771 S. Hwy. 10, Hopland CA 95449; 707.744.2017 <sli@solarliving.org> www.solarliving.org

May 24-30, Philo OH. Vaulted Bale Workshop. Learn about the process of building a straw-bale structure using rammed earth foundation. Includes site preparation, building a foundation, framing the structure, building vaulted walls using straw bales, building walls and free standing structures using cans and bottles, and the various aspects of earth plastering. To register or more info, contact Jay Warmke, Blue Rock Station www.bluerockstation.com

May 28 June 1, Shawnigan Lake, BC, Canada. Frame and Infill Wall Systems. So you have a nice timberframe structure: what's the skin of the building? Or you've taken the old skin off your framed house and want to 3naturalize2? Natural ways for infill include varieties of working with light clay, straw or cob. Detailing, finishing options and possibilities while working on Art Studio walls with light clay. Instructors: Elke Cole and others. $400. For registration/further information, contact: www.ourecovillage.org <info@ourecovillage.org> or phone 250-743-3067.

June 2-6, Carbondale CO. Building for the Future: Sustainable Home Design.
Covers principles behind designing and building residential structures that achieve optimal year-round comfort, reduce energy consumption, improve indoor air quality and limit environmental impact. Identifies range of solutions that result in sustainable and comfortable home. For owner/builders in the pre-design stage, architects, builders, designers, contractors, and anyone interested in this field of study. Includes labs, material displays, expert guest instructors and home tours. No construction component. Also offered as an online course.
www.solarenergy.org/workshops/index.html
#SustainableHome

June 2-27, Prescott AZ. Methods and Materials of Alternative Construction: Hands-on Intensive. Comprehensive course on natural and manmade materials and systems for low-impact, high-efficiency construction; classroom, field trips, hands-on projects. Credit available through Prescott College. Instructors: Tom Hahn, Barry Fuller, Bill and Athena Steen. Guest Speaker: Pliny Fisk. $1500. For further information or to register, contact <info@ecosainstitute.org> www.ecosainstitute.org

June 9-13, Paonia CO. Designing and Building Natural Homes. Take a hands-on approach to learning about the art and science of building with earthen materials. Explores variety of natural building techniques and the variations, opportunities and design considerations that are specific to each. Learn to evaluate the advantages and limitations of earth bag building, straw bale, cob, adobe, light straw-clay and natural plasters. They will learn about quality roof and foundation designs, gain understanding of how to integrate natural building technologies into conventional structures. www.solarenergy.org/workshops/index.html
#SustainableHome

June 13-15 and June 18-22, Shawnigan Lake, BC, Canada. Natural Plasters for Healthy and Beautiful Homes. Improve indoor air quality of your home with natural plasters. Clay, our basic material, has inherent qualities to help us create a healthier environment. Its capacity to handle varying humidity levels, absorb odors and toxins, while being easy to use with simple techniques and recipes, makes it desirable for both interior and exterior finishing. These plasters are usable for conventional homes as well as cob, straw or light-clay walls. Learn hands-on mixing and application, materials evaluation and recipes. Suggested reading: The Natural Plaster Book, Guelberth & Chiras, New Society Publishers. Instructor: Cindy Walker Weekend Intro to Natural Plasters June 13-15, $300; 5 days: Beautiful Natural Finishes, $500. Cost for both: $700. For registration/further information, contact: www.ourecovillage.org <info@ourecovillage.org> or phone 250-743-3067.

June 14-15, Durango CO. Seventh Annual Colorado Straw Bale Association Conference. The theme will focus on systems that go into building a home, and will explore the areas in which you can make the natural choice wherever possible, including how various systems are integrated for holistic view of your future house from footings to finishes. Watch this web site for more information and registration www.strawbaleconference.com

June 21-22, Hopland CA. How to Build a Straw Bale Home. Gain knowledge and practice you need to tackle your own straw-bale construction project. Instructor: Leading expert in straw bale-construction and building inspector. Course topics include design, basic construction methods, foundation systems, window and door framing, roofing materials and roof-bearing assemblies, interior details, building to code. You will help build a small load-bearing structure, including foundation and roofing, mix and apply various plasters. Solar Living Center, PO Box 836, 13771 S. Hwy. 10, Hopland CA 95449; 707.744.2017 <sli@solarliving.org> www.solarliving.org

June 28-29, LanderLand, Kingston, NM. Earth Plaster, Lime Plaster, Earthen Floor and Natural Clay Paint Workshop. Tom and Satomi Lander, www.LanderLand.com for more info. 575.895.5029 <Tom@LanderLand.com>

June 28-29, July 26-27, August 16-17, Philo OH. Basic Straw Bale Weekend Project Build. Designed for those interested in learning basic skills necessary to build small to moderate straw-bale structure. Hands-on building of 6x6 garden outbuilding. To register or more info,, contact Jay Warmke, Blue Rock Station www.bluerockstation.com/strawbasic_june.html

June 28-July 5, Williams OR. Comprehensive Cottage Construction Course. Learn how to build with straw bales, cob, light-straw-clay, adobe, and poles. Opportunity to use earthen plasters. Lectures, discussions and demonstrations: passive solar design, alternative energy, foundations, living roofs, load-bearing and non-load-bearing construction, cob ovens, and more. Tour several finished straw-bale homes. Instructors: Jim Haim of Cob Together and Taylor Starr of White Oak Farm. $640. White Oak Farm & Education Center. For more information <info@whiteoakfarmcsa.org> www.whiteoakfarmcsa.org

June 29-July 4, International experience week (in English and German)
Work together on building site or in garden. Information and registration <maier-wiegand@web.de>

July 7 through 12, Pendleton OR. Straw-bale Construction for the Building Professional. Instructor: Habib John Gonzalez and Terry Phelan. Sponsored by: Living Shelter Design and Sustainable Works. A five-day intensive training for engaging this method of construction as a viable trade. Workshop starts with in-depth presentation and continues with hands-on training for the next five days. Attendees should have good general technical knowledge and experience with construction. Construction workers/managers, Building officials, Architects, Engineers, and students entering the last two years of a degree program in any of these trades are welcome. $525; $25 discount if registered by May 15. For more information and to register, contact <info@livingshelter.com> 425.427.8643 www: livingshelter.com

July 11-13, Seaside CA. Bale Raising Workshop, Part 1, Introduction to Straw Building Workshops. Sponsor: CASBA. Instructors: Greg McMillan, Flying M Construction, and John Swearingen, Skillful Means Inc., both experienced straw-bale contractors. Stack bales and learn how to build a small load-bearing structure with informative presentations and expert guidance from natural builders. $250.
For registration and more info, visit www.strawbuilding.org

July 15-16, Hopland CA. How to Build a Straw Bale Home. Gain knowledge and practice you need to tackle your own straw-bale construction project. Instructor: Leading expert in straw bale-construction and building inspector. Course topics include design, basic construction methods, foundation systems, window and door framing, roofing materials and roof-bearing assemblies, interior details, building to code. You will help build a small load-bearing structure, including foundation and roofing, mix and apply various plasters. Solar Living Center, PO Box 836, 13771 S. Hwy. 10, Hopland CA 95449; 707.744.2017 <sli@solarliving.org> www.solarliving.org

July 25-August 1, Ganzlin, Germany. Workshop for Educators and Trainers in Earth Building: Clay Plaster Module 2. Objectives: Build educators' capacity to use discovery and experiment methods of teaching; challenge educators' understanding of sustainable building and healthy living environment by natural rendering; develop educators' skills in contemporary application of colored earth plasters; provide support network and resources for ongoing professional development in the field of self-help and natural building. Trainers: Burkhard Ruger, Irmela Fromme, Lehmbaukontor Berlin-Brandenburg e.V. Course Languages: English or German or French. $1300 EUR. Registration and more info: fal@fal-ev.de or
www.fal-ev.de

July 26-27, LanderLand, Kingston, NM. Earth Plaster, Lime Plaster, Earthen Floor and Natural Clay Paint Workshop. Tom and Satomi Lander, www.LanderLand.com for more info. 575.895.5029 <Tom@LanderLand.com>

August 2-3, Hopland CA. How to Build a Straw Bale Home. Gain knowledge and practice you need to tackle your own straw-bale construction project. Instructor: Leading expert in straw bale-construction and building inspector. Course topics include design, basic construction methods, foundation systems, window and door framing, roofing materials and roof-bearing assemblies, interior details, building to code. You will help build a small load-bearing structure, including foundation and roofing, mix and apply various plasters. Solar Living Center, PO Box 836, 13771 S. Hwy. 10, Hopland CA 95449; 707.744.2017 <sli@solarliving.org> www.solarliving.org

August 30-31, LanderLand, Kingston, NM. Strawbale and Earth Plaster Workshop. Tom and Satomi Lander, www.LanderLand.com for more info. 575.895.5029 <Tom@LanderLand.com>

September 15-21 in Rogue River, OR Seven Day Intensive Straw Bale Workshop Andrew Morrison, Instructor For more information, visit www.StrawBaleWorkshops.com

September 15-19, Paonia, CO. Straw Bale Construction and Natural Plasters. Offers in-depth look into the different building techniques, construction and detailing considerations of straw bale homes, including role and application of earthen plasters. Gain hands-on experience with different techniques, discuss and experience different construction and detailing ideas, and try hand at sample plasters. Help build small straw-bale structure from the foundation to the roof assembly.
www.solarenergy.org/workshops/index.html
#SustainableHome

September 1-7 in Bainbridge, NY Seven Day Intensive Straw Bale Workshop Andrew Morrison, Instructor For more information, visit www.StrawBaleWorkshops.com

September 12-14, Seaside CA. Plastering Workshop, Part 2, Introduction to Straw Building Workshops. Sponsor: CASBA. Instructors: Greg McMillan, Flying M Construction, and John Swearingen, Skillful Means Inc., both experienced straw-bale contractors. Learn how to prep -walls, windows and doors, make and apply earth plasters. Informative presentations and expert guidance from natural builders. $250. For registration and more info, visit www.strawbuilding.org

September 27-28, LanderLand, Kingston, NM. Earth Plaster, Lime Plaster, Earthen Floor and Natural Clay Paint Workshop. Tom and Satomi Lander, www.LanderLand.com for more info. 575.895.5029 <Tom@LanderLand.com>

November 22-28, Geraldine New Zealand. STRAW BALE DESIGN & CONSTRUCTION : A Theory and Practical Hands-On Workshop. Instructors guide you through each step of the building process, from foundations to finish work. Includes an introduction to the art and science of straw bale building, the many techniques and components of a wall system as well as design considerations. You will gain experience in both post and beam as well as hybrid building systems, discuss and then apply earth and lime plasters. $1015.00 NZD. Contact Sarah Johnston <sarahjohnston@ihug.co.nz>or phone 03 693 7369

Sustainable Building Green Events Calendar:
http://www.greenbuilder.com/calendar/
Lists all types of green and natural events, workshops and training opportunities.

The Solar Living Institute promotes sustainable living through inspirational environmental education, offering hundreds of hands-on workshops on renewable energy, natural and green building, biofuels, and permaculture throughout the year. For more information, please call 707.744.2017 or visit our website www.solarliving.org

Details and registration form for weekend workshops in straw-bale building and earth building conducted at Whangarei New Zealand by Ian E. Redfern are listed at www.adobesouth.co.nz.

Curious about Strawbale construction and natural building?
Come join us for tours and hands-on workshops in north Oakland County, Michigan. Go to www.uheac.org and click on Strawbale Studio for dates and times of upcoming events. Or contact Deanne Bednar at 248-628-1887 or ecoartdb@aol.com.

Visit www.solarenergy.org/workshops for a listing of Solar Energy International's Workshops for 2006.

For a list of workshops in Australia scheduled through Huff 'n' Puff Constructions (John Glassford and Susan Wingate Pearse), visit
www.glassford.com.au/Upcoming.htm

Salt Spring Island, BC Canada. SIREWALL, Inc., rammed earth builders and designers offer eight different courses with 32 schedule options, varying from two-day introduction to rammed earth for homeowners to a month-long SIREwall Builders' Training for general contractor. ACU AIBC. For information, visit www.sirewall.com

Merritt College offers courses in permaculture design; natural building (hands-on building using materials such as cob, strawbale and earth; carpentry working on affordable and green housing; and construction management. 510.434.3840 www.peralta.cc.ca.us

Everdale, farm and learning centre located near Erin, Ontario, offers events and hands-on workshops in sustainable living. The Workshop and Event Schedule from straw-bale construction and earthen and lime plastering to making your own biodiesel is available at www.everdale.org/workshops or contact <lynn@everdale.org>

Ongoing, Morrisville, New York. Volunteers needed for flashing and framing, stacking and tying bales, plaster work. Days, weekends. Contractors: David Vail, Upstate Woodworking, NY; Dave Lanfear, Bale on Bale Construction, NY.  <cyleela@aol.com> or call 315.423.3622, if you have interest, questions or want directions.

 

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This listing of strawbale/plasters events, tours, conferences, workshops and training opportunities is compiled from information sent to The Last Straw Journal by individuals, groups and organizations. Send information about events, conferences, tours, workshops and hands-on training to: The Last Straw, PO Box 22706, Lincoln NE 68542-2706; <thelaststraw@thelaststraw.org> or call 402.483.5135.

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