Sustainable Building

This 2 day course, July 21-22nd, will lead participants through a hands-on strawbale structure construction workshop. The first phase teaches the framing of the structure, preparing the bales, basics of load bearing vs. non-load bearing structures and setting and stabilizing the bales. The second phase will continue where the first left off by teaching the construction techniques used during strawbale home building. The third phase will shift to prepare the structure for a natural plaster base coat, including window and weather flashing details. The final phase will finish the structure with an earthen (clay) plaster coat.  Class instruction by Timbo Scursso of Solarwise – Natural Building & Design from Salida, Colorado.

Learn the basics of simple joinery with simple tools that you can use to create your own tables, planters, shelves, benches, trellis’ and the like. Instructor will assist you in planning, gathering recycled materials (and new materials where needed) and guide you in tool use and assembly of an individual or group project. You will learn how to choose from recycled building materials, developing a schematic plan of your own project and laying out, cutting and assembling your project during class. Early registrants can pre-plan an individual project with instructor.