July 14-28
The Straw Bale Studio
Oxford, Michigan
Whether you are an aspiring artisan, a prospective owner-builder, or enthusiastic hobbyist, this two week course is a rare opportunity to gain hands-on experience in the many different natural building skills necessary to create a snug, beautiful cottage from local natural materials. Take the whole course, or come for a week. Week I will emphasize foundation, framing, and wall-building, while Week II will focus on finish plaster, floor, and roof.
Team-taught by four expert instructors from diverse backgrounds, this class will include:
Rubble-Trench/Stone/urbanite foundations
Square timber and round wood framing
Load bearing cob walls (mixing by foot and with heavy machinery)
Straw bale walls
Earthen floors
Cob sculpting
Earthen plasters
Natural paints and alis
Thatched roofing
Incorporating salvaged materials
Special detailing for cold climates
As we will be building a complete cottage, we will get the opportunity to cover related topics that are vital to building your own home or outbuilding but not always covered in shorter workshops:
Building layout
Materials collection & storage
Scrounging
Passive solar and Pattern Language design
Insulation and thermal mass
Budgeting and scheduling
Dealing with the Building Department
Working with volunteers/groups
Site safety
Window and door framing
Plumbing and electricity rough-ins
Hands-on experiences will be augmented by afternoon lectures under the shady tree, evening slide presentations, group Q&A and individual design consultations on your own plans, and an extensive Natural Building library/bookstore for your browsing pleasure.
Our staff will include:
Deanne Bednar of Strawbale Studio
Sarah Highland of Highland Artisan
Christina Ott of Barefoot Builder
Chris Mcclellan of IndustrialRustic
This is an excellent workshop to take if you are considering building your own home, cottage or shed.
Cost:
Full Price (after June 14) $1,200.00 USD
Early Bird Rate (before June 14, 2012) $900.00 SAVE $300!
Early Bird Group Rate (per person, before June 14, 2012) $850.00
Bring your friends and each of you will save $350!
Half Workshop (Full Price after June 14) $750
Half Workshop, Early Bird Rate (before June 14, 2012) $575.00
Half Workshop, Early Bird Group Rate (before June 14, 2012) $550
Daily Rate $110
Children may attend with their parent(s) for $10 per day to cover food
Workshop fee includes all meals (vegan friendly) and camping with some indoor spaces/beds available. Indoor showers are available and there is room for you to park your RV if you want to bring one. We offer some discounts for couples, families and groups. The Straw Bale Studio is a very family friendly place so plan on bringing the kids. Some Work-Trade positions are available. Please contact us at info@naturalcottageproject.com or 440-682-0502 for more details.