Topics Covered In Each
7-day Hands-On Straw Bale Construction Workshop
The seven-day comprehensive workshop is designed to teach participants everything they need to know to build their own straw bale structure. We work with structures that enable the participants to learn, hands-on, about many facets of straw bale construction. Topics covered in the construction of the structures are:
- Toe Up Installation
- Bale Stacking
- Bale Re-Tying and Alteration
- Window and Door Installation
- Box Beam Construction and Installation
- Framing Considerations
- Electrical Work as Required
- Plumbing Installations as Required
- Hanging Cabinets
- Tying in Interior Partition Walls
- Shaping Bales and Corners
- Creating Niches
- Wire Mesh
- Plaster Prep Work
- Natural Plastering
- Lectures and Q&A Sessions
The above list represents the basics of what is covered during the hands-on part of the workshop. These topics are discussed in depth with “on the spot” lectures and question-and-answer sessions. Your questions on these or related topics are welcome and encouraged; they always bring value for the whole group!
The discussions are rich information exchanges. Specific topics covered in the lectures are inspired by the work taking place on the building; however, other topics are often raised, such as:
- Design Criteria
- Engineering Options
- Foundation Options
- Running a Job Site Efficiently
- Scheduling Sub Contractors
- Acting as the General Contractor
- Complete Owner Builder Techniques
- Straw Bale Construction Details
- Plastering Techniques and Materials
- Green Building Materials
- Other Aspects of Green Construction in Your Home
General Guidelines
The days are full and long. We work hard on the job site in the morning and then break for a leisurely lunch. Our afternoons continue the hard work of the morning. Our dinner and evening break is full of fun and play. We encourage people to bring instruments and their willingness to play together. Although physical work is involved in building the structure, participants are encouraged to work at their own pace. You know your limits, and those limits are respected. Our goal is to get as far as possible in the construction of the building, from setting bales to plastering. In most cases, we will not get beyond the scratch (first) coat of plaster.
Three hearty meals a day are included in your tuition. Delicious and filling, workshop participants always seem amazed at the great food prepared by the hosts and make a point of thanking the kitchen crew for a wonderful week!
Camping is available on site for free, and bathroom facilities are provided, including showers. We ask that showers be kept to a minimum in both duration and frequency to save water and to make sure that every participant has the opportunity to enjoy a hot shower. Some workshop locations may have other accommodations available, such as cabins or tipis. Those accommodations are issued on a first-come, first-served basis and may or may not cost extra based on the workshop host/site. There may also be room for RVs at some workshop locations.
More Than Just Building With Bales
We focus on education in regards to all aspects of the home construction process. Our education does not stop at straw bale construction. We discuss other aspects of the home that can be built Green. Flooring, cabinets, construction adhesives, and other items all play a part in the health of the home.
Most importantly, we have fun while we explore the concepts of green construction. After all, for us, building without fun is like living without breathing. We love what we do, and that is what makes the difference.
In fact, we often get the feedback that the friendships created during the week are a huge part of the success of the workshop. We’ve even had folks include workshops as part of their honeymoon vacation!
Questions?
Email us (Timbo & Dainella)
at [email protected] with workshop questions.
Hands-On Workshop Frequently Asked Questions
1. Switch your deposit/tuition to another workshop location in the current year’s schedule.
2. Transfer, or credit, your deposit/tuition to a location in the following year’s schedule.
3. Receive a full refund for your deposit/tuition. Cancellation of a workshop is the only situation in which the non-refundable deposit/tuition becomes refundable.
That said, if you are unable to attend the workshop location and date that you originally selected, we will gladly work with you to transfer, or credit, your deposit/tuition towards a future workshop (assuming there is a future workshop.) You must contact us before the start date of your initially scheduled workshop purchase for this credit to be issued. Your tuition credit would be valid for one (1) year from the start date of your original workshop for events led by Timbo and Dainella.
Alternatively, you can transfer your tuition to another person to attend in your place if that is your preference.
Kids are welcome to join us as guests or participants, depending on their age. We require that the parents/guardians take full responsibility for the kids and their safety. Contact us at [email protected] to coordinate so we can help ensure the best experience for them.
Keep in mind that it is a construction site and, therefore, inherently dangerous. We trust parents/guardians will make the choice appropriate for their kids.
Kids under 12 cannot be left unattended, so a non-participating adult must accompany them. If you plan to bring your children, please contact us in advance at [email protected] to work out the arrangements.
When kids are coming as guests, not participating in the actual class, we ask that the parents/guardians pay for their food (assuming they will be eating with us) so that it’s not an extra financial burden for the hosts. The fee is forwarded 100% to the hosts. The costs are $100 for kids under 10, $150 for 10-14, and $200 for 15+.
Supervising adults not attending as paid participants will also be charged the adult food fee.
If the kids will be participating in the workshop, then they would pay a normal registration fee.