4-Day Strawbale and Clay Plaster Workshop
at Taproot Farm - Capon Bridge, WV
Beth and Tim Reese are hosting a hands-on strawbale workshop
on June 24-27, 2011
Join us for this third in a series of workshops to build “Querencia”, a strawbale/cob artist studio at Taproot Farm. Strawbales serve as insulative wall filler and hand-plastered clay walls absorb and release the sun’s warmth- both part of intelligent, passive solar design. Querencia is a whimsical, earth-friendly oasis designed to nurture the inner “creative”.
Taproot Farm is a 20-acre sustainable farm overlooking the Cacapon River. The “green” buildings include solar panels, geothermal heating/cooling and a living roof. Currently, at the farm, there are laying chickens, lambs, bees, ½ acre organic vegetable garden, orchard and, soon, a fish pond and pigs. Participants will be invited to enjoy relaxing farm and river activities to celebrate each day of building.
When: Fri June 24- Mon June 27, 2011 9:00 AM-6:00 PM (with a break for lunch)
Where: Capon Bridge, WV (90 miles west of Washington, D.C)
Cost: $190 for the weekend (includes instruction and hands-on experience with natural building guru Sigi Koko; 3 healthy, locally grown meals each day; camping on site or a Marriott hotel is 30 minutes from the farm). Discounts for children under 16. A few scholarships available (ask how to apply.)
To Register: Please contact Beth Reese by email at beth.reese218@gmail.com or by phone at 304-856-1336 to confirm that there is still space in the workshop. YOU MUST RSVP TO ATTEND THIS EVENT! Fill out and send the Workshop Registration form with your check. Or pay with Pay Pal and get us your registration info by email (beth.reese218@gmail.com) Directions and details will be emailed prior to the workshop event to those who register. See additional details about the workshop below.
DESCRIPTION:
Strawbale infill construction uses rectangular bales of straw as super-insulation wrapped around a standard structural system, resulting in beautiful, energy efficient, hand-plastered walls.
Clay Plaster combines clayey soil with sand (and optional chopped straw) to create a non-toxic, inexpensive, and beautiful finish that is durable yet breathable. We will be applying the first of 3 coats of plaster during this workshop.
WORKSHOP FORMAT:
We will begin Friday morning with an overview of strawbale construction and a demonstration of shaping, resizing, & installing strawbales to build our wall system. Everyone will then be invited to gain hands-on experience installing strawbales for the remainder of the weekend. On Monday, we will learn to assess soils for clay content, mix clay plaster, and apply the plaster to the strawbale walls.
WORKSHOP COVERS:
- Overview of strawbale construction, including recommended detailing
- Permitting issues and tips
- Hands-on experience of installation techniques
- Overview of natural clay plasters, including benefits and challenges, how to assess on-site materials for suitability, how to determine mixing ratio, and how to apply to strawbales
- Hands-on experience applying clay plaster to strawbale walls
Please see www.buildnaturally.com/EDucate/Workshops/WO-current.htm for additional workshops taught by Down to Earth Design