Designing, Building, and Living as if We Belong

Let’s face it, not everyone is going to buy land and build their dream house. But now you don’t need to! This workshop will give you the skills and confidence to transform your existing house into a natural building, all on a shoestring budget!

We will start by looking at 12 ancient natural design principals and learn how to apply them within the context of your home (bring pictures and drawings if you can). You will learn to adapt houses so that they may coexist in harmony with natural principles, while at the same time serve us better as human beings. In that process we will look at design possibilities that strengthen our connections with the people that we live with, as well as the place that we find ourselves in.

Next, we will look at how we can bring in natural materials into any existing building. These materials are non-toxic, inexpensive, easy and fun to work with, and pleasant to live with (think earthen floors and plasters, clay paints, straw insulation, cob “Pony” walls, outdoor cob garden walls, and more). We will teach you where and how to find materials and the tools you will need. Plus, everyday during the workshop, you will be using these materials and techniques. We will also teach you how to prepare surfaces and foundations for the application of natural plasters, and we will look at how to do all this within the restrictions of the building codes.

Last but not least, we will look at how we can bring in “Appropriate technologies” that will improve your lives, lower your cost of living, and help you connect to the seasons and cycles of life. We will build a $50 hot water heater from scratch, as well as a composting “Bucket toilet,” an olive oil lamp, and a solar oven. We will also cover rainwater gathering and grey water systems. During this workshop, students will have an opportunity to acquire some basic plumbing and carpentry skills.

Expect long days with lots of hand-on time, and slideshows and lectures in the evenings.

No previous building experience is necessary. Class size is limited to 14 people, so register now and reserve your spot! As a bonus, after participating in this workshop you will have access to free phone and e-mail consultations from House Alive while working on your own project. This workshop is very comprehensive but questions still may come up and we want to see you succeed.

House Alive is a leader in combining natural building with appropriate technology. Our teachers live in natural structures themselves and love to teach and build! Visit our general workshop information page if you would like to know more, or feel free to contact us if you have any questions about our programs.

This post was submitted by Coenraad Rogmans.