Natural Building Apprenticeship

During these three weeks you will construct a sauna and, time permitting, a cob oven, from start to finish. As part of this program you will learn the basics of making a foundation, building four different wall systems with materials including cob, straw bale, light-straw-clay and cob-cordwood, and constructing a living roof. In addition you will learn earthen plastering techniques, tour a variety of beautiful natural buildings, spend time designing your own projects and enjoy the many recreational and cultural opportunities the Rogue Valley has to offer.

The location of the structure is on a large property in the town of Ashland. Participants will camp on-site and be served three organic meals six days a week with one day off each week. Besides the field trips within the workshop schedule, participants will finish their stay with a one-day rafting trip on the scenic Rogue River. In order to provide the highest quality teaching this apprenticeship is limited to four individuals.

James will be building in Ecuador from January 15th to April 2nd. He will be in email and Skype contact during this time, but if you’d like to contact him by phone before or after these dates, please call 541-488-0916.

This post was submitted by James Haim.