The Art & Craft of Natural Building
With Natural Builder, Designer and Author Michael G. Smith

May 19-25, 2011
Sandy Bar Ranch, Orleans, CA

This workshop will cover the principles of natural building design and construction and give participants hands-on experience in straw bale, earth bags, light straw clay (slipstraw), earthen floors, and earthen plasters. Sandy Bar Ranch has many existing examples of natural building including cob, slipstraw, wattle and daub, living roof, round pole construction and a variety of natural plasters. Lectures and discussions will cover passive solar and basic design principles for energy efficient, compact natural homes. At least half of each day is spent in hands-on building a hybrid natural cabin.

Sandy Bar Ranch is diversified Permaculture site on the Klamath River in Northern California. Lodging is shared hostel style in fully equipped riverside cabins, or you may set up your own private tent or camper. The Klamath River and surrounding mountains offer world-class swimming, fishing, rafting, hiking, biking and kayaking. Since 1992 Sandy Bar Ranch has hosted workshops in skills for a sustainable future, helped to found the Mid Klamath Watershed Council, produced thousands of fruit and nut trees in an organic nursery. Class size is limited to 20 so workshop sessions are intimate, with a good student teacher ratio.

Michael G. Smith helped found the Cob Cottage Company in 1993 and the Natural Builders Colloquium in 1994. Since then he has taught over 100 hands-on Natural Building workshops in the US and abroad. He is the author-or co-author of four books, including The Art of Natural Building and The Hand-Sculpted House.

Course Fee & Registration: Cost of course is $650 per person, or $600 if paid in full by April 19. Price includes lodging and two daily meals.

For more information:

Sandy Bar Ranch
PO Box 347, Orleans, CA. 95556
530-627-3379

http://www.sandybar.com

This post was submitted by Michael G. Smith.