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Natural Building in Japan with Michael G. Smith
October 25, 2019 - October 30, 2019
JPY90,000Don’t miss this unique opportunity to learn natural building from leading experts at one of Japan’s premier Permaculture education sites. In this course you will learn a wide range of natural wall building techniques including Cob, Straw Bale, Light Straw Clay, Light Rice Husk Lime, Wattle-and-Daub, Clay Wattle, and Earthbag foundations. Daily hands-on building practice on actual buildings in progress. Lectures cover testing clay soils, wall system selection, materials testing, passive solar design, composting toilets, and more.
Language: English with Japanese interpretation
Participation Fee: 90,000 JPY (if paid by June 1 or taken in conjunction with Natural Plastering with Earth and Lime, Nov 1-6), 100,000JPY (after May 1). Fee includes instruction, meals and housing in a traditional Japanese folk house. Participation is limited, so register early. Full payment reserves your spot. Airport pick-up from Okayama International Airport available.
Registration: https://goo.gl/forms/nRFhRurFVJGX6V703
Inquiries: PermacultureKamimomi@gmail.com
Supporting Organizations: Ecology ArchiScape NPO, Japan Straw Bale House Research Association, Tokyo Urban Permaculture
About the instructors:
Michael G. Smith is one of the world’s authorities on building with earth and straw with over 25 years of teaching experience. In 1993, Michael co-founded the Cob Cottage Company, which reintroduced cob building to the United States. He is the author or co-author of many articles and books, including “The Art of Natural Building” and “The Hand-Sculpted House.” Michael has designed and/or built over 60 natural structures, specializing in space- and energy-efficient hybrid designs. Learn more at http://strawclaywood.com
Kyle Holzhueter, PhD works as a builder, researcher and educator specializing in natural building materials and sustainable systems such as light rice husk lime insulation, natural plasters and energy efficiency. He is a graduate of the Kyoto Plastering Institute and the first westerner in Japan to pass the level one Japanese National Plastering Exam. In 2017 Kyle founded Permaculture Center Kamimomi, a Permaculture demonstration and education site in Okayama, Japan.