INTRO TO NATURAL BUILDING WORKSHOP

The workshop will include discussion and hands-on portions that cover the topics of cob, straw-bale, light-straw-clay, and natural plasters and paints. You’ll learn everything from how to source local materials to what techniques may fit your particular project. Most of the days will be filled with direct hands-on interaction with the materials, building and working with model structures. We'll also take care of our bodies with optional morning meditation and yoga.

Friday

• 6:00-9:00pm arrival window for those arriving the night before

Saturday

• 7:00-8:00am - Arrival window for those arriving day-of

• 8:00-9:00 - Breakfast

• 9:00-9:45 - Meet and greet/stretch circle, orientation, intro to straw bale and straw-clay

• 9:45-12:30 - Cob/wattle and daub

• 12:30-1:30 - Lunch (provided)

• 1:30-2:00 - Optional midday dunk in ocean

• 2:00-5:30 - Hands-on straw-bale and straw-clay

• 5:30-6:15 - Shower and relax

• 6:00-7:00 - Dinner (provided)

• 7:00-8:30 - Beach sunset walk and stories around the fire

Sunday

• 8:00-9:00 - Breakfast

• 9:00-9:30 - Natural plasters/paints discussion

• 9:30-12:30 - Hands-on natural plasters/paints

• 12:30-2:00 - Wrap up

No dinner on Sunday***

• Meals are included: breakfast, lunch, and dinner on Saturday, plus breakfast and lunch on Sunday! Food is omnivore and vegetarian, with vegan and gluten-free options available.

• We provide a simple breakfast spread of fresh fruit, oatmeal, yogurt & granola, hard-boiled eggs, coffee, and tea. (Non-dairy milk is available)

• For lunch we’ll have a hearty meal that includes local fare.

• Saturday night we’ll grill and have make-your-own rice bowls.

• You are also welcome to bring your own food/snacks and camp cooking supplies if you wish! There won’t be a full kitchen accessible but there is a sink.

• CAMPING: Tent sites are available and included in the workshop tuition.

• FINISHED BARN DORM: There are 7 beds available in two shared rooms on a first-come-first-serve basis. One room has 4 beds, the other has 3. Shared bathroom. Sheets are included. $25/per night. Room assignment will be random, but folks are free to swap amongst themselves. There is AC!

We will be gathering at a beautiful location in Brewster, MA that’s a 4-minute walk from the beach. There will be plenty of room to camp and relax, with access to an outdoor shower and 2 indoor showers.

Attendees are responsible for their own transportation. When you register, if you indicate interest in carpooling (joining or offering), we will put you in touch with other carpoolers. Transit options are limited, but you can check out the CapeFLYER and Provincetown Ferry. If you are interested in traveling by bicycle, reach out to Emily.

We do not issue full monetary refunds for tuition payments (unless the class is cancelled or rescheduled). We are a tiny business, with an income based solely on tuition. We often rely on just one or two tuition payments to put us past our break-even point, after covering fair instructor pay, meals, materials, and campus upkeep.

If cancelling more than 30 days before the start date of the workshop, we can either:

1. hold your full payment as credit towards a future course, OR

2. we can refund 75% of your original payment.

If cancelling more than 15 days before the start date of a workshop, we will hold 50% of your payment as credit towards a future course.