Hands On Construction Topics
The seven day intensive workshop is designed to teach participants everything they need to know to build their own straw bale structure. We work with a specifically designed structure that enables the participants to learn, hands on, about many facets of straw bale construction. Specific topics covered in the construction of the structure are:
- Toe Up Installation
- Bale Stacking
- Bale Re-Tying and Alteration
- Window and Door Buck Construction and Installation
- Box Beam Construction and Installation
- Roof Construction
- Electrical Work as Required
- Plumbing Installations as Required
- Hanging Cabinets
- Tying in Interior Partition Walls
- Shaping Bales and Corners
- Creating Niches
- Wire Mesh and Bale Pinning- Plaster Prep Work
- Natural Plastering
Afternoon Lectures and Q&A Sessions
The above list represents the basics of what is covered during the hands on phase of the workshop. These topics are also discussed in the afternoon lectures and question and answer sessions. Your questions on these topics or any other related topics are welcome and encouraged. The afternoon discussions are often full of rich information exchanges. Specific topics covered in the lectures include:
- Design Criteria
- Engineering Options
- Foundation Options
- Running a Jobsite Efficiently
- Scheduling Sub Contractors
- Acting as the General Contractor
- Complete Owner Builder Techniques
- Straw Bale Construction Details
- Plastering Techniques and Materials
- Green Building Materials
- Other Aspects of Green Construction in Your Home
Again, questions are encouraged and open discussions often spring forth with valuable information for all.
General Guidelines
The days are full and long. We work hard on the job site in the morning and then break for a leisurely lunch. Our afternoon lectures and discussions take place during the hottest part of the day so no manual labor needs to be completed under the burning sun. Our dinner and evening break is full of fun and play. I encourage people to bring instruments and their willingness to play together. Although physical work is involved in building the structure, participants are encouraged to work at their own pace. You know your limits and those limits are respected. Our goal is to get as far as possible in the construction of the building. In most cases, we will not get beyond the scratch (first) coat of plaster.
Three meals a day are provided as part of the tuition. The meals are vegetarian; however, if you would like to eat meat, a kitchen space is provided and you are welcome to augment the meals with your own food. Because we cook for so many people at once, we cannot accommodate specific food needs. The kitchen space is open for your use if you have special dietary needs.
Camping is available on site for free and bathroom facilities are provided. A shower is available; however, the amount of hot water is limited and the number of participants is high. We ask that showers be kept to a minimum in both duration and frequency. For workshops in Jacksonville, several cabins are available as well as a tipi or two. Those accommodations are also free and are issued on a first come first served basis. Each structure fits between three and four people. Participants will be grouped to fill the buildings to capacity.
More Than Just Building With Bales
I focus on education in regards to all aspects of the home construction process. My education does not stop at straw bale construction. We discuss other aspects of the home that can be built Green. Flooring, cabinets, construction adhesives, and other items all play a part in the health of the home. Most importantly, we have fun while we explore the concepts of green construction. After all, for me, building without fun is like living without breathing. I love what I do and that is what makes the difference. Questions?You can email me directly at
Andrew@StrawBaleWorkshops.com with questions about the workshops.
I will not be answering general questions about straw bale construction at this email address and will only respond to questions about the workshops and the details surrounding them. If you have other questions, please feel free to use my blog at
www.StrawBale.com.
