Back to All Events

Straw Bale Building Pro Course


This CASBA course in Straw Bale Construction will develop your skills in all aspects of straw bale construction. Taking place at the Center for Rural Livelihoods, the course will be a combination of demonstration, discussion, and hands-on learning. Instructors are professional straw bale contractors, architects, engineers, plasterers, energy modelers, and more with a combined experience of a thousand straw bale buildings. This course is suitable for everyone interested in straw bale construction from beginners to building professionals. Supplemental videos and recommended reading materials will provide a solid base of knowledge and common language to work from.

When: Instruction begins at Friday, Aug 21 @ 9am.  Participants are encouraged to arrive Thur, Aug 20 3pm-9pm to set up your tent / socialize.  Course ends mid-morning Sunday, Aug 23. 

Accommodations:

  • Camping available ($30 / person / site), onsite with shower & toilet

  • Offsite lodging options available in nearby Cottage Grove

Food: Some meals will be provided, details will follow.

Cost: Registration open till August 16th

  • Early Bird through June 30th - $495

  • Regular Price - $595

  • Pay It Forward - help out a scholarship student - $695

  • Scholarships (as available) - contact Christopher Foraker - christopherforaker@gmail.com

Course Content:

  • Current best practices in design and construction of wall assemblies

  • Code requirements for straw bale construction

  • How to source, shape, install and stuff bale walls

  • Electrical and plumbing options

  • Door and window detailing

  • Cost saving strategies

  • Plaster preparation

  • ...and more!

Registrant Requirements: Pre-course preparation will greatly improve your learning experience

  • Complete the Pro Course Primer Videos before arrival (link will be emailed by mid July)

  • Read Straw Bale Building Details Book from New Society Publishers (available for purchase here)

  • Fill out intake questionnaire (will be emailed after registration)

Instructors:

Miles Taylor

Lydia Dolman

Chris Foraker

Jenna Bader

Kita Glass

Catherine Odell

Jim Reiland

[with Anthony Dente, Martin Hammer & David Eisenberg, Bob Theis, Miles Danforth & Amanda Fischer, Massey Burke]

Contacts for additional information / questions:

Accommodations/Scholarships: Christopher Foraker - christopherforaker@gmail.com

Curriculum: Jim Reiland - jim@manyhandsbuilders.com

Previous
Previous
August 3

Summer Camp at CRL

Next
Next
September 5

Composting Workshop