One of the most exciting things about the natural building movement is the fact that community is being considered and involved. Like the old-fashion "barn raisings" of yesteryear, straw bale and or cob walls are being raised by spirited groups of people gathered to learn about these exciting mediums as well as help out friends, family, neighbors and others.
We facilitate straw bale, earth floor, earthen oven and cob workshops, usually held on weekends. We furnish tools and hands-on instruction and will present a slide show of international acclaim upon request.
One Day Design-Build-Live Workshop
Saturday, March 14, 9am to 5pm
Instructor: Frank Meyer of Thangmaker Construction
North Central Austin Residence
Fee: $75, including lunch; Registration required
Experience Level: No previous experience required
There are many flooring options on the market that claim to be “green”. While some of this is “greenwashing”, there are actually some products that offer considerably more sustainable features than the conventional carpet and sheet vinyl. But it is difficult to get greener than an earthen floor. When properly finished and sealed, earthen floors offer beauty and durability while delivering superbly on sustainable features such as:
Natural, nontoxic
Local or regional materials
Abundant resources (clay, sand, gravel)
Thermal mass for improved thermal comfort
Easy on the body (unlike hard surfaces such as concrete or stone)
Maintainable and repairable
During this workshop you will learn what type of materials to select and where to get them, the steps involved in creating an earthen floor, and how to finish and seal. Building an earthen floor is a multi-step process that requires some drying time between steps. During this workshop we will install all but the final thin coat of clay, but you will be introduced to all steps in the process.
Fee for the workshop is $75 and includes a healthy vegetarian lunch and all necessary workshop materials and tools. Water, coffee and tea will also be provided. Enrollment is limited to ten people. Register for the workshop at www.designbuildlive.org or contact Gayle at gayle@designbuildlive.org or 512-478-9033.
Send us an email at thangmaker@aol.com to be put on the workshop email list.
