Design~Build~Live: Classes and workshops with experienced teachers

Natural Building Classes and Workshops
with Experienced Teachers

We offer classes and workshops on a variety of topics, with an emphasis on natural building. In order to offer the best learning opportunity, workshop enrollment is typically very limited, so early registration is recommended. DBL Partners are given priority notification, then announcements go out to our e-newsletter list. Learn how you can become a Volunteer or Donor Partner or subscribe to the free DBL e-newsletter.

For student prices or work-trade opportunities, please email us. We will do our best to work with highly-motivated individuals so that cost will not prevent anyone from attending our workshops. The number of student and work trade registrations may be limited for each class or workshop. For registration less than 24 hours prior to the event, or to make a non-online payment, please call 512-478-9033.

Introduction to Natural Building
Saturday, November 15, 2008
9:30 am– 1 pm
Austin, Texas
$50 standard registration / $25 for enrolled students (15 years or older)
Limit: 40

Presented by Gayle Borst (stewardshiparchitecture.com), Texas registered architect, LEED AP, natural builder
Habitat Suites Hotel (see map)
500 E Highland Mall Blvd
Austin, TX 78752

Description
Natural building utilizes minimally processed, nontoxic materials and systems in a manner appropriate for the climate, site and intended use. It incorporates primarily regionally-available natural materials rather than typical high embodied energy, processed commercial materials. This is one definition of natural building, but it doesn't reveal the limitless creative, aesthetic, and functional possibilities that natural building presents. Imagine opportunities for:

Thick, structural, load-bearing walls sculpted with seductive curves, niches and bas-relief
Earthen-plastered walls burnished to glisten in the sun or behind a flickering candle
Richly warm-colored earthen floors polished to a leather-like luster
Brightly-colored lime exterior plaster ripe with depth and hand-applied character
Sculpted earthen ovens that not only bake incredible pizzas and bread but stand as works of art
Soft-edged straw bale garden wall and arched entryway with a curvy juniper gate
And much more!

Whether your tastes are contemporary or traditional, your building needs residential or commercial, or your budget large or small, there are natural building solutions that can match and exceed conventional building practices.

We introduce you to a variety of natural building materials and systems, with an emphasis on those appropriate for Central Texas. Through slides and words, we will explore:

Straw bale walls
Cob walls, ovens and other features
Cordwood walls and roundwood structure and decoration
Compressed earth blocks
Earthbag construction
Earthen floors
Natural plasters of lime and/or earth
Rubble trench foundations and reciprocal roofs

Come learn how beautiful, functional, safe, environmentally-responsible natural building could be part of your life. Whether you are a do-it-yourselfer or would hire professionals for our natural building project, this introduction is designed to inspire your journey.

Registration
Space is limited. Please pay online here:

Nonstudent:

Enrolled student (age 15 and up):

Applying an Earthen Plaster Finish Coat

Saturday, November 22, 2008
9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Austin, Texas
$75 / person
Limit: 10

Description
Make and apply a finish plaster for a cob wall, practice finishing trowel techniques. Learn to make 1-2 natural paints you can apply to drywall or earthen plaster walls. Mix and work with lime plaster, and create a fresco sample.

Registration
Space is limited. Please pay online:

Natural Building Classes and Workshops with Experienced Teachers

Natural Building Classes and Workshops
with Experienced Teachers