Natural Building Course: Materials & Techniques

Take the first step to a sustainable future by learning hands-on natural building skills on our natural building course. Understand the alchemy of how different types of earth work, and do not work together, their potential and limitations. You will also explore questions around sustainable living based in Peter McIntosh’s experience living off-grid since 1999.

Our natural building course is designed around the principles of understanding earth, how it works and does not work together. You will leave with the theoretical understanding and practical grounding of a range of techniques and materials, so that you are able to make the most appropriate decisions regarding materials and or sustainability once you are ready to begin your project.

Our course is comprehensive and covers a range of materials and techniques based on Peter McIntosh’s professional and personal experience working with these approaches and from having lived off-grid since 1999. Although the course needs to be comprehensive in order to give a feel for the materials you may work with, you will be empowered to be successful and make rational choices whatever the given situation.

Building & Design skills you will learn:
Earth theory and earth tests
Basic site layout and measuring
Passive solar design
Foundations
Walls
Arches
Natural plasters
Openings
Off-grid solar energy design
Materials you will work with:
Cob
Mud brick/adobe
Rammed earth
Rock
Compressed earth brick (CEB)
Straw bale
Light earth (straw clay mix)
Glass bottle bricks

Meals:
You will be provided with hearty vegetarian lunches and two teas daily. You will only need to provide for your breakfasts and dinners (Participants often have a braai at the end of the day). Expect hearty, soul-filled nourishing lunches and teas!

Costs:
This 7 day course costs R4950 p/person. You will be provided with vegetarian lunches and two teas daily.

Location:
@Sandberg Fynbos reserve, Baardskeerderbos, Western Cape

Accommodation:
Accommodation is not included; please email us to find out about the options available.

For more information about these CPD accredited natural building courses simply drop us an email at: naturalbuildingcollective@gmail.com