Author Archives: Antony Dennis

A similar straw bale structure we made at our Turkey workshop in October.

Straw Bale and In Depth Clay Plaster Workshop, Spain

A similar straw bale structure we made at our Turkey workshop in October.

A similar, but larger straw bale structure we made at our Turkey workshop in October 2013.

Clay plastering the joints between bales...

Clay plastering the joints between bales…

Having fun in the sun...

Having fun in the sun…

The walls take shape... clay plastering the bale walls.

The walls take shape… clay plastering the bale walls.

People having fun at a Clay Plastering Workshop run by Earth, Hands and Houses.

Workshops are always lots of fun!

A six day straw bale and clay plastering workshop (with an optional extra two days)
Price just 395€…!

Saturday 6th – Friday 12th May 2017 or
Saturday 6th – Sunday 14th May 2017

Set in a beautiful olive grove in the rugged mountains near Tarbena in the Costa Blanca region of Spain.

Presented by experienced natural building teacher Antony Dennis.

This workshop is a wonderful opportunity to gain hands-on experience of building a straw bale structure and plastering a real straw bale building that will be used for visitor accommodation, in the beautiful surroundings of our olive grove set in a lush green valley in the mountains north of Alicante.

What You Will Learn

Hands-on experience of all the stages in straw bale wall construction, and in depth theory and practice of applying a wide range of different clay plasters to a real structure.

On the first six days we will build a straw bale structure and cover it with the first two layers of plaster. Topics covered will be:

  • Site planning and building of the foundations for a straw bale structure
  • Raising straw bale walls
  • How to tie the straw bale walls together
  • Making a wall plate and compressing a wall
  • Installation of door and window frames
  • Managing the use of bales to maintain wall strength
  • Recognizing the clay found on our land and understanding how to use it for building
  • Preparation and application of the first 2 coats of clay plaster onto the straw bale wall

The final two days will present both the theory and practice of clay plastering in much more depth. Topics will include:

  • Preparation and application of the final layer of smooth plaster
  • Sculpting with clay plaster
  • Methods of protecting clay plaster from the elements
  • Application of lime to protect a naturally constructed building.
  • Preparation and application of clay paints for a beautiful natural finish.
  • A variety of methods using in the creation of different internal wall structures.
  • The theory of how clay floors are built.
  • The application of the final layer of clay to an existing clay floor.

This straw bale workshop will be mainly hands-on, building a small temporary structure out of straw bales, and applying all the different clay plaster techniques to both this and an existing 4×4 metre building which will be used for visitor accommodation at the olive grove site. Theory lessons will back up the practical skills learned and provide the opportunity for more detailed questions to be answered.

Book Your Place

The price of the two workshop options are:

Six day straw bale and clay plaster workshop: 395€

Eight day straw bale and clay plaster workshop: 495€

Numbers on the workshop will be limited to ensure a good learning experience, and we are expecting the allocated places to fill up before the workshop begins.

To book your place
email antony@la-murta.eu or
call Antony on (+34) 633 012 477.

About your Workshop Leader

The workshop will be lead by Antony Dennis.
Antony presented all Earth, Hands and Houses workshops alongside Paulina for 4 years and owns his own straw bale house on his olive grove in the mountains of Spain, which is the location of this workshop.

Antony has a natural talent for explaining things clearly, a love of natural building and over 25 years of experience taking houses apart and putting them back together, These gifts, along with his ability to hold a caring, openhearted community space make his workshops both an informative and pleasurable experience.

Food, Location, Accommodation

Vegetarian food will be available at an additional cost, payable upon arrival. The food will comprise a self service breakfast, full cooked lunchtime meal, and a light supper.

The workshop will be held in an olive grove, 2km south of the village of Tarbena. You may camp within the olive grove for free.

Click here for more details of the camping facilities, maps, travel information and other accommodation available.

Please note that consumption of alcohol and smoking on the site are not allowed.

Workshop Timing

The workshop will run from 09:00 to 17:00 on each day. If you are  camping, you are welcome to arrive any time on the day before the workshop starts and to depart the day after the workshop ends. There is a rest day on Wednesday 10th May.

But there is more…

This will be more than just a straw bale workshop – it will be a wonderful opportunity to enjoy learning and relaxing amongst like minded people, some who may become your friends for life!

Learn more…

Hear Paulina talk about her experience and vision for Earth, Hands and Houses:

 

Watch people’s experience of an Earth, Hands and Houses straw bale and clay plastering workshop:

Natural Building Workshop Location: Przełomka, Poland

The workshop site is on the edge of a small village in eastern Poland, and just 500m from the beautiful Lake Hanza. The nearest town is called Suwalki. The area is quite remote, and is part of a lovely national park, with cycling, swimming and kayaking the main local activities for visitors.

If the map appears just grey, then click the zoom out [-] button – Google Maps is playing games! You can zoom around with this map to see our exact location.

(View Larger Map)

The co-ordinates of the site are 54.255589, 22.795434.

Travel

There are three airports you can fly to, and then travel by bus or train to Suwalki. You can then either be collected by car, or take one of two buses per day for the 45 minute journey to the workshop site. Most flights are either with Ryanair or Wizzair.

  • Warsaw, Poland – and then you take a 6 hour train journey to Suwalki
  • Vilnius, Lithuania – and then take a 3 hour bus journey to Suwalki
  • Kaunas, Lithuania – and then take a 3 hour bus journey to Suwalki

The trains and busses only go a few times per day, so you are advised to allow two days for your journey. Click below for the bus and train details:

Food

We organise for food to be purchased for the meals, and we take it in turns to prepare the food and wash up afterwards. In this way, we can keep the cost of the food to a minimum, typically around 5-8€ per day. We have a simple breakfast, our main meal in the middle of the day and light evening meal. The food is vegetarian and simple, but wholesome. You may want to buy a few other items yourself to supplement any particular food types that are important to you.

Access to Shops, Bars

The site is a 45 minute walk to the nearest village which has a small shop and a bar and restaurant. All major shops are found in the large town of Suwalki, which is 45 minutes drive by car.

Accommodation – Free On Site Camping

You may camp for free within the workshop site. Facilities are basic, with outdoor composting toilets, and cold water available for washing and showers.

Accommmodation – Caravans and Campervans

There is limited space to park caravans or campervans – please let us know if you plan to stay in one!

Other Local Accommodation

Here are links to other accommodation available around the workshop site:

  • Bożena’s Hostal (1 minute walk)
    This is across the road from the workshop site, with rooms available for around 40zl (approx. 10€) per night The owner does speak english.
    Contact: Bożena Danowska, phone +48-516-460-447, email przelomka@tlen.pl.
    Click here for their facebook page.
  • Galeria Wiejska (15 minute walk)
    Has camping for 10zl per person (approx. 2.5€) with hot water, and hostel for 25zl  (approx. 7-8€) per night per bed.
    The owners do not speak english, so you are best to email us if you would like to stay there.
  • Hancza hostel (25 minute walk)
    This hostal has with beds for 15zl (4-5€) per night.

Things to Bring With You On the Workshop

We recommend you bring the following items:

  • Clothes to get dirty in
  • Strong shoes for working in rough terrain
  • A hat as you will be outdoors in the sunshine all day
  • Sun cream
  • Sun glasses
  • Pen and notebook to make notes
  • A memory stick with 16Gb of free space to store everyone’s photos taken during the workshop.
  • Phone / camera
    (Phone enabled with “roaming” to work in Spain)
  • Euros
  • Supplementary food items
  • Toiletries and a towel, especially including lip balm and hand cream.
  • All appropriate equipment if you are camping.

Accommodation – Oliver’s House

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Oliver’s House is about 30 minute walk from the workshop site.

You can contact him via email at oliver.hock.cds@gmail.com

He is offering the following accommodation:

Single bedroom in appartment. Seperate Entrance.
29,00 Euro
Incl. Bathroom (Bathtub & Shower)
Kitchen / BBQ Area / Livingroom & TV-Area / Pool – shared areas

Double bedroom in appartment. Perfect for a couple
38,00 Euro
Incl. Bathroom (Bathtub & Shower)
Kitchen / BBQ Area / Livingroom & TV-Area / Pool / outside area with tables and more – shared areas

Upper Floor – Seperate Entrance.
UP TO 4 Sleeping Places (Double Bedroom and singlebed and small bed – more for kids)
Contains Bathroom, TV and Desktop
Incl. BBQ area & Pool & outside area with tables and more – shared areas
45,00 Euro

Little Outside Cabin
Really small – just for sleeping with electricity.

One sleeping Room
Its a bit like camping 🙂
Contains outside shower – cold! – maybe warm with gas – I have to check 🙂
Incl. BBQ Area & Pool & outside area with tables and more – shared areas
14,00 Euro

When people want to stay longer – I can make the prices cheaper. Price for a week etc.

 

Lugar del Taller sobre Construcción con Balas de Paja España: La Murta, Tarbena, Alicante

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El olivar, situado en La Murta se encuentra a dos kilómetros al sur del antiguo pueblo de Tárbena, al norte de Alicante, en España.

(ver mapa más grande)

Tárbena está a 30 minutos en coche de Benidorm y Altea, y a una hora de Alicante y Denia.

Información sobre La Murta

La Murta es una bella finca rural española. Debes, sin embargo, estar informado de lo siguiente:

  • Piscina no recintada – tenemos una piscina de 2 metros de profundidad que no está recintada, por lo tanto ten en cuenta que no es adecuada para niños pequeños, a menos que estén constantemente bajo supervisión.
  • Riesgo de incendios – el clima es muy seco, lo que ocasiona riesgos de incendios sin control. Por lo tanto, no está permitido fumar o realizar fuegos al aire libre.
  • Terrazas con desniveles – estamos en la ladera de una colina empanada, con terrazas altas construidas sobre piedras, y muchos desniveles, lo cual no es adecuado para niños pequeños.

Cómo llegar desde el Aeropuerto de Alicante

El aeropuerto internacional más cercano es el de Alicante, con vuelos regulares desde toda Europa. Desde el aeropuerto, hay autobuses de línea que llegan a Benidorm (con salidas cada hora en punto, como las 08:00, las 09:00…, y un precio de unos 10€); después, tomar otro autobús de Benidorm a Callosa d’en Sarriá (costo 2€). Ver www.alsa.es. Desde allí, podemos recogerte y llevarte en 15 minutos en coche a nuestro lugar. Puede que tengamos que añadir un pequeño costo adicional por este viaje, en caso de que se tenga que encargar otra persona en nuestro lugar.

Comidas

Nos organizaremos para comprar alimentos, y haremos turnos para cocinar y lavar los platos después de cada comida. De este modo, podemos mantener el precio de la comida bajo, en el orden de unos 8€ diarios. Ello incluirá un desayuno sencillo, una comida principal y más copiosa a mediodía, y una cena más ligera. La comida será vegetariana y sencilla, pero completa y nutriente. Puedes adquirir o traer alguna comida adicional que estimes necesaria para completar tu dieta.

Acceso a tiendas y bares

Estamos a 45 minutos a pie (colina arriba) del pueblo de Tárbena, donde hay varios bares, restaurantes, un supermercado y una farmacia. El bar más cercano se encuentra tan sólo a 10 minutos a pie del lugar del taller.

Alojamiento

Se puede acampar sin coste entre los olivos durante nuestros talleres. Las instalaciones son básicas: baños secos al aire libre, y agua fría para lavarse y ducharse. Debido al riesgo de incendios por ser una zona muy seca, no está permitido fumar.

Para llegar al lugar hay una carretera estrecha y en pendiente, que no es adecuada para las roulottes o las caravanas. Si quieres venir con una caravana o roulotte, háznoslo saber y buscaremos un lugar en la zona donde te puedas instalar durante la duración del taller.
También podemos enviarte los contactos de otros lugares cercanos para alojarte.

Otros Alojamientos

 

Natural Building Workshop Location: Forest Row, near London Gatwick Airport, England.

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The workshop is located in a field near Foret Row village and is situated a 30 minute drive south of London Gatwick airport, in beautiful rolling English countryside.

Accommodation – Free On Site Camping

The camping field is where the workshops will take place, with very basic fascilities… a hole in the ground as a toilet, a wash tent with no running water and a basic outdoor kitchen area.

There is room on the site to bring your own caravan or camper van. Please tell us on the booking form if you plan to do this.

Other Local Accommodation

Here are links to other local accommodation possibilities on some of the best known web sites, centred around the workshop location. Change the dates and number of people to suit your needs:

  • Local Airbnb accommodation – click here
  • Properties on holidayletting.co.uk – click here
  • Bed and breakfasts on toprooms.com – click here
  • Bed and breakfasts on bedandbreakfastdirectory.co.uk – click here
  • Hotels on booking.com – click here
    (click on “show map” in the left column, and then move down to centre the map on the green area to the south of Crawley, which is where the workshop is located).
  • Google search “Bed and Breakfast Haywards Heath” – click here
  • Google map “Bed and Breakfast RH17 5TJ” – click here

Food

We organise for food to be purchased for the meals, and we take it in turns to prepare the food and wash up afterwards. In this way, we can keep the cost of the food to a minimum, just paying for the groceries, typically around £10 per day. We have a simple breakfast, our main meal in the middle of the day and a light evening meal. The food is vegetarian and simple, but wholesome. You may want to buy a few other items yourself to supplement any particular food types that are important to you.

Things to Bring With You On the Workshop

We recommend you bring the following items:

  • Clothes to get dirty in
  • Strong shoes for working in can be very muddy.
  • A hat as you will be outdoors in the rain or sun all day
  • Pen and notebook to make notes
  • A memory stick with 16Gb of free space to store everyone’s photos taken during the workshop.
  • Phone / camera
  • Pounds .. cash to pay upon arrival for food and camping.
  • Supplementary food items, fruit, nuts, snacks etc.., breakfast if you dont want porridge.
  • Toiletries and a towel, especially including hand cream.
  • sun cream
  • All appropriate equipment if you are camping. if the numbers camping are small we might have a spare matress.

Natural Building Workshop Location: La Murta, Tarbena, Alicante, Spain

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The olive grove at La Murta is 2km south of the ancient village of Tarbena, to the north of Alicante in Spain.

(View Larger Map)

Tarbena is 30 minutes drive from Benidorm and Altea, and 1 hour drive from Alicante and Denia.

You can zoom into this map to see our exact location with respect to the village, a 45 minute walk away.

Travel from Alicante Airport

The nearest airport is at Alicante where there are frequent flights from around Europe. There are regular buses from Alicante airport to Benidorm (leaving on the hour, e.g. 08:00, 09:00, cost about 10€), and from Benidorm to Callosa d’en Sarria (cost 2€). See www.alsa.es for more details. From there, we will arrange for a neighbour to collect you for the 15 minute car journey to our site, for which the charge is usually around 15€. Expect the whole journey to take around 4 hours from when you land at Alicante.

Food

We organise for food to be purchased for the meals, and we take it in turns to prepare the food and wash up afterwards. In this way, we can keep the cost of the food to a minimum, typically around 10€ per day. We have a simple breakfast, our main meal in the middle of the day and light evening meal. The food is vegetarian and simple, but wholesome. You may want to buy a few other items yourself to supplement any particular food types that are important to you.

Access to Shops, Bars

The site is a 45 minute walk (up hill!) to the village of Tarbena, where there are multiple bars, restaurants, a supermarket and a pharmacy. The nearest bar is just a 10 minute walk from the workshop site.

Accommodation – Free On Site Camping

You may camp for free within the olive grove during our workshops. Facilities are basic, with outdoor composting toilets, and cold water available for washing and showers. Due to the fire risk in this very dry and warm area, smoking is not permitted on the site.

Accommmodation – Caravans and Campervans

Access to the workshop site is down a very narrow and steep track that is not suitable for caravans or camper vans. You can either stay at a local camp site around 15 minutes drive away, or keep your campervan at one of the off-road parking areas that can be found in the surrounding countryside near the workshop site. The local local camp site is at Fonts de l’Algar: click here for their web site and booking details.

Other Local Accommodation

Here are links to other accommodation available around Tarbena.

  • La Murta – Cabaña de Olivos 
  • (this is on the workshop site and rented out by us! Note the chalet Casita de Montaña is already in use during the workshop time)
  • A Friend’s House Nearby
    (5 minutes walk from the workshop site – sleeps 6, reasonable rent, please email us for more details)
  • Sally Freeman’s bed and Breakfast
    (separate rooms available to rent in the village, 45 minutes walk away.
    Email: sallyfreeman@yahoo.co.uk or call +34 965884361)
  • Oliver’s House
    (in the mountains, 30 minute walk away, separate rooms to rent)
  • AS Tunel
    (house for rent, in the village, 45 minute walk away)
  • Hotel de Tarbena
    (in the village, 45 minute walk away)
  • Can Sueno Appartment
    (Too far to walk – a 10 minute car drive away)
  • Can Sueno Cabana
    (Too far to walk – a 10 minute car drive away)

Things to Bring With You On the Workshop

We recommend you bring the following items:

  • Clothes to get dirty in
  • Strong shoes for working in rough terrain
  • A hat as you will be outdoors in the sunshine all day
  • Sun cream
  • Sun glasses
  • Pen and notebook to make notes
  • A memory stick with 16Gb of free space to store everyone’s photos taken during the workshop.
  • Phone / camera
    (Phone enabled with “roaming” to work in Spain)
  • Euros
  • Supplementary food items
  • Toiletries and a towel, especially including lip balm and hand cream.
  • All appropriate equipment if you are camping.

Other Things to Know

The site at La Murta is in a beautiful rural Spanish location, but you should also know:

  • Unfenced Pool – we have a 2m deep swimming pool which is unfenced, so the site is not suitable for young children unless they are constantly watched.
  • Fire Risk – the climate is very dry which creates a risk of wild fires. Smoking and open fires will therefore not be permitted on the site.
  • Steep Terraces – the site is on a steep hillside with some high stone wall terraces and uneven land, so the site will be unsuitable for young children.
  • Parking Is 500 Metres Away – the site is down a steep narrow access road which has limited parking and can only be used by small cars. Most cars will need to be parked by the road, 500 metres from the workshop site.

Clay plaster sculpturing at our 2014 straw bale workshop...

In-Depth Clay Plaster Workshop, Spain

Clay plastering the joints between bales...

Clay plastering the joints between bales…

Having fun in the sun...

Having fun in the sun…

The walls take shape... clay plastering the bale walls.

The walls take shape… clay plastering the bale walls.

Earth, Hands and Houses Straw Bale Workshop Leader, Paulina Wojciechowska

Building with earth: Paulina and her passion…

People having fun at a Clay Plastering Workshop run by Earth, Hands and Houses.

Workshops are always lots of fun!

A five day In-Depth Clay Plaster Workshop

9th – 14th May 2015

Set in a beautiful olive grove in the rugged mountains near Tarbena in the Costa Blanca region of Spain.

Taught in English and Spanish by architect and author Paulina Wojciechowska, and Antony Dennis.

This workshop is a wonderful opportunity to gain hands-on experience of all aspects of clay plaster on a real straw bale and earthbag building that will be used for visitor accommodation, in the beautiful surroundings of our olive grove set in a lush green valley in the mountains north of Alicante.

What You Will Learn

The five day workshop is based around the real hands-on experience of using clay plaster on the walls of a real structure, supported by regular lectures to ensure you understand the theory and possibilities. Over the five days you will learn:

  • Recognising the clay found on our land and understanding how to use it for creating clay plaster in construction
  • Preparation and application of the first 2 coats of clay plaster onto the straw bale or earthbag wall
  • Application of a clay and straw “cobb” mixture to straw bale walls
  • Preparation and application of the final layer of plaster
  • Sculpting with clay plaster
  • Application of clay plaster to existing brick and cement structures so you can enjoy all the benefits of clay plasters without building a new house from the beginning.
  • Methods of protecting clay plaster from the elements
  • Application of lime to protect a naturally constructed building.
  • Preparation and application of clay paints for a beautiful natural finish.
  • The theory of how clay floors are built.

This clay plaster workshop will be mainly hands-on, with theory lessons on each day to back up the practical skills learned and provide the opportunity for more detailed questions to be answered.

Book Your Place

The price of the five day In-depth Clay Plaster Workshop is 290€ per person, or a discounted price of 250€ is available if booked by 1st March 2015.

Numbers on the workshop will be limited to ensure a good learning experience, and we are expecting the allocated places to fill up before the workshop begins.

To book your place
email info@EarthHandsAndHouses.org or
call Antony (+34) 633 012 477.

About your Workshop Leader

The workshop will be lead by Earth, Hands and Houses founder Paulina Wojciechowska, a qualified architect who has over 17 years of experience building with straw bales and  earthbags in communities all around the world. Paulina worked alongside leading straw bale and clay plaster veterans Bill and Athena Steen in 1997-8 and has been involved in running natural building workshops and designing and building structures with natural materials since then. Click here to hear Paulina talk about her experiences.

Food, Location, Accommodation

Vegetarian food will be available at an additional cost, payable upon arrival. This is expected to be in the region of 8€ per day. The food will comprise a self service breakfast, full cooked lunchtime meal, and a light supper.

The workshop will be held at our olive grove, 2km south of the village of Tarbena. You may camp within the olive grove for free.

Click here for more details of the camping facilities, maps, travel information and other accommodation available.

Please note that consumption of alcohol and smoking on the site are not allowed.

Workshop Timing

The workshop will run on the following times:

9th, 10th May – 09:00 to 17:00
11th May – 13:00 to 18:00
12, 13th May – 09:00 to 17:00
14th May – 09:00 – 13:00

(Working with clay and construction is hard work on the body, which is why we have a half rest day on day 3)

If you are  camping, you are welcome to arrive any time from 15:00 on the day before the workshop starts and to depart the day after the workshop ends.

Booking Multiple Workshops in Spain

You are welcome to attend a combination of our Spanish workshops:

Straw Bale and Clay Plaster + Earthbag and Clay Plaster (1-10 May)
345€ if paid before 1st March, otherwise €395.

Straw Bale and Clay Plaster + Earthbag and Clay Plaster + In-Depth Clay Plaster (1-14 May)
495€ if paid before 1st March, otherwise €545.

But there is more…

This will be more than just a clay plaster workshop – it will be a wonderful opportunity to enjoy learning and relaxing amongst like minded people, some who may become your friends for life!

Learn more…

Hear Paulina talk about her experience and vision for Earth, Hands and Houses:

 

Watch people’s experience of an Earth, Hands and Houses straw bale and clay plaster workshop:

A similar straw bale structure we made at our Turkey workshop in October.

Taller de Balas de Paja y Revocos de Arcilla en España

Una construcción similar, pero más grande, que realizamos en nuestro taller en Turquía en octubre de 2013.

Una construcción similar, pero más grande, que realizamos en nuestro taller en Turquía en octubre de 2013.

Aplicando masa de arcilla entre las balas…

Aplicando masa de arcilla entre las balas…

Disfrutando al sol…

Disfrutando al sol…

Las paredes toman forma… hacienda el revoco de los muros.

Las paredes toman forma… hacienda el revoco de los muros.

Earth, Hands and Houses Straw Bale Workshop Leader, Paulina Wojciechowska

Construir con la tierra, Paulina y su pasión…

People having fun at a Clay Plastering Workshop run by Earth, Hands and Houses.

Los talleres son siempre muy divertidos!

ESTE TALLER ESTA LLENO.

HAZ CLIC AQUI POR LA PROXIMA, EN AGOSTO.

Taller de cinco días sobre cómo realizer construcciones con balas de paja y revocos de arcilla

Viernes, 1 de – Domingo, 3 de mayo, y
Sábado 9 – Domingo 10 de mayo de 2015.

El taller se realizará en un bello terreno con olivos, en las abruptas montañas cercanas a Tárbena, en la Costa Blanca, Alicante, España.

Impartido en Inglés y Español por Paulina Wojciechowska, arquitecta y autora, y por Antony Dennis.

Este taller es una maravillosa oportunidad para adquirir experiencia práctica en la construcción con balas de paja y realización de revocos de un edificio auténtico, que será utilizado como lugar de alojamiento para huéspedes, en un bellísimo olivar situado en un verde valle de montaña en la zona norte de Alicante.

Qué aprenderás

Experiencia práctica de todas las fases en la construcción de una pared de balas de paja, y una introducción a cómo se realizan los revocos en una construcción real:

  • Cómo levantar las balas de paja
  • Cómo unir los muros de balas de paja
  • Realizar muros lisos y comprimir los muros
  • Instalar marcos para puertas y ventanas
  • Manejar las balas de paja para conseguir muros resistentes
  • Reconocer la arcilla que se encuentra en nuestra zona y aprender cómo utilizarla para construir
  • Preparación y aplicación de las dos primeras capas de revocos de arcilla sobre un muro hecho con balas de paja

Este taller de balas de paja será principalmente práctico: construiremos un edificio de 5 por 3 metros que será utilizado para el alojamiento de huéspedes, en nuestro campo de olivos. Cada día se impartirán también lecciones teóricas en apoyo de la práctica que se realice, y se dedicará también un espacio para responder detalladamente a las preguntas que surjan.

Durante los tres días siguientes, se realizará un taller para profundizar en las técnicas de revocos en arcilla – Por favor, contáctanos si también deseas asistir a este taller.

Reserva tu plaza

El precio del taller de cinco días es de 230€ por persona. Si reservas antes del 1 de marzo de 2015, se aplicará un precio rebajado de 195€.

El número de participantes será limitado, para asegurar un aprendizaje adecuado, y esperamos que las plazas disponibles estén agotadas antes del inicio del taller.

Para reservar:
email info@EarthHandsAndHouses.org, o
llama a Paulina al teléfono (+34) 611 345 383.

Información sobre la directora del taller

El taller será dirigido por la fundadora de Earth, Hands and Houses (Tierra, Manos y Casas) Paulina Wojciechowska, que es arquitecta cualificada, y posee más de 17 años de experiencia en la construcción con balas de paja y domos de bolsas de tierra, en comunidades de varios lugares del mundo. Paulina ha trabajado junto con Bill y Athena Steen, veteranos de la construcción con balas de paja y revocos de arcilla en 1997-98, y desde entonces organiza talleres sobre construcción con balas de paja y se dedica al diseño de edificios. Haz click aquí para escuchar a Paulina hablar de sus experiencias (en inglés).

Comida, Alojamiento y Lugar

Habrá comida vegetarian, con un costo adicional que se pagará a la llegada de los participantes. Esto consistirá en un desayuno self-service, una comida de mediodía abundante, y una cena ligera.

El taller será realizado en nuestro olivar, 2km al sur del pueblo de Tárbena. Se podrá acampar en este olivar, sin costes.

Haz click aquí para mayores detalles sobre los campings disponibles, mapas, información sobre cómo viajar y otras posibilidades de alojamiento.

Por favor, toma nota de que no está permitido fumar ni el consume de alcohol en el lugar del taller.

Horarios del Taller

El taller se realizará de 09:00 a 17:00 horas cada día. Si vas a acampar, puedes llegar después de las 15:00 horas el día antes del comienzo, y partir el día después de que acabe el taller.

Aún hay más…

Este taller será más que un taller sobre balas de paja; será una fantástica oportunidad para disfrutar aprendiendo y relajándote junto con personas afines, algunos de los cuáles podrían convertirse en amigos para siempre!

Para saber más…

Escucha a Paulina hablar sobre su experiencia y visión de Earth, Hands and Houses:

 

Mira la experiencia de algunas personas en un taller sobre balas de paja y revocos de arcilla organizado por Earth, Hands and Houses:

Paulina's first straw bale house, built in 2000 by the shore of Lake Hancza, Eastern Poland.

Straw Bale Workshop UK

A similar straw bale structure we made at our Turkey workshop in October.

A similar, but larger straw bale structure we made at our Turkey workshop in October 2013.

Clay plastering the joints between bales...

Clay plastering the joints between bales…

Having fun in the sun...

Having fun in the sun…

The walls take shape... clay plastering the bale walls.

The walls take shape… clay plastering the bale walls.

Earth, Hands and Houses Straw Bale Workshop Leader, Paulina Wojciechowska

Building with earth: Paulina and her passion…

People having fun at a Clay Plastering Workshop run by Earth, Hands and Houses.

Workshops are always lots of fun!

A five day Straw Bale and Clay Plastering Workshop
Tuesday 18th – Saturday 22nd August.

followed by
A 3 day In-depth Clay Plaster Techniques Workshop
Sunday 23rd – Tuesday 25th August 2015.

Taught by architect and author Paulina Wojciechowska, and Antony Dennis.

This workshop is a wonderful opportunity to gain hands-on experience of constructing and plastering a real straw bale building that will be used for visitor accommodation.

The straw bale workshop will be held in a lovely farm set in rolling english countryside 15 minutes drive from London Gatwick airport. Paulina has designed a dream home which will be built from natural materials at the workshop site of Oaklands Farm over the next two years.

What You Will Learn

Hands-on experience of all the stages in straw bale wall construction, and an introduction to the plastering of a real structure:

Straw Bale Workshop UK (5 days)

  • Raising straw bale walls
  • How to tie the straw bale walls together
  • Making a wall plate and compressing a wall
  • Installation of door and window frames
  • Managing the use of bales to maintain wall strength
  • Recognizing the clay found on our land and understanding how to use it for building
  • Preparation and application of the first 2 coats of clay plaster onto the straw bale wall

This straw bale workshop will be mainly hands-on, working on a 5 x 3 metre building which will be used for visitor accommodation at Oaklands Farm. Theory lessons on each day will back up the practical skills learned and provide the opportunity for more detailed questions to be answered.

In-Depth Clay Plastering Workshop (3 days)

There is an opportunity to stay on for a further three days to gain an in depth, hands on experience of a wide range of clay plastering techniques, including:

  • Sculpting with the second straw clay based plaster layer.
  • Preparation and application of the final smooth layer of plaster.
  • Types of smooth plasters, including those that are prepared with and without lime.
  • Experimenting with different types of natural plant based stabilisers, for example wheat paste and cactus.
  • Experimenting with and undestanding how to mix different plasters and stabilisers.
  • Application of smooth finishing plaster onto a conventionally built, concrete or brick wall.
  • The different methods of applying smooth plasters to a wall.
  • An introduction to carving techniques of smooth plasters.
  • Mixing and application of clay paints
  • Use of straw and clay as insulation.
  • An introduction to clay plaster mixes used in cob ovens and earthen floors.

Book Your Place

The workshop prices are:

Five day Straw Bale Workshop UK:
£230 per person, or £195 if booked by 1st July 2015.

Three day In-Depth Clay Plastering Workshop:
£150 per person.

Numbers on the workshop will be limited to ensure a good learning experience, and we are expecting the allocated places to fill up before the workshop begins.

To book your place
email info@EarthHandsAndHouses.org or
call Antony on (+44) 7812 070413.

About your Workshop Leader

The workshop will be lead by Earth, Hands and Houses founder Paulina Wojciechowska, a qualified architect who has over 17 years of experience building with straw bales and  earthbags in communities all around the world. Paulina worked alongside leading straw bale and clay plaster veterans Bill and Athena Steen in 1997-8 and has been involved in running straw bale workshops and designing and building straw bale structures since then. Click here to hear Paulina talk about her experiences.

Food, Location, Accommodation

Vegetarian food will be available at an additional cost, payable upon arrival. The food will comprise a self service breakfast, full cooked lunchtime meal, and a light supper.

The straw bale workshop UK will be held at Oaklands Farm, which is a 15 minute drive south of London Gatwick airport. You may camp at the farm for free.

Click here for more details of the camping facilities, maps, travel information and other accommodation available.

Workshop Timing

The Straw Bale workshop UK will run the following times:

  • 18 Aug: from 10:00 to 18:00. You are welcome to arrive on the afternoon of 17 August to set up camp and settle in before the workshop begins.
  • 19-21 Aug: from 09:00 to 17:00.
  • 22 Aug: from 09:00 to 16:00.

The following clay plastering workshop will run:

  • 23 Aug: from 11:00 to 18:00.
  • 24 Aug: from 09:00 to 17:00.
  • 25 Aug: from 09:00 to 16:00.

But there is more…

This will be more than just a straw bale workshop – it will be a wonderful opportunity to enjoy learning and relaxing amongst like minded people, some who may become your friends for life!

Learn more…

Hear Paulina talk about her experience and vision for Earth, Hands and Houses:

 

Watch people’s experience of an Earth, Hands and Houses straw bale and clay plastering workshop:

Clay plaster sculpturing at our 2014 straw bale workshop...

In-Depth Clay Plaster Workshop, UK

Clay plastering the joints between bales...

Clay plastering the joints between bales…

Having fun in the sun...

Having fun in the sun…

The walls take shape... clay plastering the bale walls.

The walls take shape… clay plastering the bale walls.

Earth, Hands and Houses Straw Bale Workshop Leader, Paulina Wojciechowska

Building with earth: Paulina and her passion…

People having fun at a Clay Plastering Workshop run by Earth, Hands and Houses.

Workshops are always lots of fun!

A five day In-Depth Clay Plaster Workshop

Friday 21st – Tuesday 25th August 2015

Taught in English by architect and author Paulina Wojciechowska, and Antony Dennis.

The workshop will be held in a lovely farm set in rolling english countryside 15 minutes drive from London Gatwick airport.

This workshop is a wonderful opportunity to gain hands-on experience of all aspects of clay plaster, on parts of a dream home which Paulina has designed using every type of natural material imaginable.

What You Will Learn

The five day workshop is based around the real hands-on experience of using clay plaster on the walls of a real structure, supported by regular lectures to ensure you understand the theory and possibilities. Over the five days you will learn:

  • Recognising the clay found on our land and understanding how to use it for creating clay plaster in construction
  • Preparation and application of the first 2 coats of clay plaster onto the straw bale or earthbag wall
  • Application of a clay and straw “cobb” mixture to straw bale walls
  • Preparation and application of the final layer of plaster
  • Sculpting with clay plaster
  • Application of clay plaster to existing brick and cement structures so you can enjoy all the benefits of clay plasters without building a new house from the beginning.
  • Methods of protecting clay plaster from the elements
  • Application of lime to protect a naturally constructed building.
  • Preparation and application of clay paints for a beautiful natural finish.
  • The theory of how clay floors are built.

This clay plaster workshop will be mainly hands-on, with theory lessons on each day to back up the practical skills learned and provide the opportunity for more detailed questions to be answered.

Book Your Place

The price of the five day In-depth Clay Plaster Workshop is £230 per person, or a discounted price of £195 is available if booked by 1st July 2015.

Numbers on the workshop will be limited to ensure a good learning experience, and we are expecting the allocated places to fill up before the workshop begins.

Children from the age of 8 are welcome to accompany their parent(s) and may participate in parts of the workshop as they wish. No charges are made for children under the age of 18 years.

To book your place
email info@EarthHandsAndHouses.org or
call Antony (+34) 633 012 477.

About your Workshop Leader

The workshop will be lead by Earth, Hands and Houses founder Paulina Wojciechowska, a qualified architect who has over 17 years of experience building with straw bales and  earthbags in communities all around the world. Paulina worked alongside leading straw bale and clay plaster veterans Bill and Athena Steen in 1997-8 and has been involved in running natural building workshops and designing and building structures with natural materials since then. Click here to hear Paulina talk about her experiences.

Food, Location, Accommodation

Vegetarian food will be available at an additional cost, payable upon arrival. This is expected to be in the region of £7 per day. The food will comprise a self service breakfast, full cooked lunchtime meal, and a light supper.

The workshop will be held at Oaklands Farm, which is a 15 minute drive south of London Gatwick airport. You may camp at the farm for free.

Click here for more details of the camping facilities, maps, travel information and other accommodation available.

Workshop Timing

The workshop will run from 09:00 to 17:00 each day, with an earlier finish at 16:00 on the final day.

If you are  camping, you are welcome to arrive on the day before the workshop starts and to depart the day after the workshop ends.

But there is more…

This will be more than just a clay plaster workshop – it will be a wonderful opportunity to enjoy learning and relaxing amongst like minded people, some who may become your friends for life!

Learn more…

Hear Paulina talk about her experience and vision for Earth, Hands and Houses:

 

Watch people’s experience of an Earth, Hands and Houses straw bale and clay plaster workshop: