rincón straw-clay insulation installation
june 27-30, 2024We are so excited to host this 4 day experiential workshop – taught by Tusa and assisted by Kodi – where we will be learning how to use Light Straw-Clay – or “Slip Straw” – as an insulating infill for walls on new construction. We will also learn how the techniques we use can be applied in order to retrofit existing buildings. Straw-Clay Insulation in combination with Earthen or Lime Plaster is a time-tested alternative to modern insulation and drywall. It can also be finished with siding, and we will discuss how. Buildings in Europe and other areas of the world which use earthen building technologies like this last many hundreds of years.
We will be installing the straw-clay insulation in a post and beam building. Our goal in teaching this hands-on workshop is that students walk away feeling confident in understanding what it takes to properly install straw-clay in any building. The experience includes filling framed wall systems with light straw clay, creating your own light straw clay mix (both by hand and by machine), and assessing different types of straw and clay in order to choose what’s right for your project. Students will also have a grasp on where to find more information on any aspect of the build we will not learn hands-on (such as installing plumbing within the walls), and how to begin networking with other earthen builders for their own projects going into the future. Follow up workshops for clay and lime plasters are TBA. **You will receive hands-on experience in every step of the process, with Instruction from a teacher with 13 years of experience in Earthen Building.** Accommodations and Amenities:
Energy Exchange: We are asking for a contribution between $325 - 450 for this workshop. For transparency sake, the base price covers just the wage for the teacher, equipment rental, and purchase of food. If you are able, please consider contributing more - this will go towards material costs and other community land development projects. And, accessibility is important to us – if this price feels unattainable, work-trade is available. Please reach out to us! For any questions or inquiries, e-mail us at: villageseedpnw@gmail.com We are excited to get muddy with you in June! |
**Registration form is at the bottom of this page**
About the Project:
This building project - el Rincón - is an exploration of land-based earthen building in the Pacific Northwest. Inspired by yurts and circular spaces, this collaboratively designed space employs a reciprocal roof design, utilizes on-site materials, and incorporates clay wall systems. It aims to be an example of an affordable natural building process that performs well in the region.
Last year the process began by tuning into the landscape and forest. From this listening emerged the vision of a post and beam structure with a unique roof frame. Each rafter reciprocates its load by supporting the one on top, creating a strong circle peak. This is symbolic of the collaborative intention of this project, and represents coming together in a circle of mutual support and trust.
Most of the wood so far has come from trees right around the building, which will be left exposed from the interior plaster walls. The roof is insulated with sheeps wool, and has a pond liner roofing membrane for a living roof garden atop the building. There are plans to expand the footprint with kitchen and bedroom additions, as well as plans around integrated landscape design, rainwater catchment, and more.
In addition to the workshop described above, we want to continue calling in community support on this project. We plan to host regular work parties, and have envisioned other possible workshops (including clay and lime plasters, and earthen floor construction). We want this building project to be fun, educational, and empowering for the people who come to support. We have fires and potlucks after the work parties, and aim to balance work with care, play, and connection.
If you are interested in participating in future work parties or to be notified of future workshops, please send us an e-mail:
villageseedpnw@gmail.com
And – if you’re interested in learning more about other work parties at Village Seed (the ecovillage where the Rincon exists), feel free to e-mail us too!
This building project - el Rincón - is an exploration of land-based earthen building in the Pacific Northwest. Inspired by yurts and circular spaces, this collaboratively designed space employs a reciprocal roof design, utilizes on-site materials, and incorporates clay wall systems. It aims to be an example of an affordable natural building process that performs well in the region.
Last year the process began by tuning into the landscape and forest. From this listening emerged the vision of a post and beam structure with a unique roof frame. Each rafter reciprocates its load by supporting the one on top, creating a strong circle peak. This is symbolic of the collaborative intention of this project, and represents coming together in a circle of mutual support and trust.
Most of the wood so far has come from trees right around the building, which will be left exposed from the interior plaster walls. The roof is insulated with sheeps wool, and has a pond liner roofing membrane for a living roof garden atop the building. There are plans to expand the footprint with kitchen and bedroom additions, as well as plans around integrated landscape design, rainwater catchment, and more.
In addition to the workshop described above, we want to continue calling in community support on this project. We plan to host regular work parties, and have envisioned other possible workshops (including clay and lime plasters, and earthen floor construction). We want this building project to be fun, educational, and empowering for the people who come to support. We have fires and potlucks after the work parties, and aim to balance work with care, play, and connection.
If you are interested in participating in future work parties or to be notified of future workshops, please send us an e-mail:
villageseedpnw@gmail.com
And – if you’re interested in learning more about other work parties at Village Seed (the ecovillage where the Rincon exists), feel free to e-mail us too!