Seven day straw bale building construction workshop - Manchester. Michigan, May 2010

“In seven days, I will teach you the tips and techniques I have developed over my years building custom straw bale homes. We will cover everything from the basics of purchasing bales to the techniques of applying plaster. The hands on activities, constant reflection and "on the fly" discussions, will allow you to leave the workshop fully equipped and confident with the construction of your own straw bale building. In addition to the work, friendships with like minded folks help enhance the overall experience. Participants are encouraged to bring musical instruments and those perfect jokes for long lasting evening fun”. Andrew Morrison, founder of Straw bale Workshops

Workshop Description

Specific topics covered in the construction of the structures are:

Toe Up Installation

Bale Stacking

Bale Re-Tying and Alteration

Window and Door Installation

Box Beam Construction and Installation

Framing Considerations

Electrical Work as Required

Plumbing Installations as Required

Hanging Cabinets

Tying in Interior Partition Walls

Shaping Bales and Corners

Creating Niches

Wire Mesh and Bale Pinning

Plaster Prep Work

Natural Plastering

Lectures and Q&A Sessions

The above list represents the basics of what is covered during the hands on phase of the workshop. These topics are also discussed in depth with "on the spot" lectures and question and answer sessions. Your questions on these topics or any other related topics are welcome and encouraged. The discussions are often full of rich information exchanges. Specific topics covered in the lectures are typically inspired by the work taking place on the building; however, additional topics are often raised as well which include:

Design Criteria

Engineering Options

Foundation Options

Running a Job Site Efficiently

Scheduling Sub Contractors

Acting as the General Contractor

Complete Owner Builder Techniques

Straw Bale Construction Details

Plastering Techniques and Materials

Green Building Materials

Other Aspects of Green Construction in Your Home

Again, questions are encouraged and open discussions often spring forth with valuable information for all.

General Guidelines

The days are full and long. We work hard on the job site in the morning and then break for a leisurely lunch. Our afternoons continue the hard work of the morning. Our dinner and evening break is full of fun and play. I encourage people to bring instruments and their willingness to play together. Although physical work is involved in building the structure, participants are encouraged to work at their own pace. You know your limits and those limits are respected. Our goal is to get as far as possible in the construction of the building. In most cases, we will not get beyond the scratch (first) coat of plaster; however, some groups have made it all the way to finish plaster!

Three vegetarian meals a day are provided as part of the tuition. The meals are delicious and filling. Some folks worry about eating vegetarian all week, especially those accustomed to eating meat; however, workshop participants always seem amazed at the great food and make a point of thanking the kitchen crew for a wonderful week!

Camping is available on site for free and bathroom facilities are provided. A shower is available; however, the amount of hot water is limited and the number of participants is high. Some workshop locations may have other accommodations available such as bed and breakfast rooms, cabins, or tipis. Those accommodations are issued on a first come first served basis and may or may not cost extra based on the workshop host/site.

More Than Just Building with Bales

I focus on education in regards to all aspects of the home construction process. My education does not stop at straw bale construction. We discuss other aspects of the home that can be built ‘green’. Flooring, cabinets, construction adhesives, and other items all play a part in the health of the home. Most importantly, we have fun while we explore the concepts of green construction. After all, for me, building without fun is like living without breathing. I love what I do and that is what makes the difference. In fact, I often get the feedback that the friendships created during the week are a huge part of the success of the workshop.

The seven day workshop will cost $800 and includes all food and a place to camp and shower.

This workshop is taking place in Manchester, Michigan. May 10th - 16th 2010.

Exact workshop location and any further necessary information will be given on booking confirmation.

Strawbale Workshops is cofounded by Andrew and Gabriella Morrison. Andrew has been a professional straw bale builder for over 12 years and brings his passion for straw bale construction that is matched only by his desire to teach his knowledge to others. Gabriella, who earned a B.A. in Wildlife Conservation from Hampshire College, matches Andrew passion with her lifelong interest in sustainable construction.

After general contracting for over 12 years with experience in designing and building conventional, green and straw bale homes, Andrew has now turned his attention 100% to teaching his skills to others by means of his blog, his DVDs, his consulting services and his workshops.

If you want to learn the techniques of straw bale construction you have come to the right place. Andrew has helped people all over the World build their straw bale homes working with people from Oregon to South Africa and Maine to Iraq.

Everybody is different and some people learn better by reading, some by listening, and others by seeing. That said, there is no better way to learn straw bale construction than through hands on experience and there is no one better suited to teach you than a professional builder and consultant.