Energy efficiency and the wider issues of sustainability are becoming key issues of concern in our fragile and rapidly changing planet. In the drive towards healthy, sustainable and energy efficient building it is becoming increasingly apparent that the use of natural (renewable) materials have a major role to play. In this new series of workshops by Green Building Solutions the use of straw bales in the construction of load and non-load bearing walls is explored through presentation, demonstration and practical workshop constructing a wall following typical details.

During this one day practical straw bale training workshop you learn about the history, viability and techniques for building with straw bales. You will get hands on experience through the construction of a demonstration wall.

Each straw bale training workshop lasts a day and covers:

History of straw bale building
Pros and cons of straw bale building
Types of straw bale building
Building regulation issues
Planning issues
Straw bale selection and quality
Laying bale walls
Resizing straw bales
Head and sole ladder construction
Loading and compression
Stiffening
Trimming and shaping
Creation of openings for doors and windows
Straw bale training workshops will be run each Spring, Summer and Autumn at a site near Blean/Dargate, Canterbury.

Workshop times: 9.00am arrival for 9.30 start until approx 4.30pm
Workshop cost: £70 per person (includes refreshments but excludes meals – please bring a packed lunch)

For other 2012 dates look at the events diary or email us to be added to mailing list.

Please note straw bale training workshops are a practical and hands on experience. The workshops are held outside with minimal shelter. You will need to wear sturdy footwear and clothes appropriate to the tasks and weather.

Due to the limitation of time the days focus will be on the straw bale wall aspect of a building. Detailed coverage on rendering and plastering form part of separate workshops.