Organic Environments workshops are geared to all levels of experience and ability. Straw bale construction, like other types of construction, is physical sometimes dangerous work. We make every effort to ensure your comfort and safety while you are with us. You may participate at your own comfort level while our instructors try to provide you with opportunities to build on your confidence to give you opportunities to get more out of the learning experience.

Introduction to Straw Bale Construction

The Intro course teaches the basics of straw bale construction and is geared toward the beginner. You will learn a great deal in the Intro course whether you are a conventional builder who has never worked with straw bales, an engineer or architect new to straw bale construction, or a straw bale construction enthusiast who has never swung a hammer. A high level of physical fitness is not required for the Intro workshop. Less physically able participants may work at their own pace of simply observe. We accept 20 registrations for the Intro workshop.

Advanced Straw Bale Construction One

The pace of the Advanced One workshop is much faster than the Intro workshop. It is an excellent choice if you have some straw bale construction experience and are looking to build your skills before you begin your own project or if you are an experienced conventional builder who is interested in becoming a professional straw bale builder. This is a longer, more physically challenging workshop with only 10 participants so participants in the Advanced One workshop should be fairly physically capable.

Advanced Straw Bale Construction Two

The Advanced Two workshop is an excellent choice for you if you are interested in learning advanced techniques for building more organic, less conventional buildings with straw bales. You will learn to laminate curved structural members, join straight framing to curved structural elements, and to stack bales in a very unconventional manner. Like the Advanced One workshop the Advanced Two workshop is longer and more physically challenging with fewer participants. Participants in the Advanced Two workshop should be fairly physically capable.

Straw Bale Construction Master Class

The Master Class is a two to four week intensive course in straw bale home construction. Participants in the Master Class workshop will raise a basic one and a half storey open concept straw bale house from the ground to the roof including installing the electrical, plumbing, and heating systems. This is a physically intense workshop for the very serious straw bale enthusiast, future owner builder, or conventional contractor serious about making a move into straw bale construction.

If you have any questions about which workshop is right for you or if you want more information about the physical requirements of each workshop please feel free to contact us.