CASBA 2016 "Straw Bale Building Basics"

3 day workshop July 8-10 at a site in Santa Cruz

Come learn about Straw Bale Building at this 3 day workshop which will focus on a 1,300 sq. ft. straw bale infill house. We will install straw bales in wood framed structure. Participants learn bale handling, notching and retying, wall flattening, window papering, and lath detailing. A mix of instruction time, hands­-on experience along with a hand­out will provide you with the basic knowledge of straw bale building to go build your own project. Evenings will allow for additional question/answer time and photo presentations. Sunday we will go on an afternoon tour of straw bale houses in the Santa Cruz area.

The structure for the workshop is a permitted house designed by BOA Constructor Green Building and Design. Instruction during the workshop will cover subjects related to building with straw; foundations, windows and doors, electrical, plumbing, roofs, etc., along with some basic information on plasters. The plastering on this project will be a lime plaster on the exterior and earth plaster on the interior. We will have a chance to touch upon the art and science of plasters, but for an in depth lesson on plasters join us for our August Plaster Workshop. Stay tuned for the exact dates of the Plaster Workshop.

The goal of the Straw Bale Building Basics Workshop is to accommodate every participant’s interest and skill level. Each participant can expect to participate in the various aspects of the straw bale construction to ensure the broadest possible hands-­on experience.

Jim Reiland and Rebecca Tasker will be the instructors.  They are CASBA members and General Contractors. 

For additional Workshop info contact Jenna Yu at jennayunmeijohnsyu@gmail.com or (510) ­541-7753

• Cost: $325.
• Register by June 31 for a 10%discount.
• Current CASBA members receive 1 year complimentary individual membership.
• Student discount price $245 (~25%)
• Price includes meals during workshop and free camping at site.

Accommodations

The site has limited room for camping and we will have a washing/showering area and toilet facility. There are hotels/motels minutes away. Information to these will be provided when requested. Site location, driving instruction and other information are provided with confirmation of registration.