Pro Course in Straw Bale Construction
August 21-23, 2026
Cottage Grove, Oregon
This CASBA Pro Course in Straw Bale Construction will develop your skills in all aspects of straw bale construction. Taking place at the Center for Rural Livelihoods, the course will be a combination of demonstration, discussion, and hands-on learning. Instructors are professional straw bale contractors, architects, engineers, plasterers, energy modelers, and more with a combined experience of a thousand straw bale buildings. This course is suitable for everyone interested in straw bale construction from beginners to building professionals. Supplemental videos and recommended reading materials will provide a solid base of knowledge and common language to work from.
When: Instruction begins at Friday, Aug 21 @ 9am. Participants are encouraged to arrive Thur, Aug 20 3pm-9pm to set up your tent / socialize. Course ends mid-morning Sunday, Aug 23.
Location: Center for Rural Livelihoods, Cottage Grove, OR. Click here to link to the Center for Rural Livelihood's website if you want to know more about their program / site.
Accommodations:
Food: Some meals will be provided, details will follow.
Cost: Registration open till August 16th
- Early Bird through July 16th - $495
- Regular Price - $595
- Pay It Forward - help out a scholarship student - $695
- Scholarships (as available) - contact Christopher Foraker - christopherforaker@gmail.com
Course Content:
- Current best practices in design and construction of wall assemblies
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Code requirements for straw bale construction
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How to source, shape, install and stuff bale walls
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Electrical and plumbing options
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Door and window detailing
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Cost saving strategies
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Plaster preparation
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...and more!
Registrant Requirements: Pre-course preparation will greatly improve your learning experience
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Complete the Pro Course Primer Videos before arrival (link will be emailed by mid July)
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Read Straw Bale Building Details Book from New Society Publishers (available for purchase here)
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Fill out intake questionnaire (will be emailed after registration)
Instructors:
Miles Taylor
Lydia Dolman
Chris Foraker
Jenna Bader
Kita Glass
Catherine Odell
Jim Reiland
[with Anthony Dente, Martin Hammer & David Eisenberg, Bob Theis, Miles Danforth & Amanda Fischer, Massey Burke]
Contacts for additional information / questions:
Accommodations/Scholarships: Christopher Foraker - christopherforaker@gmail.com
Curriculum: Jim Reiland - jim@manyhandsbuilders.com, cell 541-200-9546
Please share this poster and QR code with friends who may be interested!