Host a Workshop!

For upcoming workshops see our Events Calendar.

See our Workshop Archive for some of our past workshops.

Do you need assistance with the straw bale stacking and/or plastering of a straw bale or light straw clay building? 

Maybe you are starting construction on your new home, guest house, or accessory building and wondering how to get help with some of the natural building elements of the construction? CASBA workshops are a great way to get a team of experienced and newly trained people to help with bale raising and plastering!

With your hosting we can run a successful weekend workshop*. Great instructors travel to your site to share their skills. Instructors include experienced professional contractors, builders, tradespeople and designers. Workshop attendees pay to learn how to build with straw and natural plasters, and show up ready to learn, work, and participate on the workshop building crew. CASBA instructors and teaching assistants lead participants in a long weekend of learning and hands-on work.

*Contact CASBA six months ahead of the planned workshop time (a year is better!). Workshop organizers need time to evaluate the project, work with you, and begin workshop promotions two or three months in advance of the workshop to ensure good enrollment. Minimum and maximum workshop attendance depends on the project size.

Benefits:

• • Labor can be a costly portion of any construction project; experienced builders and newly trained workers assist in moving your project along.

• • Hosts receive expert construction consultation before, during, and after the workshop.

  • Hosts participate in the workshop free, gaining skills and learning techniques they’ll apply beyond the workshop.

  • Meet other people passionate about building with straw and natural plasters.

Host Responsibilities:

• • Prompt, clear communication with the workshop organizers and instructors

  • Realistic expectations for workshop goals and a plan to finish any incomplete bale raising or plastering related steps post workshop.

  • Advance procurement of all building materials needed for the workshop.

  • Building construction completely ready for bales or plaster. This may include foundation, sill plates, framing, lathing, electrical, window/door placement, to be coordinated with CASBA organizers.

  • A clean work site with safety measures in place for a crew to start building. No tripping hazards, designated safe smoking zone, scaffolding secured, organized garbage/recycling/compost receptacles, etc.

  • Rural sites with relatively flat areas for tent or car camping ideal. Urban sites work well with close proximity to local accommodations.

  • Space for a makeshift classroom for evening presentations.

  • Vehicle access to the site.

  • Water (for drinking/cooking/washing/construction) and power available at the site. Please have extra hoses and extension cords available.

  • On-site kitchen or space for food preparation and group meals. Sometimes hosts volunteer to do all or some of the meal preparation.

  • On-site bathroom or rented porta-potty.

  • Space for the CASBA-supplied camping shower.

  • Nearby participant parking.

  • Up-to-date building permits (if required) and permitted plan set or design drawings available via email and on site.

  • Building site shelter from weather (heat, wind, wet, cold), e.g. adjacent outbuildings, tarps, etc.

  • Owners and their contractors engaged and available at the workshop from set-up to breakdown.

If your are interested or would like more information, please contact CASBA's workshop coordinator.