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Events and Workshops

Straw Bale Workshops

Gain in-depth experience with straw bale construction and finish work in these comprehensive workshops frequently held on owner sites.

These workshops will cover all phases of Straw Bale construction and are suitable for homeowners, contractors, and anyone who has an interest in exploring the possibilities of Straw Bale.

Theory, design, codes, siting, foundation, and moisture issues will be addressed in presentation, demonstration and discussion. There will be plenty of opportunity for participants to raise bales, compress walls, set door and window bucks, and prepare the walls for stucco/plaster finishes.

All of our workshop begin with an evening slide show and overview of Straw Bale construction as it pertains to the Pacific Northwest. The next day onsite, we mix classroom demonstration, followed by implementation. During classroom sessions, we discuss foundation options, roof overhangs, structural details, electrical wiring options, code considerations, and moisture issues.

Since 1996 Terry has been using alternative building methods, integrating them with the passive solar concepts and traditional forms she has been working with for 25 years.  She brings her passion for hands-on construction to her workshops.

Have you ever wondered what goes on in a hands-on straw bale workshop? You can see for yourself by following the links in these photos from our past workshops. 


For other current events or workshop updates, visit our Events page.

If you are interested in sponsoring a straw bale workshop on your site, please contact us regarding requirements.


2005 Workshop in Leavenworth

The site for our 2005 workshop was in beautiful Leavenworth. The home is charming, simply shaped, and the perfect size for a group project.  Click here for more pictures.

The first morning on site, we made some custom-sized bales, tested the bales for moisture content, and laid the first course of bales. We demonstrated stacking and pinning the bales with bamboo, and staking the door and window frames to the bales.

Once all the bales were in place, the walls were shaped and trimmed for stucco preparation.  Finally, metal wire mesh was attached and secured to tie the whole wall together.

Saturday late afternoon, we visited a completed straw bale home in the area, and our host was very gracious to our curious group, answering questions and allowing full walking and viewing access to the entire home.

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2004 Workshop on Camano Island

Instruction mixed with teamwork as we built about half of the walls for a shop and studio building. Four members of Living Shelter were present - perhaps you can pick us out! Click here for more pictures.

This modern studio on Camano Island will be a temporary home for the owner of a new organic nursery while the remainder of the project is under construction. Simple shapes, basic materials, passive solar concepts, and out-of-the-box thinking all come into play to demonstrate how to achieve a very economical project, especially when the owner is deeply involved in the construction process.

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Future Workshop Updates

Our events page may be one of the first places to look when we post a new workshop.  Check back often to see when something new has been added to the schedule!

If you are interested in sponsoring a straw bale workshop on your site, please contact us regarding requirements.

Workshop Fees

Unless listed otherwise, workshop fees include lunches, snacks, beverages, and a campsite. Space is limited so please call or e-mail early to make reservations. Local motel lists are available if requested on the registration form.

Visa and Mastercard accepted.
Please Contact us.

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Inside:

Previous Workshops:
   2005 Workshop at Leavenworth
  2004 Workshop at Camano Island
   Future Workshops
   Workshop Fees
 

 

 

 

Sage Saskill of Living Shelter Design demonstrating a straw bale cutting process.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Leavenworth Workshop August 2005

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Camano Island Workshop September 2004

 


Thanks for coordinating an inspiring workshop full of info and fun!  I'm still exhausted... hope to see you all again soon.

--Jennifer Ahrens

 

 

 


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© 2006, Living Shelter Design Architects, P.L.L.C.
320 Newport Way NW · Issaquah, WA 98027
info@livingshelter.com
425-427-8643 · 888-248-2114 · fax 425-427-8859