Read This Before Taking a Natural Building Workshop

Taking a natural building course can be a big commitment of time and money. Here’s how you and your dreams might fit — and what a well-run workshop can provide.

Reader Contribution by Kyle Chandler-Isacksen
Updated on December 30, 2021
article image
by Kyle Chandler-Isacksen
Natural building workshop class photo

Natural Building and building with earth are great for many reasons but one of them is that it’s a way we can combat climate change. With all of the materials needed to build a conventional home as well as the energy needed to heat and cool them, residential homes account for over 20% of the United States’ energy use and carbon emissions.

With smart design, smaller footprints, and the use of local and natural materials, we can build nontoxic, beautiful, and long-lasting homes that actually make a difference in fighting the climate emergency, not to mention living well.

I see teaching others how to build with earth as part of my work, one of my contributions, in creating a better future for people and planet. In teaching with Conrad Rogue of House Alive and through our Be the Change Project since 2010 several patterns hold true for our workshops year after year. If you’re considering taking one in the future here’s some of what you can expect:

Who Shows Up?

1. More Women than Men. Often 2 to 1. One reason is the dearth of building opportunities afforded women in the male-dominated construction world outside of natural building. Another reason is that building with earth is democratic — anyone of any size, age and skill level can figure out how to get in the mud and create at a pace that works for them.
2. Wide Range of Ages. Twenty something enthusiasts, young families, and retirees finally freed up from jobs, kids, relationships…to follow their dreams

Comments (0) Join others in the discussion!
    Online Store Logo
    Need Help? Call 1-800-234-3368