If you prefer to pay your deposit or full course fee via a direct deposit, SINPE Móvil, Wise, bank transfer, check or other method please fill out a registration form and send proof of payment to info@ranchomastatal.com. For information on payment details go here.

DESCRIPTION

The Creative Side of Natural Building

Join world-renowned natural builders and artists Athena Steen, Benito Steen, and the Rancho Mastatal crew for a truly special week dedicated to the artistic expression of natural building. Set on our vibrant campus in the heart of the Costa Rican rainforest, this workshop is all about bringing clay to life—through sculpting, carving, and artistic earthen finishes.

While many natural building courses focus on structure and systems, this experience is designed for those drawn to the creative and aesthetic potential of earthen materials. If you've ever wanted to treat a wall like a canvas—or shape space with your hands and imagination—this is your chance.

This is a rare opportunity to learn from some of the most respected artists in the natural building world.

What You’ll Do

Over the course of the week, we’ll work together on sculptural features in our new dorm-house, including:

• Shaping and detailing earthen benches and adobe walls

• Designing and creating a stunning entryway wall

• Practicing clay carving, sculpting, fresco techniques, and natural clay paints

You’ll gain hands-on experience with fine-tuned artistic methods, while learning from teachers who’ve pioneered natural building artistry around the world.

More Than Just a Class

This workshop isn’t just about mastering tools and techniques—it’s about stepping into a way of life.

As a participant, you’ll be immersed in the daily rhythms of Rancho Mastatal, a center for sustainability and regenerative living for over two decades. You’ll experience:

• Composting systems, permaculture gardens, fermentation projects, and food rooted in local abundance

• A campus filled with examples of climate-appropriate, artfully built natural structures

• A tight-knit, welcoming community that shares meals, laughter, knowledge, and intention

Expect a rich, rewarding, and unforgettable week—filled with creative energy, practical learning, and deep inspiration from both the natural world and the people around you.

Looking for a broader foundation in natural building?

If you're interested in the technical and structural sides of earthen wall systems and plasters, we recommend our Natural Building and Plasters Workshop, which dives into the foundational theory and methods of ecological construction.

instructors

Athena Steen

Athena Steen is a master natural builder, teacher, and artist with over 30 years of experience in earthen construction. As one of the early pioneers of the modern natural building movement, Athena has helped reawaken the craft of building with earth—championing techniques that are not only sustainable and affordable, but also deeply expressive and human-centered.

Alongside her husband Bill Steen, she co-founded The Canelo Project, a nonprofit organization dedicated to connecting people, culture, and nature through natural building, traditional arts, and community-based education. Through her work, Athena has taught and built across the U.S., Latin America, and internationally, inspiring a global network of builders and creatives.

Her passion lies in the artistic side of earthen building—sculpting, carving, and finishing surfaces in ways that transform spaces into works of art. She believes in the power of natural materials to shape not just structures, but the spirit of a place.

Athena’s influence can be seen in homes, community buildings, and teaching centers around the world, and her work continues to inspire a new generation of builders

Benito Steen
Benito is a skilled and passionate natural builder who grew up immersed in the world of earthen construction. Homeschooled and raised by renowned natural builders Bill and Athena Steen, Benito began building at a young age alongside his family. As teenagers, he and his younger brother, Oso, were drawn to the trades and the arts—especially plastering, blacksmithing, and woodworking.

Benito has gone on to teach natural building across Latin America, Southeast Asia, and Europe, sharing his knowledge while continually learning and experimenting. His work blends traditional techniques with modern innovations to create homes that are not only beautiful and artistic, but also sustainable, healthy, and deeply rooted in place.

Rancho Mastatal Building Team
The building team at Rancho Mastatal has 20+ years of experience building naturally in this ecosystem. We have built over a dozen earthen structures on our campus and have hosted numerous workshops over the years.

COURSE START AND ARRIVAL DATES

The course will start at 7.30 a.m. on April 21.  Students are encouraged to arrive on April 20. Lodging the night of April 20 is included in the cost of the class.  You must arrive before 6.00pm, we will not be able to attend you after this time.

COURSE END AND DEPARTURE DATES

The course will end at around 3 p.m. on April 27.  Most students will depart on the morning of April 28.  Lodging the night of April 27 is included in the cost of the class.   

COST

$1,350

Includes food, lodging and course instruction.

If you prefer to pay your deposit or full course fee via a direct deposit or check please fill out a registration form and send proof of payment to info@ranchomastatal.com. For information on payment details go here.

To pay any remaining balance go to our Payment page for more information and options.

LANGUAGE

The course will be taught in English.

Scholarships

Consider our Bioconstruccion workshop that is priced at a scholarship rate.

ACCOMMODATIONS

All food and lodging is included in the cost of  the course.   Students will stay in the Ranch bunkhouse with options for upgrades.  We provide high quality mattresses, linens and blankets.  Please see our Accommodations page for more information.  

CANCELLATION POLICY

Please see our cancellation policy here.

GETTING TO RANCHO MASTATAL

Please see our Directions page for detailed information on how to get to Rancho Mastatal.  

QUESTIONS

For more information about this class and Rancho Mastatal please contact us at info@ranchomastatal.com , call us at +506 2200-0920 or text/WhatsApp us at +506 8539-1404.