NATURAL BUILDING AND PLASTERS INTENSIVE #2

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

This 7 day intensive workshop will introduce students to the theory and practice of building with clay; using adobes, cob and wattle and daub. We will also spend ample time and energy learning and applying natural plasters including the water resistant and luscious traditional Moroccan lime plaster, Tadelakt.  

At the end of this course students will understand the roles of each of the ingredients involved in natural earthen mixtures both for plasters and for building. This key understanding will allow students to apply this knowledge when building for themselves or in other situations, empowering students to go on and build successfully with natural materials.

This class will be perfect for people looking for an introduction to natural building or for people who already have some plastering or building experience and would like to learn some new techniques, tricks or finishes.

Course Outline

Day 1

• Introduction to natural building

• How to assess your soils & mix

• Clay base coat, learn how to level earthen walls

Day 2

• Wall systems theory and introduction

• Building with Adobe, Cob & Wattle and Daub

• Lime base coat, learn how to prepare your walls for lime finishes

Day 3

• Introduction to earthen floors

• Tour of the Ranch property and structures

Day 4

• Rest, waterfall, river, hike, chocolate tour

Day 5

• Shelter and siting theory

• Designing your home for any climate

• Foundations theory and introduction

• Clay finish coat, learn our first clay plaster finish

Day 6

• Tadelakt, ancient Moroccan water resistant finish plaster

• Finish lime plaster, learn a simple and beautiful way to finish your walls

Day 7

• Finish earthen floors

• Clay carving, learn the artistic side of clay plasters

• Fresco application, learn to paint on lime finishes

• Debrief

instructor Bios

Robin Nunes
Robin is one of the founding members of Rancho Mastatal and has lived onsite since 2001. She has been immersed in the world of natural building for almost 3 decades.

As a Ranch core team member, she wears many hats including those of bookkeeper, earth builder, and kitchen overseer and is also a mother, yogi and artist.

Robin is most at home getting dirty at the worksite and on her yoga mat. She believes in learning through doing and has been an integral part of the Ranch building team from the beginning.

Tim O’Hara
Tim, Robin’s partner, is a founding member of the Ranch and has been an important part of the Rancho building team since its inception.

He enjoys spending time in the woodshop, playing in the mud, and spending time outside and with his family.

Tim also assists in teaching permaculture, timber frame and wilderness first responder classes at the Ranch.

He’s dedicated much of his adult life co-directing the activities at Rancho Mastatal and has helped to make it a “sustainbility education” leader in the region.

course start and Arrival dates

The class begins at 7.30 am on January 15.  The night before the class begins, January 14, is included in the cost of the class.  You must arrive before 6.00 pm the night before, we will not be able to attend you after this time.

course end and departure dates

The last day of the class is January 21.  The night of January 21 is included in the cost of the class.

Costt

The cost of the class includes food, lodging and instruction.

US$1,350
This is the base rate for a room in a bunkhouse or an additional tuition for a student staying in a shared room or shared house

Students have the option to upgrade to a private room or house. The cost for an upgrade to a private dorm room is an additional $35 per night. The upgrade fee is the same for individuals as for couples. The cost for an upgrade to a private house/cabin is an additional $100 per night. The upgrade fee is the same for individuals, couples or groups.

These prices include lodging, all meals, course instruction and full access to Rancho Mastatal and its private wildlife refuge.

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

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.

Language

This class will be taught in English, though instructors are fluent in Spanish.  

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 or call or text via WhatsApp us at +506 8539-1404.