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

Join the Rancho Mastatal team for a 7-day immersive workshop focused on the craft of square rule timber framing. Whether you're a complete beginner or already have some experience under your belt, this course is designed to meet you where you are—everyone is welcome.

Throughout the week, participants will work together to build a full timber frame structure for a neighbor in our local community. This hands-on project will cover all the essential techniques and joinery methods used to construct timber buildings of any size.

Through a combination of classroom learning and practical work, you’ll gain the skills needed to lay out and cut traditional mortise and tenon joinery—secured with handmade wooden pegs instead of nails—using the square rule method. This approach balances precision and adaptability, and is widely used in both historic and modern timber frame construction.

While on site, you'll have the chance to explore the Ranch’s many naturally built structures, including over a dozen timber frame buildings constructed since 2001. You’ll also see our newest project in progress: a two-story timber-framed dormitory.

In addition to timber framing, participants will be immersed in the daily rhythms of life at Rancho Mastatal. You’ll be exposed to many of our sustainable systems on the property, such as our local food desires, composting toilets, permaculture gardens and orchards, fermentation projects, and more.

This is more than just a building course—it’s a chance to build community, gain hands-on experience, and be inspired by what’s possible when craftsmanship meets ecological living. Expect a fun, rewarding, and knowledge-packed week in a truly unique setting.

* Bring a friend that takes our Art of Fermentation class (running simultaneously), and you each get 10% off *

instructors

Nic Donati
Nic Donati, Rancho Mastatal's Director of Natural Building and Appropriate Technology, first came to the Ranch in 2007 and fell in love with the community and lifestyle he experienced there.  Always good with his hands and wanting to get stuck in meant he was able to develop a wide range of skills both at the Ranch and other farms around the world.  The lure of the Ranch both as a community and working environment have continually drawn him back and he now considers the Ranch community and Mastatal his home.  

He enjoys many aspects about living at the Ranch including communal living, proximity to wild and natural habitats, running around on the football field, solving diverse problems, and wielding tools from chisels to chainsaws to trowels.  He really loves and appreciates the freedom afforded to him to express and practice his ideas, develop new skills and hone existing ones, but above all else he believes in the ideology of the Ranch.

Ali Ostergard
Ali has always loved working with her hands. From building chicken coops as a child to discovering the art of natural building at the Ranch in 2014, her passion for creating has only grown. Since joining the team, she has contributed to a variety of structures and homes—including her own.

She finds meaning in every phase of the building process, from framing to earthen floors and plasters. Whether it’s the rhythm of repetitive tasks, the camaraderie of working alongside others, or the satisfaction of a completed project.

For her, there’s something deeply empowering about knowing how to build a home—and even more so when it’s done with care, intention, and sustainability. Now, she’s dedicated to sharing those skills with others.

course start and ARRIVAl dates

The class begins at 7.30 a.m. on January 6. The night before the class begins, January 5, is included in the cost of the class.  You must arrive before 6.00pm 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 12.  The night of January 12 is included in the cost of the class.

COST

US$1,350

Cost includes food, lodging and course instruction.

* Bring a friend that takes our Art of Fermentation class (running simultaneously), and you each get 10% off *

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.

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.

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 , call us at +506 2200-0920 or text/WhatsApp us at +506 8539-1404.