The Right Tools
The main tool I bring is over 25 years of natural building and design experience. There are other physical tools, yet the true guiding force in natural building is our own skill, creativity, and wisdom. A true trade.
Where would you like to begin?
Planning & Design
You have a project and need support in getting your concepts, vision, and planning in order.
I can take you from initial vision, consulting, and site visit to a clear concept plan. From there we can identify the best team to take it to reality.
Workshops and Teaching
Join a group of like-minded folks for a hands-on training. It may be your holiday adventure or the beginning of a new life path. My promise is you will feel confident and encouraged and have lots of good memories.
Design clients and organizations can book a workshop to boost their project. It’s a win-win situation.
Place making for community
Cob installations like benches, sculpted objects, ovens and garden walls will awaken community spirit far beyond the time of building. With planning and early involvement of all stakeholders we can bring life to our public spaces and to the private edges. Our imaginations and physics are the only limitations to our reality.
Make your house natural
Adding some natural design features? A clay wall maybe? An addition? A nice garden element?
I can support renewals from small to big to bring the earth into your building and your life. A site visit will give a good first introduction to your ideas and how I may be able to help. If you’re an owner builder, let me show you how to do it yourself. There are skilled and talented builders to hire if you like.
Local
Vancouver Island
Locally we work face to face.
- Book a site visit to find out what’s possible.
- Get your building team set up and coached hands-on.
- Get help with decision-making
Let’s chat and see what your next step is.
Global
Your vision – my expertise
Working with Permaculture principles and experience in various climates and cultures is a good starting point to make your dreams reality.
We can talk about design needs and organize a training or workshop.
- Earthen building
- Smoke free cook stoves
- Ecovillage planning
Take a workshop!
Hands-on learning is the only way to really know if you want to be a natural builder or build your own natural home.
A hands-on workshop will allow you to explore your personal abilities in a safe and supported environment. Participate in a real project with other learners like you and discover the power of working together. You just might discover a new passion!
- Learn techniques of building with Earth: Cob, Earthbag, Straw-bale natural plasters and more.
- Learn to trust your senses and reach into your creativity.
- Feel the joy of your body in action
- Get your questions answered and discuss related topics
- Build a network of friends for your natural building future
Hosting a workshop on a natural building project
For home owners or project hosts a workshop can bring a healthy injection of fresh energy and move the process forward through the power of group work.
Here’s what makes a good setting:
- A site that has space for people to gather, possibly camp, and facilities like toilets, showers and (camp) kitchen.
- A support team that loves the idea of a bunch of people putting their hands to the job. This includes a cook who is skilled in nutritious food.
- A project that’s prepared for a group to join: tools and materials in place, major design decisions done, ready to go according to agreement.
If your project is large, identify a focus area to start. Workshop activities can include any of the following:
- small foundation area
- cob walls
- earthen floor
- straw bale work
- natural plasters
- oven or cook-stove build
Request a checklist for hosts to help your planning.