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Learning Calendar: Costa Rica

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Natural Building: Japanese Plastering
March 25, 2018 - March 30, 2018
Natural Building: Japanese Plastering
DESCRIPTION
An intensive training in traditional and contemporary Japanese plastering including history, plastering procedures, materials and tools with an emphasis on plastering fundamentals.
Course content includes:
- Constructing bamboo lattice work
- Fermenting and applying base coat earthen plaster
- Repeated practice of a typical Japanese earthen plaster brown/middle coat
- Finish applications of earth, Shikkui lime, and Otsu earth-lime plasters
- Building out corners and using jigs and guides
- Tataki Traditional Japanese Pounded Earthen Floors
- Combining Japanese plastering with western natural building
- Contemporary applications of Japanese plasters in modern buildings
- Polished Clay Balls
- The Influence of western plastering in Japan
- Practical applications on actual buildings
Two trowels, a 240 mm Hanyaki Application Trowel and a 180 mm stainless steel finishing trowel, and a wooden hawk, are included as part of the course fee. These are the trowels that you will use during the course. They are yours to take home with you.
Instructor(s)/teaching organization bio(s)
Kyle Holzhueter
Born in the US, Kyle has lived in Japan for over 15 years. In 2011 Kyle completed a PhD in Bioresource Sciences at Nihon University researching the hygrothermal environment of straw bale walls and building practices to prevent moisture damage. He has led the construction of over 10 straw bale buildings in Japan and is also instrumental in building the first light straw clay (2013) and light rice husk clay (2016) buildings in Japan. Kyle is a graduate of the Kyoto Plastering Institute and in 2016 became the first westerner to achieve the rank of first degree certified plasterer (highest nationally recognized) in Japan.
Sample Course Outline
This is subject to change.
March 24
Evening Arrival
6:30PM Dinner
7:30 PM Lecture: Traditional and Contemporary Natural Building in Japan
An introduction to traditional Japanese architecture including timber framing, stone foundations, thatch roofing and plastering, followed by a pictographic exploration of contemporary Japanese natural building.
March 25
Day 1
8:00 AM – 9:00 AM Breakfast
9:00 AM – 10:00 AM Tour the Ranch looking for clay, Polished Clay Balls
10:00 AM -12:45 PM Lecture: Traditional and Contemporary Japanese Plastering
1:00 PM – 2:30 PM Lunch and Siesta
2:30 PM – 4:30 PM Brown Coat Practice
4:30 PM – 6:30 PM Free time or continue practice
6:30 PM – 7:30 PM Dinner
March 26
Day 2
8:00 AM – 9:00 AM Breakfast
9:00 AM – 10:30 AM Brown Coat Practice
10:30 AM – 12:45 PM Finish Earthen Plasters
1:00 PM – 2:30 PM Lunch and Siesta
2:30 PM – 4:30 PM Mix Shikkui Lime Finish Plaster
4:30 PM – 6:30 PM Free time
6:30 PM – 7:30 PM Dinner
March 27
Day 3
8:00 AM – 9:00 AM Breakfast
9:00 AM – 12:45 PM Shikkui Lime Finish Plaster
1:00 PM – 2:30 PM Lunch and Siesta
2:30 PM –4:30 PM Mix Otsu Earth-Lime Finish Plaster and Brown Coat Application for Day 4
4:30 PM – 6:30 PM Free time
6:30 PM – 7:30 PM Dinner
March 28
Day 4
8:00 AM – 9:00 AM Breakfast
9:00 AM – 12:45 PM Otsu Earth-Lime Finish Plaster
1:00 PM – 2:30 PM Lunch and Siesta
2:30 PM – 5:30 PM Polished Finishes
6:30 PM – 7:30 PM Dinner
March 29
Day 5
8:00 AM – 9:00 AM Breakfast
9:00 AM – 12:45 PM Practical Application
1:00 PM – 2:30 PM Lunch and Siesta
2:30 PM – 5:30 PM Practical Application
6:30 PM – 7:30 PM Dinner
March 30
Day 6
8:00 AM – 9:00 AM Breakfast
9:00 AM – 12:45 PM Practical Application
1:00 PM – 2:30 PM Lunch and Siesta
2:30 PM – 5:30 PM Practical Application
6:30 PM – 7:30 PM Dinner
Course start and arrival dates
The class begins at 9 a.m. on March 25. The night before the class begins, March 24, is included in the cost of the class.
Course end and departure date
The last day of the class is March 30. The night of March 30is included in the cost of the class.
COST
$650. Includes all food, lodging, instruction and two high-quality Japanese trowels.
A $250 non-refundable deposit will secure your spot in the course. You can make your deposit with PayPal below or go to our Payment page for more information and options.
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