Natural Building Workshop

Builder/Instructor: Karen George of Build Like a Bird

Students will learn the theory behind natural building methods and the practical application as we construct a composting toilet on a farm in Costa Rica. Using locally available materials students will learn how to identify suitable building materials, combine them to form construction materials, and actually build a composting toilet using a combination of several natural building methods. This is an oppoirtunity to learn a number of natural building techniques in one small project, in a beautiful location.

Construction methods: Basic Carpentry (post and beam style), Cob, Wattle and Daub, Woven Cob, Decorative Twig Work, Bottle Work, Base Coat Plaster

Theory: Natural Building Theory and Considerations, Foundation and Roofing Theory, and everything in between.

Dates: June 8th-12th

Location: Finca La Querencia, San Luis, Puntarenas, Costa Rica (Monteverde Zone)

Price: $495 until April 15, $550 afterwards, includes two meals and housing

This course follows the internationally recognized Permaculture Design Certificate Course at the Monteverde Institute. Take one, or both classes.

What is provided?: Students are expected to arrive in the Monteverde Zone on their own. This is an easy task as there buses coming from San Jose, Puntarenas, and Liberia daily. Once in the Monteverde Zone transportation will be provided to the farm. Rustic lodging or camping is available at the farm along with breakfast and lunch (Vegetarian and Gluten Free options will be available). Lodging is available in Monteverde for those who wish to stay in town, however transportation becomes the responsibility of the student (the farm is an 1 hr- 45 min walk from town). Much of the vegetables and greens are grown organically on the farm. Students can arrange travel to Monteverde for dinner options or the we can cook group dinners at the farm as a kitchen will be available as well as a cob oven.