We participated in a 3 day light straw/clay construction workshop organized by the Ancient Earth School of Natural Building, where we learned about natural building techniques while helping owners Eli and Marta build their sauna. We camped out on the grounds their peaceful small home in the woods of Freeland. Healthy work, fun learning, and great people. We added a potluck cookout over the fire and saw Marta’s great performance in a local musical to round out the weekend.
Starting with the basics: a pile o’ clay
Using a cement mixer to create a “pancake batter” mix of clay and water
Angela pouring clay slip into separated straw for mixing together with pitchforks
Scott stuffing wet straw/clay mix into temporary wall forms
Karen tamping down/compacting straw-clay into the wall forms
Angela, Scott, Karen, Brenda, and Bob’s arm
Sauna taking shape as forms move up the frame construction
(the wood was milled from trees cut onsite)