Natural Plasters Intensive

Over this intensive session, we move beyond the bale to the skin of the building. We will dive deep into the world of Natural Hydraulic Lime (NHL) - as the Budio will be covered in this finish. We will also spend some time covering Earthen Plasters and Earthen Floors, exploring how these breathable finishes protect strawbale structures while creating stunning, healthy living spaces.

This workshop is designed to take the mystery out of mixing. You will learn to identify local soils, understand the "lime cycle," and master the physical techniques required to apply these materials to both vertical walls and organic shapes like built-in straw bale benches.

Phase 1: The Science of Natural Binders

We begin by understanding our materials at a molecular level. Before we pick up a trowel, we cover:

• The Lime Cycle: Understanding how limestone is transformed into a high-performance, breathable exterior skin.

• Soil Analysis: How to test local clay and sand to create the perfect earthen plaster "recipe" from the ground beneath your feet.

• Aggregates & Fibers: The role, ratio, and size of sand and straw additives depending on the type of plaster being applied.

• Color Additives: Mixing natural colors for finish plasters.

Phase 2: Mixing & Station Logistics

Efficiency on a plaster site is all about the flow. We will teach you:

• Sourcing additives: How to find local, sustainable, and reliable additive sources (straw, sand, pigment, and clay if no site clay is present).

• The Mixing Station: How to set up high-output stations that keeps the plasterers moving (mixing with and without concrete mixers and power tools).

• Batch Consistency: Ensuring every batch matches in consistency and color.

Phase 3: Hands-On Application (Walls & Benches)

This is where the artistry meets the labor. We’ll spend the bulk of our time on:

• Body Mechanics: Learn how to move your body to apply plaster for hours without fatigue or injury.

• The Three-Coat System: Hands-on practice with the scratch coat (for bond), the brown coat (for leveling), and finish coat(s)

• Organic Shaping: Special focus on applying earthen plaster to straw bale benches, learning how to wrap curves and create smooth, durable seating.

• Trowel Techniques: Mastering the "float" to achieve a professional finish that is ready for a final color coat.

Phase 4: Earthen Floors

While we won't be building an earthen floor in this workshop, we will have the opportunity to go over how they are built, and do some repairs, and re-finishes on our existing earthen floors (we have over 2,000 square feet of earthen floors in our existing strawbale building)

• Sub-Floor Prep: Insulation and drainage considerations.

• Base coat and leveling.  Pouring the base of an earthen floor- this is tricky and not quite the same as a base coat for a wall.

• Finishing & Sealing: A look at the oiling and waxing process that turns a mud floor into a leather-like, waterproof surface - or a piece of sandpaper with the wrong finish.

• Living with an Earthen Floor:  The realities of living with an earth floor - maintenance, re-flooring, and repairs.

What You’ll Take Home

By the end of this intensive, you’ll have the confidence to source, mix, and apply natural finishes. Whether you are plastering an entire home or building a cob bench in your garden, you will leave with the practical skills to create and experiment with durable, beautiful, and non-toxic finishes.