Over this intensive, we  will dive deep into the structural systems that make a straw bale building possible, moving far beyond "standard" carpentry to explore how wood and straw can work in harmony.

This workshop is designed to demystify the transition from a flat foundation to a dried-in structure. You will learn to think like both an engineer and a builder, mastering the specific framing details that allow straw bale walls to meet modern building codes while maintaining their incredible thermal performance.

The Design Phase: Engineering for Efficiency

Before a single board is cut, the build is won or lost in the design. We will cover:

• System Selection: Selecting a framing system that makes the most sense for a strawbale building 

• Bale-Centric Design: Designing a building framing system to minimze construciton waste and bale sculpting 

• Curves vs. Corners: Navigating the technical differences between conventional linear framing and a complex, curved systems.

The Construction Phase: From Zero to Completion

We get hands-on with the literal assembly of the Straw Budio, teaching you how to frame a building that is "straw-ready."

• Sill Plates & Box Beams: How to construct a sill plate and box beam specifically for a strawbale building

• Windows & Doors: Framing window openings specifically for thick-wall systems to ensure proper flashing and moisture protection.

• The Roof & Beyond: Framing a roof that accommodates high-performance, sustainable ceiling insulation while maintaining proper ventilation.

• Mastering the Shop: Comprehensive instruction on how to safely operate the tools and machinery needed for framing, from miter saws and impact drivers.

** Please note, the exact phase of the framing you will participate in will depend on the timing of your participation. Due to the many unknowns in construction, we cannot provide precise dates for each element of the framing in advance.

Operational Considerations

Building your own structure requires more than just tool skills; it requires project management. We draw on our experience building our own complex strawbale home to teach you:

• Crew Management: How to lead a small owner-builder team or volunteer crew efficiently and safely.

• Reading the Roadmap: How to interpret professional engineering plans and translate them into physical wood and nails.

• Safety Considerations: Managing safety on taller structures and 

• Sourcing Considerations: The logistics of sourcing sustainable lumber and reliable labor.

• The Paperwork: Real-world advice on working with construction loans and keeping your bank inspectors happy throughout the framing phase.

What You’ll Take Home

By the end of this intensive, you’ll have the confidence to look at a set of blueprints and see exactly how to bring them to life. You’ll leave with the mechanical skills to handle the tools and the "architectural intuition" to frame a building that is durable, efficient, and perfectly prepped for bales.