In 1999 I began visiting a rural farm in the Coast Range of western Oregon. Nestled in a quiet valley surrounded by fir, hemlock and cedar forests, Alpha Farm was founded as an intentional community in 1972 by Philadelphia Quakers. The community had been organized as an experiment in collaborative living by several families desiring an alternative to the urban, social and economic systems of the industrial northeastern US. By the time I visited for the first time, Alpha Farm had survived the rise and fall of the hippies, the “back to the land” movement, and the great wave of intentional community foundings and failings through the 1970’s and 80’s.
Exhausted by my corporate job, stressed-out, but hopeful, I came to this place to follow through on a deep desire to live a life closer to the earth, where the complexities of living were less connected to things, and more connected to beings. Believe me, community living is far from simple, but the challenges are generally of a scale resolvable by communication and collaboration at the scale of family, farm, or neighborhood. Continue Reading…
A clay slip, known to some as an aliz can be applied to an earth-plastered wall almost like paint is used on other surfaces. The purpose is to seal and beautify the surface, and after it has become soiled or damaged, another coat may easily be applied to renew its fresh look. Traditionally, aliz was applied with a sheepskin in a very thin layer. This was done as a part of spring cleaning after a winter of woodsmoke, often using the skin of a spring lamb which had been killed for food. In Taos, New Mexico, the favorite material was a micaceous pearly-grey clay called tierra blanca found in a cave south of town. Finish work on adobe buildings was traditionally the women’s domain and many vintage photos portray this activity.
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By Michael Smith
Ancient Roots
Because of its versatility and widespread availability, earth has been used as a construction material on every continent and in every age. It is one of the oldest building materials on the planet; the first freestanding human dwellings may have been built of sod or wattle-and-daub. About 10,000 years ago, the residents of Jericho were using oval, hand formed, sun dried bricks (adobes), which were probably a refinement of earlier cob. Even today, it is estimated that between a third and a half of the world’s population lives in earthen dwellings. Continue Reading…
By Michael Smith
What is Natural Building?
Natural building is any building system which places the highest value on social and environmental sustainability. It assumes the need to minimize the environmental impact of our housing and other building needs while providing healthy, beautiful, comfortable and spiritually-uplifting homes for everyone. Natural builders emphasize simple, easy-to-learn techniques based on locally-available, renewable resources. These systems rely heavily on human labor and creativity instead of on capital, high technology and specialized skills. Continue Reading…
| July 5, 2008 1:00 pm | to | July 7, 2008 1:00 pm |
For more information go to www.lamafoundation.org
| July 5, 2008 1:00 pm | to | July 6, 2008 1:00 pm |
Saltspring Island, British Columbia
www.sirewall.com SIREWALL’s hands-on Insulated Rammed Earth Introduction Course is designed for homeowners, builders, designers, architects, engineers, investors, building inspectors and those involved in green building. Held over two days on beautiful Salt Spring Island, British Columbia, participants will get an introduction to insulated rammed earth including: – How your personal & community values can factor in to home & building design; – A wealth of information on why rammed earth is a healthier way to build; – The positive ecological impacts that rammed earth builders can make in the world; – SIREWALL vs. other types of rammed earth, demystifying concerns & limitations; – Inspirations for your project starting with site selection, soil analysis, design standards and visits to multiple sites; – Hands-on experience from choosing soil, blending, ramming earth and testing forms; – A chance to connect with like-minded people and the most experienced insulated rammed earth builder in the world, Meror Krayenhoff. (250) 537-9355. www.sirewall.com
| July 7, 2008 6:00 pm | to | July 31, 2008 6:00 pm |
New Cuyama, California
Join us for an exciting learning adventure into sustainable living and theeeding of culture At Quail Springs Learning Oasis and Permaculture Farm. Students will be involved in hands-on building projects, resource training, applied permaculture, community dynamics and nature immersion. Our co-founder, Warren Brush, will be leading the instruction team to offer you, the participant, a vital and unique experience that will inform how you walk on the earth for the rest of your life. We have a very limited capacity for this intensive three-week program…please register today to ensure your place in this dynamic journey. The True Nature Intensive gives the participant a practical understanding of the diverse wefts and weaves of the Permaculture and community living basket through experiential learning opportunities, workshops, facilitated nature awareness, and immersion in a supportive community. This course will be supported by Quail Springs’ diverse teaching team, as well as guest teachers. Contact to apply: info@quailsprings.org or 805-886-7239, or download the application at www.quailsprings.org/programs
| July 9, 2008 5:00 pm | to | July 12, 2008 5:00 pm |
July 9-12, 2008
Bolinas, California
www.regenerativedesign.org
Join the Regenerative Design Institute on our budding permaculture farm for this hands-on workshop where you will gain experience with Cob Construction and Natural Finishes. We will focus on the building of a small spiral cob structure, along with, the completion of a hybid straw structure – straw bale/light straw clay/straw wattle. We will explore the art of earthen plasters and learn the details of finishing a building. Other natural building techniques will also be covered. Instructors: Penny Livingston-Stark, Art Ludwig and friends. For more information: www.regenerativedesign.org. Telephone: 415-868-9681 Email:info[at]regenerativedesign.org
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