www.StrawBaleWorkshops.com
Empowering you to build your dreams.
Thanks for your interest in hosting a
workshop. Please review the details on this page. If you would like
to host a workshop, please fill out the Host Application Form below and use the PayPal button to make your deposit.
I will be assigning hosts on a first come (deposit paid), first served basis.
Here are the scheduled dates for the 2010 workshops. Please note that the below dates may no longer be available as hosts may have already reserved them.
July 12-18
August 16-22
September 20-26
I will be assigning hosts on a first come (deposit paid), first served basis.
Here are the scheduled dates for the 2010 workshops. Please note that the below dates may no longer be available as hosts may have already reserved them.
July 12-18
August 16-22
September 20-26
- Have you dreamed of having your own straw bale structure on your land?
- Interested in learning from an expert and having a labor force to build for you?
- Interested in learning from an expert and having a labor force to build for you?
If you said yes to these questions then hosting a seven day intensive workshop may be for you. Imagine having 20 people working on your project for a week straight. There is no faster or more enjoyable way to get your dream structure built.
Host Requirements:
- A site that can accommodate up to 25 people and their tents. (Class size is a minimum of 12 and a maximum of 20 on most projects. Larger buildings may require more people.)
- Shower (minimum of one) and bathroom facilities (two portable restrooms with a mid week servicing work well).
- Electricity for tools on the job site (land power or generator).
- 3 healthy meals a day. Vegetarian fare is recommended but is not required.
- Water for drinking and construction.
- Travel expenses for Andrew (Don't worry he flies coach!)
What Andrew brings to the workshop:
- His expertise and professional construction experience.
- A warm, cheery and ready-to-work attitude.
- Custom built straw bale tools for the workshop.
- His professional teaching experience and workshop leadership.
- $100 per paid/attending participant towards the food budget.
- $100 profit share per paid/attending participant.
- Free attendance for the host and one guest (no financial compensation for host or guest is provided).
- Help finding a designer for the structure in question.
- Help with pre-workshop questions about the structure.
- Initial construction plan review.
- Detailed instruction on all aspects of straw bale construction from toe-ups to plaster.
- Tool list and sample menu plan.
How it works:
We can hold the workshop on structures from 300 square feet to 1000 square feet (exterior dimensions). Of course, how far we get on the structure is dependent on the group size and motivation level. Andrew is a strong motivator and can keep the group focused and productive; however, we cannot guarantee any specific amount of completion. Ultimately, the host is responsible for the completion of the structure after the workshop. If all goes well, we will apply on coat of plaster to the inside and outside of the building.
A deposit in the amount of $5000 is paid to Straw Bale Workshops, LLC by the host to secure the workshop date. The deposit is due when the contract agreement between the host and Straw Bale Workshops, LLC is signed and delivered to Straw Bale Workshops, LLC. The deposit is returned to the host in stages as follows. The sooner each section is completed and documented, the sooner the deposit is returned.
$1000 is returned when the foundation is poured and approved (if code approval is required).
$1500 is returned when the framing is completed and approved (if code approval is required).
$1000 is returned when the construction materials, tools, & support details (toilets, etc) are confirmed on site.
The final $1500 is returned at the start of the workshop.
Photos of the construction process should be emailed to Straw Bale Workshops, LLC to confirm that the necessary progress has been made and the structure is on schedule for the workshop dates. If the building is behind schedule and the workshop dates cannot be kept, Straw Bale Workshops, LLC retains the right to keep the deposit and cancel the workshop. This has never happened, by the way, but we want to be clear about how important it is to have the building ready for the workshop participants at the scheduled time
What to Expect as the Host:
Hosting a seven day straw bale workshop is fun and rewarding. The host has the opportunity to meet people from literally all over the world and to build lasting friendships. Many people create a solid group of support for their construction project and get help from members of the workshop even after the workshop is over. The energy of the workshops is fun and relaxed, yet productive. Expect many good laughs and a once in a lifetime experience.
Building Permits:
Many smaller projects will not require a building permit. Check with your local building department. If the structure requires a building permit and periodical inspections, those inspections need to be completed before the workshop. If the host has an inspection that cannot be performed ahead of time and must take place during the workshop, for example partial electrical service, they will need to let us know at least three (3) weeks prior to the start date. Communication between Andrew and the inspector is recommended to improve the flow of the workshop and limit or eliminate any delays to the workshop process.
Tool Requirements:
Basic tools for construction, including utility knives, nail guns, chainsaws, and other tools must be on site two (2) weeks prior to the workshop. A full list of required tools will be supplied upon acceptance of host application. Workshop participants are asked to bring small hand tools, gloves, and hearing and eye protection with them. We also supply a recommended weekly menu plan to help in the kitchen planning. It is a good idea to have someone on site who can run errands during the week. There may be materials that were forgotten ahead of time for the construction site or the kitchen and the host won’t want to miss any of the workshop driving to town and back.
Profit Sharing:
In 2009 we introduced a new profit sharing program to help hosts offset some of the costs associated with building a structure on their land. For every paying participant who attends the workshop, we will provide to the host $100 towards the food budget and an additional $100 in profit share. For a workshop of 20 people the host would therefore get $2000 to offset material costs and $2000 for the food budget.
What happens if no one signs up?
If not enough participants sign up for the workshop, it may be canceled. This is a risk to the host as he or she will likely have completed significant construction on the building before such determination is made. We work hard to fill every workshop and in most cases are successful. We advertise on StrawBale.com and StrawBaleWorkshops.com and we place announcements in other pertinent areas as well. We also supply the host with a PDF file of a workshop flyer to be printed and distributed around the local community.
When to Book the Workshop:
If you are interested in hosting one of our workshops, please fill out the form below. We prefer to book our workshops a minimum of six (6) months in advance. This gives the host ample time to prepare the site and us time to advertise and fill the workshop. We look forward to hearing from you soon.
In addition, I ask all of my hosts to attend a workshop in the current year as a way to get familiar with what is required to host. It is the best way to learn what you'll need to do at your own workshop. I refund the tuition (minus food expense) once your own workshop starts the following year.
