for a new generation of builders

May 25 - July 22, 2010

So you want to build? You’re thinking cob or straw bale, want to know more about plasters and what to do about a roof?… and a foundation? ….looking for training and a chance to get your hands into it?

Here’s what skillbuilders do:

mixing plaster

Explore several different techniques both hands-on and in theory. Stack stones and experience the feeling of the perfect fit as the foundation wall is built. Get into the mud for a week of cob building where you learn how to build strong, beautiful walls with arches, niches and sculpted features. And there’s nothing that transforms space quite like the final plaster coat mixed from natural clays and pigment, with fibre and other ingredients. Sustainability means whole systems and we explore this by looking into solar hot water systems, solar energy and watersystems that consider both rainwater collection as well as wastewater options. Every step of the program brings new ideas, more skills and so much more inspiration to you. You will work with several instructors who bring their special skill and knowledge, and with Elke Cole who is your mentor for the whole process. This is an opportunity to gain enough hands-on experience to take on small projects on your own or become part of a building team for a house  once you’ve finished the program.

Being a student here is a fulltime job: from breakfast at 7 am to evening activities your day is booked.
Be prepared to work physically for 7 hours daily and then have other projects to work on or presentations to attend.
You will learn much more than just construction skills; the community setting requires that we develop our communication skills and that we pay attention to each other. Expect the unexpected!

2009 skillbuilders talk about their experience in this video clip:

O.U.R. Ecovillage is your home for these two months: that means you live in Camp! Our site has support facilities for campers: solar showers, composting toilets, washing station. You will need to bring your own comfortable tent and sleeping gear, as well as any items that make you feel at home outdoors. There are hangout areas, especially the Chillage where you will be able to use your laptop on our wireless network. Meals are also included in the price: 3 meals per day.

As a temporary member of this community students share in our care schedule chores: spend time in the kitchen, clean up jobs like dishes, bathrooms and facilities, preparing space for events etc.  Evenings are open for presentations, movies, discussions and other voluntary activities. We take two days off each week- not always Saturday/Sunday, you will see.

2010 skillbuilders will learn and participate in:

• Introduction to natural house design
• Building a foundation for cob
• How to build a cob building: materials, mixing, building walls, benches, arches and attaching roof, door, windows, finishing
• Introduction to solar power and solar hot water systems
• How to create whole systems for water: rainwater, grey water
• Natural infill for frame structures
• Preparing buildings for finish plaster
• Introduction to natural plasters and paints

  

• Introduction to rammed earth construction
• Introduction to project management
• Individual or team design project
• Small group projects
• Team building process
• Site safety and personal care
• Community activities
• Field trips to other sites
• two public workshops: Cob in the Village and Natural Plasters and Paints, during which other participants join our group.

The skillbuilder students are connected with our building team and continuing interns.
Projects for 2010 include Freya’s house, the healing sanctuary, and a cob bath house.

Who can be a skillbuilder? What are the benefits of this program?

First let’s be clear: building work requires that you are reasonably fit, and generally handy.

If you already have conventional construction skills: great!  You will be able to include this in your work with competence. If you’re a new builder that’s great too: you will be able to decide where to deepen your learning following this course, and be able to develop your continuing learning path.  You want to participate actively in building your own home? The skills practiced here are useful tools for decision making and being an owner builder. All participants will make meaningful network connections as we work with different teachers.

The Natural Building Passport: towards certification

Our natural building students receive this passport as a first step to documenting their learning path. It is intended as a tool: for the student keep record of courses and projects, for teachers and supervisors to write recommendation and reports, for employers to check background. It effectively illustrates the learning path of the individual if used as intended.
The Natural Building Network recommends that young builders work with different teachers and organizations to complete their apprenticeship. This is a contribution to that goal.

After the skillbuilder, what’s next?

Many of our past skillbuilders have continued on their path by stepping into further internships with other organizations. Others have worked as small contractors and are building their reputation in natural plasters and community projects. Your skill level after practicing any one technique for only a week is obviously limited. You will have the ability to evaluate your capacity and you will feel where your main interest or passion lies. And you will be a member of the worldwide natural building community. There are more and more building projects in our region that require input from the natural building world.  Those who are successful as natural builders find a creative way to network, practice, keep their needs simple, and move where the work is. Key qualities are: self motivation, reliability, and enthusiasm as well as flexibility and creativity.

How much for all this?

Program fees are $3900 CAD plus $100 application fee

this pays for:

• A full program of hands-on learning and community experience
• Work and learn with various teachers
• An inspiring learning environment
• Camp
• Food
• Lots of future connections
• Your own Natural Building Passport

Ready to apply? Here’s what to do:

Please fill out our Application form/ questionnaire and write a vision statement for your participation in the program. What motivates you? What are your goals? What has you interested in this particular program? We also ask that you send a resume with references (contact #). Follow the directions on the form.
We will then set up a phone interview to clarify questions and to get a feel for each other. If you live close by we invite you to come for a visit and have the interview in person.
Please contact Elke with questions regarding the skillbuilder program.
We look forward to hearing from you!