The Very Very Basic Straw Bale Weekend Project Build  

Saturday& Sunday - Sept 1st - 2nd

Held at the Flying J Farm - Johnstown, OH

This workshop is designed for those interested in learning all the basic skills necessary to build a small to moderate straw bale structure.

From  start-to-finish we will build a small garden outbuilding (about 8’ x 8’) utilizing all the skills that you would use to build a much larger project... but in a small and digestible package.

We will build a structure that will be the feature attraction at the first Ohio Green Living Fayre to be held on Sept 3rd at the Flying J Farm.

The Workshop Agenda includes:

• Orientation/ quick tour of Flying J Farm
• Overview of how to construct a tire foundation
• Overview of Framing the structure.
• Securing the base row of bales to the foundation
• Cutting and retying bales to size.
• Cutting saplings to girdle the bales.
• Lashing the bales to the saplings.
• Theory of straw bale, load bearing versus non-load bearing
• Water issues (keeping the bales dry)
• Mixing and using cobb
• Earth plastering
• Integrating designs and light into your building using bottles
• Creating a living “green” roof

The Straw Bale Garden Project:

This basic project incorporates all the skills and techniques that you will need to tackle different size projects (like building your own dream mansion or a retreat out of straw bales).  But the scale of the vaulted straw bale building is small enough for a beginner “green builder” to learn without being overwhelmed - useful techniques for big or small building projects.  

Given the size and nature of this project, we will cover the work site in a canopy - so the event will proceed rain or shine .

Come prepared to work hard, have fun, discuss politics, eat terrific locally grown food (lunches and snacks are provided), make friends, sweat, have a proper cup of tea - then sit in the shade and admire all you have accomplished.

Workshop questions and logistics (such as what to bring, where to stay, meals, local attractions, directions, and the like).

Class size is limited to 10 students, so please reserve your spot early.   For reservations, call us at (740) 674-4300, e-mail annie@bluerockstation.com  or register instantly and pay by credit card by clicking the little buttons below...