Workshops

The 2010 CASBA Workshops will be held in Butte County. See events for more information.


2008 Workshop

2006 Workshop

2005 Workshop

2004 Workshop

Do you need or want a small Straw Bale structure on your property;
An insulated shed or a guest cottage??

If you are thinking of building a Straw Bale home, and want to hone your skills on a smaller structure first, this could be a great opportunity! CASBA is always looking for a volunteer host and site for the annual workshops when we build a small strawbale structure. At the end of the workshops you will have a nearly finished structure, plus CASBA instructors and workshop crews will guide the workshop participants in helping you build it!

Site Host - Benefits and Responsibility

Benefits:

• Assistance with building design and construction consultation from CASBA professionals


• Meet other people passionate about Strawbale building


• Labor assistance during bale raising and initial plastering


• Gain skills and learn techniques to build your future home


• You will have a structure that is environmentally friendly, using agricultural waste, with walls:
  
  • that absorb outside noise and feel very peaceful inside
  
  
  • are super energy efficient
  
  
  • are fire resistant and earthquake safe
  
  
  • have organic shapes and contours
  
  
  • are finished in beautiful plasters
  
  

Responsibility

• Be a CASBA member and have attended a straw building workshop or seminar


• Have a rural site with cleared space to accommodate a 16' to 24' structure along with plenty of room to allow a group of people (about 30 or more) to safely work around it


• Have some basic construction experience and own tools


• Purchase of all building materials


• Foundation installed prior to first workshop, and prep work completed before plastering workshop. CASBA members will guide you on process.


• Water and power available at building site.


• On-site or nearby camping with relatively flat ground suitable for a group of tents.


• On-site parking for all attendees.


• On-site or nearby clean-up (showers). A bathroom and/or portable toilet plus a private place for solar showers will do.


• On-site or nearby accommodations for evening slide presentations. A garage, workshop, barn, very large tent, or even a local meeting place (public or private meeting place such as a church, library, or grange hall) work well. It needs to have power and a white surface for projection


• On-site kitchen or space for food preparation and group meals, which can be outdoors.

If interested or you want more information, please contact the workshop coordinator:
CJ Cavet using our contact form.