Join us February 18 (Sunday) for a Plaster Preparation Work Party in San Rafael, CA. In this one-day event we will be finalizing all the stuffing, window and door details, paper, lath, and any details that need to be completed before the application of the clay plaster to this yurt-style straw bale ADU for the Ngongoseke-Von Family. This unique round home with bales on end between studs (the BOEBS method) will feature a clay interior and a hempcrete exterior layer for additional insulation and fire resistance. The work party will run from 10 am - 4pm. Lunch and snacks will be provided.

This work party will provide a unique opportunity to see the details of the straw bale construction up close before it all gets covered with plaster. While not as talked about or photographed as putting in bales or putting on plaster, the preparation process is equally as important to having a sound and functional wall and we encourage anyone interested in straw bale homes to come learn more about this critical step. 

The project is the fruition of a long-standing dream of Dotto Ngongoseke to create a home for his family reminiscent of the traditional round thatched houses of his native tribe in Tanzania. They call it "Bayegu" which means "happy place" in his native language Sukuma. Dotto, his wife Ina, and their children Nyanz, Lyuba, and Sonda have all attended various CASBA workshops as they prepared to build their home over the last several years. Sadly, Dotto passed away this past fall. His family continues to work to complete this project in his absence.

There is space for car camping or tent camping on the property, and several spaces for camping pads/sleeping bags inside the main house for those seeking accommodations Saturday night in advance of the Work Party. 

Please register at https://www.strawbuilding.org/event-5599819.

Cost:   $0. 

Please do not come if you are feeling sick.

For additional workshop info contact Allison Arnold at allisonannearnold@gmail.com or 301-357-0582.