Please join the California Straw Building Association for:
Ray And Roman's Clay Plaster Finish Coat Workparty!
North Fork, CA
June 27-28, 2026
Free!
Join us for a Clay Plaster Finish Coat Workparty! This is the final coat for the exterior of this unique strawbale home. There will be tasks for every skill level and plenty of learning opportunities. All are welcome. No prior experience required. There are a range of tasks in the plastering process so everyone can get involved at every level of interest and skill.
Invitation from Ray and Roman:
Greetings all!
We hope this message finds you well!
We are trucking along and finally in the home stretch. The interior walls look fantastic and we are so grateful for everyone's support. We got the exterior scratch coat completed a few weekends ago with only FOUR participants at the work party! Darles (with baby on board!) led the charge with Roman, Naj, and Ray supporting. A great time was had by all. We are gearing up for the finish coat on June 27th and 28th. (Arrivals on June 26th) Breakfast at 7:30 on Saturday and Sunday. We feel certain that with the right crew we can get this final coat done as well. If you are free and looking for a fun time we would love to welcome and feed you. We will have Darles, Gabs, and Sam and if you love this finishing stage, we would love to have you too. Please let us know if you would like to join! Hope to see you soon! Contact us at 323-445-6365 to let us know you are coming and get the address!
Project History:
As you may know, we are rebuilding our home that was destroyed by a wildfire in North Fork, California. Some interest has been expressed in finding out more about the house, and the evolving fields of Sustainable Design and Green Building which is why we hosted a bale raising and a plastering party. See a time-lapse video of the bale raising here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HZyW8OAFVas. Now we are inviting you to learn and help with the plastering process.
As you may know, we are rebuilding our home that was destroyed by a wildfire in North Fork, California. Some interest has been expressed in finding out more about the house, and the evolving fields of Sustainable Design and Green Building which is why we hosted a bale raising and a plastering party. See a time-lapse video of the bale raising here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HZyW8OAFVas. Now we are inviting you to learn and help with the plastering process.
The house is a passive/active solar design which incorporates straw-bale, solar control, massive floors, and an off-grid solar electric system. Its straw-bale portion is a non-load- bearing (aka infill) straw-bale design.
The Workparty will take place Saturday/Sunday. Camping is available Friday night as well so feel free to arrive on Friday evening. Friday/Saturday/and Sunday nights for those who need it. Saturday and Sunday the workparty will begin at 8:30 am.
There are many great spots on the property for you to make a campsite. (There is a full bathroom and hot shower available for all) I know some of you are bringing camper vans to park, and there are also many Airbnbs in town if that is more your jam.
We will provide meals and drinks throughout the day starting with breakfast at 7:30 am sharp. If you are local to NF and want to bring a snack, dessert or side-dish to share just let us know! Also, if you are unable to attend but want to help out, you can Venmo Ray a donation for meals. ( His Venmo is @Ray-Ford ) Or you can Zelle him at 323-445-6365.
The house is in North Fork, CA 93643. We will provide directions and related information to you once you let us know that you can join us. Please wear sturdy shoes and long sleeves, and bring gloves, a water bottle and a mask if you have them. Anyone with plastering tools is certainly invited to bring these.
We hope to see you there! Contact us at 323-445-6365 to let us know you are coming and get the address!
Ray and Roman
