Natural Building Basics – Part I: Wall Systems

Introduction

Introduction 
Meet Bryce and learn about all of the materials and processes that will be covered in this course.

Course Guidebook 
Download and print your course guidebook so that you can write notes and have it with you when you’re building.

Section I: Materials

Before Choosing Materials 
Learn the pros and cons of different natural building approaches and how to select the appropriate materials for your project.

Common Natural Building Materials 
Learn about building materials. You will find out where to source them and how much of each material you will need based on your project size.

Cutting Baling Twine 
Learn how to cut baling twine, an important skill to learn and will save you lots of time.

Sifting Clay Through a Screen 
Learn how to correctly sift clay to refine your product.

The Jar Test 
This test helps you to determine the sand, silt, and clay content of the soil you’re using—whether it’s outsourced, or from your own backyard.

Section II: Mixing

Mixing Light Clay
Start getting dirty. Learn a low-tech way of mixing clay slip, and fibre and how to use a tumbler mixer for bigger projects.

Mixing Cob
See how fun it is to mix cob—especially among friends. Learn different mixing techniques including barefoot and Canadian-style foot mixing.

Mixing Review

Section III: Wall Systems

Wall Systems
Learn about cob, light clay, and straw bale wall systems.

Safety Precautions
Learn about important safety precautions to take while preparing materials and building.

Foundations 
The type of foundation selected depends on the circumstance of your project.

Foundations: Mortared Stone Wall 
One of the foundations Bryce covers is the mortared stone wall. Here, he compares the mortared stone wall to the dry stack stone wall; both of which are used for natural foundations.

Roofs 
Learn the different ways in which you can roof a natural building. This includes post and beam, timber frame, or standard framing. While cob and straw bale can be load-bearing, they require careful consideration.

Cobb Overview

Light Clay Walls 
Light clay is a versatile insulator and can also be used in a renovation setting, by being integrated with standard stud walls, Larsen Truss walls, or between a post and beam frame.

Preparing Light Clay Walls 
Make thicker, more insulated walls with this technique while working with a standard stud wall, and learn how to block and strap the studs.

Larsen Truss Walls 
Learn about Larsen Truss walls, how to achieve wider walls with more insulation or support, and how to determine what types are best for different situations.

Straw Bale Introduction 
Straw bale is an excellent insulator that lends itself to many different types of frameworks. Learn how it can be combined with cob to make bale cob.

Difference Between Straw and Hay
Essential knowledge for natural builders.

Using and Making a Baling Needle 
Learn the methods used to create a baling needle for making straw bales of different sizes.

How to Make Straw Bales Different Sizes 
Learn the technique to make different-sized straw bales for straw bale walls.

Full Wall Systems Review 

Section IV: Application

Forming and Filling a Light Clay Wall 
Know what to look for as you form and fill a light clay wall.

Cob Application 
Making a cob wall is no easy feat. Learn techniques including shouldering, slumping, trimming, sculpting, and more.

Making Corbels 
Learn how and when to use corbels.

Making Arches and Niches 
Learn the general technique for working with corbels.

Section V: Final Words

Disclaimer
Review some key things to remember before you start naturally insulating your first wall.

Full Course Review