Hands-on Straw Bale & Timber Frame Natural Building

This 10-week course (Saturdays, Sept 20 - November 22) empowers participants to build a small agricultural structure (<600 sq. ft.) using sustainable techniques. Through weekly hands-on sessions at SolFed Farms, students will learn to construct a straw bale, roundwood timber frame building with rubble-trench foundations, natural plasters, and hybrid clay tile/living roofs. By course end, participants will be able to: explain natural building principles, safely use traditional tools, assemble timber joinery, and evaluate design choices like insulation vs. breathability. Ideal for farmers, DIYers, and sustainability enthusiasts—no prior experience needed, just readiness to get muddy and build community!

Limited partial scholarships are available. For more information reach out to Hristina Petrovska at aHBldHJvdnNrYSB8IGt2Y2MgISBlZHU=.

To register: https://www.campusce.net/kvcccommunity/course/course.aspx?catId=37

Also check out other Workshops in Kalamazoo.