We offer training and education on natural building through both theoretical and practical courses. These cover a range of topics looking at sustainability in the built environment, from design and planning to project management, through to learning the practical skills to build with natural materials.
Our courses welcome folks of all building abilities, and our build sites are renowned for attracting wonderful, welcoming people, so you’ll feel at home, no matter whether you’re a beginner or an experienced craftsperson.
Some courses may be advertised at short notice because we often work with self-builders who may not be able to give a long lead-in time. We will advise all trainees of course dates by email as they are confirmed.
Upcoming Dates
COURSE
LOCATION AND DATES
TBA – Expression of Interest
More dates coming soon!
TBA – Expression of Interest
Theory Courses – 4 x 1-day Seminars
- Preparing to Build with Bales
- Designing your Straw Bale Building
- Technical Details for Straw Bale Building
- Natural Plasters
COMING OCTOBER 2025 – Expression of Interest
Learn more about our courses
Our booking office
For even more inspiration and information, check out Barbara’s book. Our self builders, and the architects we advise, all say this book is invaluable as a resource to understand how to build with straw. It covers the whole building process, from foundations to internal plastering. Barbara has been designing and building with straw for 25 years – this book is a distillation of all her knowledge and experience. Originally published in 2002 it has never been out of print – revised in 2009 and 2015, the last revision taking in details of how to compress straw walls and how to build the roof first when doing load-bearing buildings.
Thinking about hosting a course?
Are you a community group or a self-builder planning to construct a straw bale building? The School of Natural Building is here to help bring your vision to life. We offer a range of hands-on training courses that integrate directly into your build process, providing invaluable skills while advancing your project.