All workshops will center on the new solar shed/natural building lab under construction at the Berea College Ecovillage and are scheduled from 9:30 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Registration fee of $10 for each workshop includes lunch, snacks and a pamphlet detailing the process showcased. Participation is limited to 15 people per workshop and advance registration is recommended. Wear clothing appropriate for the weather, including hat and sunscreen.

The Ecovillage site is on Jefferson Street next to the Berea city park. Parking is available in front of the Fowler Child Development Laboratory at the Ecovillage. Carpooling is encouraged.

A complete description of each workshop follows. For additional information and to register, call (859) 248-7301 or email:

Saturday March 18: Earthbag Wall
Earthbag is the tried and true sandbag method of building bunkers and levies converted to use in a building. In this workshop participants will learn how to stack bags so that they are stable and also learn how to apply a first cob plaster coat.

Saturday March 25: Slipstraw Wall
Slipstraw is straw coated with clay slip (much like tossing a salad) that is forced into forms that make up a wall. The forms are removed when full and after a period of drying the wall is ready for plaster. Participants will learn how to build framing to support the slipstraw, how to mix the slipstraw and pack it into forms.

Saturday April 15: Cordwood Wall with Clarke Snell
Cordwood is a method of building where equal lengths of wood (new, recycled or cast off) are mortared together with the end grain showing. The final result looks much like a stone wall. Berea College will be hosting the author and green building expert Clarke Snell who will conduct this workshop.

Saturday April 29: Living Roof
A living roof or green roof system helps control and filter storm water, helps insulate, and provides green space that is otherwise destroyed by building. Brad Rowe of Michigan State University’s horticulture department will be teaching the workshop with a public seminar the day before on April 28.

Saturday May 6: Cob Wall
Cob is a very old method of building where clay and sand are mixed with straw to form walls. Very durable, these buildings can last for hundreds or in some cases a thousand years. Participants in the event will learn the cob basics of mixing and building.