*COMING SOON* Natural Shelter Construction: Earth Lodges and Wattle and Daub Workshop: Building Sustainable Shelters with Traditional Techniques

Product Description: Join us for a week-long Natural Shelter Construction Workshop at Primal Path Academy, located in the serene and natural surroundings of Caldwell County, TX, just 45 min South of Austin. This immersive workshop is designed for those who want to learn the art of building sustainable, natural shelters using traditional techniques such as Earth Lodges and Wattle and Daub. Led by experienced builders and natural construction experts, you’ll explore the entire process of constructing these durable and environmentally friendly structures, from selecting the site and materials to completing a fully functional shelter. Whether you’re interested in off-grid living, sustainable construction, or simply want to learn a valuable new skill, this workshop offers a comprehensive, hands-on experience that will leave you with both knowledge and a deep connection to the land.

Participants will enjoy gourmet farm-to-table meals with organic, gluten-free, and vegetarian options available for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and dessert, ensuring that everyone’s dietary needs are met with the highest quality ingredients. Accommodation is BYO tent or camper, with RV hookups available for your convenience. Modern indoor bathrooms and A/C ensure a comfortable and restful stay.

By the end of this workshop, you’ll have participated in the creation of a fully functional Earth Lodge or Wattle and Daub structure, equipped with the skills to build your own natural shelter from start to finish.

Daily Structure:

“Good Morning, Builders! Breakfast Awaits!” at 6:30 AM. Begin your day with a nourishing farm-to-table breakfast, preparing you for a day of physical and creative work in natural shelter construction.

The day begins at 8:00 AM with guided instruction and hands-on building activities led by our expert instructors.

“Take a Break, Replenish Your Energy – Lunch is Served!” at 11:45 AM. Enjoy a hearty midday meal, with plenty of organic, gluten-free, and vegetarian options to keep you energized for the afternoon.

Work continues from 12:30 PM until 2:30 PM, when it’s time for our Beat The Heat Break. Relax in the A/C, and discuss the second half of the day’s activities with your fellow participants.

From 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM, return to the site, applying your skills to new challenges and making progress on your shelter.

Finally, at 7:30 PM, “Dinner Time! Reflect and Rejuvenate with a Delicious Meal!” Gather around for a gourmet dinner, sharing stories and insights from the day’s activities.

Daily Breakdown:

Day 1: Introduction to Natural Shelter Construction and Site Preparation

• Morning (3-4 hours):

  • Welcome and Orientation: Meet your instructors and fellow participants. Learn about the history and significance of Earth Lodges and Wattle and Daub shelters, the principles of sustainable construction, and the goals for the week.

  • Site Selection and Preparation: Begin with an introduction to site selection, including factors like sun orientation, drainage, and wind protection. Prepare the site by clearing vegetation, leveling the ground, and marking the footprint of the shelter.

• Afternoon (3-4 hours):

  • Foundation Building: Learn about different types of foundations suitable for natural shelters, such as stone, gravel, or timber. Start building the foundation, ensuring stability and longevity for the structure.

Day 2: Earth Lodge Construction – Framework and Structure

• Morning (3-4 hours):

  • Introduction to Earth Lodges: Understand the principles behind Earth Lodge construction, including the use of natural materials like wood, earth, and grass. Learn about the traditional and modern adaptations of this shelter type.

  • Building the Framework: Begin constructing the main framework of the Earth Lodge using poles, logs, and other natural materials. Learn the techniques for creating a strong, self-supporting structure.

• Afternoon (3-4 hours):

  • Ribbing and Lattice Work: Continue building the structure by adding ribbing and lattice work, which will support the earth covering. Practice traditional lashing and knotting techniques to secure the framework.

Day 3: Earth Lodge – Covering and Insulation

• Morning (3-4 hours):

  • Applying the Earth Covering: Learn how to apply the earth covering to the framework, creating a thick, insulating layer. Understand the importance of layering, compaction, and drainage in ensuring a durable shelter.

  • Insulation Techniques: Explore natural insulation methods, such as using grass, straw, or leaves, to enhance the thermal properties of the Earth Lodge. Apply insulation between the layers of earth for added warmth and comfort.

• Afternoon (3-4 hours):

  • Finishing the Earth Lodge: Complete the exterior of the Earth Lodge by adding a protective layer, such as a sod roof or additional earth covering. Ensure that the structure is weatherproof and capable of withstanding the elements.

Day 4: Wattle and Daub Construction – Walls and Framework

• Morning (3-4 hours):

  • Introduction to Wattle and Daub: Learn about the history and techniques of Wattle and Daub construction, a method used for centuries to create sturdy, weather-resistant walls using woven branches (wattle) and a mixture of earth, clay, and straw (daub).

  • Building the Wattle Framework: Begin constructing the wattle framework for your shelter, weaving branches, vines, or reeds to create a strong, flexible structure. Practice different weaving patterns for added strength and aesthetics.

• Afternoon (3-4 hours):

  • Applying the Daub: Prepare the daub mixture using locally sourced materials such as clay, earth, and straw. Apply the daub to the wattle framework, filling in the gaps and creating a solid, insulated wall.

Day 5: Wattle and Daub – Roof and Finishing Touches

• Morning (3-4 hours):

  • Constructing the Roof: Learn about different roofing techniques suitable for Wattle and Daub structures, such as thatching or turf roofs. Build the roof framework and begin applying the chosen roofing material, ensuring proper drainage and weatherproofing.

  • Adding Doors and Windows: Construct and install doors and windows using traditional woodworking techniques. Ensure that they fit securely within the wattle and daub walls and provide adequate ventilation and light.

• Afternoon (3-4 hours):

  • Finishing the Shelter: Apply any finishing touches to the Wattle and Daub shelter, such as smoothing the daub, adding decorative elements, or applying a protective coating. Ensure that the structure is fully sealed and ready for use.

Day 6: Interior Design and Furnishing

• Morning (3-4 hours):

  • Interior Layout and Design: Plan and execute the interior layout of your shelter, considering elements like sleeping areas, cooking spaces, and storage. Learn about traditional furnishings and their placements within natural shelters.

  • Crafting Interior Features: Create interior features such as shelving, seating, and sleeping platforms using natural materials. Learn how to integrate these features seamlessly into the shelter’s design.

• Afternoon (3-4 hours):

  • Decorating and Customizing: Personalize the interior of your shelter by adding decorative elements such as carvings, woven wall hangings, or natural paint. Ensure that the interior is comfortable, functional, and reflective of your style.

Day 7: Final Inspection, Reflection, and Celebration

• Morning (3-4 hours):

  • Final Shelter Inspection: Conduct a final inspection of the shelter, checking for stability, weatherproofing, and overall functionality. Review the skills and techniques learned throughout the week and make any necessary adjustments or improvements.

  • Group Reflection: Reflect on the week’s activities, discussing the challenges, successes, and lessons learned. Share your thoughts on the importance of natural shelter construction and how it can be applied in your life.

• Afternoon (3-4 hours):

  • Closing Ceremony and Celebration: Conclude the workshop with a closing ceremony, where participants receive certificates of completion. Celebrate the successful construction of the shelter with a communal meal, enjoying the camaraderie and connection fostered throughout the workshop.

Join Us:

This Natural Shelter Construction Workshop offers a unique opportunity to learn and practice the ancient skills of building Earth Lodges and Wattle and Daub shelters. Whether you’re interested in sustainable living, off-grid construction, or simply want to learn a valuable new skill, this workshop will provide you with the knowledge, confidence, and hands-on experience needed to create your own natural shelter.

This workshop itinerary provides a detailed, immersive experience that covers all aspects of natural shelter construction, offering participants a valuable skill set in sustainable building techniques within the peaceful and inspiring environment of Harwood, TX.