If you’re serious about building naturally and sustainably then you’ll know that each technique has pros and cons. That is why our natural building course is designed around the principles of understanding earth, how it works and does not work together. You will leave with the theoretical understanding and practical grounding of a range of techniques and materials, so that you are able to make the most appropriate decisions regarding materials and or sustainability once you are ready to begin your project.

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Materials you will work with: 

  • Cob
  • Mud brick / adobe
  • Rammed earth
  • Rock
  • Compressed Earth Brick
  • Straw bale
  • Light Earth (Straw clay mixes)


Building & Design skills you will learn: 

  • Earth theory and Earth tests.
  • Basic site layout and measuring.
  • Passive solar design.
  • Foundations, walls, openings & mud brick arches.
  • Natural plasters
  • Off-grid solar energy design.


Our course is comprehensive and covers a range of materials and techniques based on Peter McIntosh's professional and personal experience working with these approaches and from having lived off-grid since 1999. Although the course needs to be comprehensive in order to give a feel for the materials you may work with, you will be empowered to be successful and make rational choices whatever the given situation.

About the facilitator: 
Peter McIntosh has been building with earth since 1999 and as a result he has an exceptional level of experience and knowledge about the various natural building materials and techniques in South Africa. On a mission to spread the word about natural building he has been teaching and running natural building courses since 2010 and has honed the craft of transferring the knowledge and practical skills so you leave feeling confident and empowered to start your own project.
Peter walks the talk and he’s been living off-grid and practising permaculture in community living for the same period. We grow as much of our own food as possible, and our home is designed according to passive solar gain with various green technologies that he installed and maintains himself… from solar energy, grey water harvesting, solar food drying and sanitation to name a few.

This 7 day course costs R4500 p/person. You will be provided with vegetarian lunches and two teas daily. Accommodation costs are not included; please email us to find out about the options available. 

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