Cob Re: Colorado Natural Building Workshop 1999

[Renewables at aol.com]

>Frank and other who asked this question,
>>
>>  What is your curriculum? What will I learn?

Hello, Frank:
I'm assuming you received our program posted thru email.  I'm enclosing a
recently updated copy for your review.  Our workshop is probably the most
comprehensive broad spectrum workshop that I know of.  In that, I mean that
you will be exposed to a wide range of alternative building methods - you
will see and experience strawbale, cob, earthship, and rammed earth
construction.  You will meet, mingle, eat with and work with active
builders, owners and others who make natural building their business.  The
event is held at Sundial Village which is an ongoing community restricted to
alternative building and sustainable lifestyles.  In Sundial, there are fine
examples of Earthships, straw bale homes, cob structures, earthen floor,
natural paints, photovoltaic systems, biodynamic sewage systems, catchwater
systems and much more.  You will be invited to tour all of these homes, and
you will be instructed in many of the techniques used to build them.  Will
we be building an entire home?  Of course not, but we will have many
hands-on demonstrations in almost everything I mentioned above plus numerous
slide shows, lectures and interactive question/answer sessions.  You will be
overwhelmed with the amount of information you receive.

>> Will you give me enough
>> information to build my own Straw Bale home?

Probably not, but that depends on your prior building experience.  Remember,
straw bale is merely a wall system, and we will be building straw walls, and
plastering them with earthen plasters and paints.  You will be given recipes
and you will learn who to call or contact to get the additional information
you require.

>> What is the sq. footage of the
>> home will we be working on?

We will be working on an 1100 sq. ft. load bearing strawbale residence which
is 95% complete.  We will be applying earthen plasters, natural paints, and
completing the pumice based evapo-transpiration sewage disposal system.

We will be working on a 1700 sq. ft. Earthship, plastering the tire walls
and learning about the construction of this home which was built by a
contractor (me) for a client from Mike Reynolds generic Earthship plans.

>> What will be the size of my working group?

Hard to say, but there will be approximately 100 people at the event, and I
compare it to a three ring circus, because there will be ongoing instruction
in several places at once throughout the weekend, so you can come and go as
you please, and spend the time you desire in the places you feel will
benefit you the most.  The exact times of the individual events has not yet
been created, and probably won't be until much closer to the event, as we
are constantly adding segments and changing the presenter schedules as
needed to accomodate all of the diverse and dynamic aspects of the workshop.

>> Will we learn anything about the technical aspects of straw bale
construction

Yes, quite a bit actually.  You will also be in the company of Katherine
Wanek and Pete Fust, owners of Black Range Films, and the Last Straw
publication.  These are leaders in the straw bale movement who have made a
series of the most comprehensive videos available on strawbale code testing
and techniques.  These videos will be available for your viewing throughout
the weekend and available for purchase.

>> or
>> the local or state codes where I might want to build my home?

The videos are the best tools out there to answer questions you might
receive from building inspectors and regulators.  Likewise, you will be
surrounded by many people who have faced the challenges imposed by code
officials, bankers, and other obstructionists!

Please feel free to contact us for any additional information you require
at:

keithl at csn.net

Once again, the preliminary lineup looks like this . . .

Revised January 31, 1999

Colorado Natural Building Workshop
June 24th - 27th, 1999
Rico, Colorado




Spend a weekend in the high alpine environment of Rico, Colorado,
to learn, to share, and to stimulate your mind.    Building and living
sustainably is the topic  and we'll be hosting a series of discussions,
hands-on workshops, slide shows, home tours, and much more - presented by a
dynamic and provocative group of individuals who are active and
knowledgeable in their fields.  This year's event will once again be held at
Sundial, located just south of the Town of Rico in the San Juan Mountains.
Sundial is a planned sustainable community which places emphasis on natural
building and renewable energy.




The Logistics
Plan to arrive Thursday by 5 p.m. for the opening remarks,  introductions
and an entertaining evening at the Rico Theatre.   The Durango airport is
about 1 3/4 hours away.  Cortez airport is about an hour away.  Telluride is
about 40 minutes away, and the Montrose airport is about 1 3/4 hours away.

A free primitive campground with temporary facilities will be available at
Sundial, or inexpensive lodging can be found the Rico Hotel (970) 967-3000
or the Rico Motel (970) 967-2444.

A camp kitchen will be preparing group meals Friday thru noon on Sunday.
You are encouraged to bring any organic or otherwise healthy foods which
you'd care to share with the group.

Free range pets are not welcome.  While we do not strictly prohibit pets, we
request that your dog be confined to your camping area.  There will be
children, seniors and other dogs of Sundial owners around and we wish to
respect their territories accordingly.

The fee to participate in the ‘99 CNBW is $275 per person or $500 per
couple.  A space can be reserved for $150 payable in advance and the balance
due 2 weeks prior to the event.  Because this event will sell out, we
request three weeks notice of cancellation in order to fully refund your
deposit.

Bring your bike, your musical instruments, and your kids.
Rico is relatively remote.  The elevation is 8800', and the air is thin.
There are no medical services or law enforcement nearby.    Mornings &
evenings can be quite cool, and rain is a possibility, so plan accordingly.




 1999  Colorado Natural Building Workshop
LIST of  PRESENTERS

The following is a preliminary list of people who will share
their insights and skills to empower you and to help build a better world.
Subject to change without notice.



Mike Reynolds
Solar Survival Architecture
              The visionary Taos-based architect, owner of SSA and father of
the Earthship returns to Rico.  Presenting the latest developments in what
may be the world's best example of independent housing - the Earthship - and
what it means to live the Earthship lifestyle.  Mike will discuss his view
of the world and what he believes our global options are.  Hands-on workshop
at Sundial.  Not to be missed..

Katherine Wanek
Pete Fust
Black Range Lodge, Black Range Films
The Last Straw.
Dedicated to the cause of natural building and sustainable technologies,
Katherine and Pete have hosted numerous important gatherings of architects,
builders, artists, writers, and others to advance understanding of natural
building. Their film production talents have produced a series of
informative and essential documentaries concerning strawbale construction
and sustainable living issues.  Slide show/discussions/hands-on strawbale
demonstrations throughout the workshop.

Cedar Rose Guelberth
CRG Designs Healthy Homes
Building for Health Materials Center
Natural Builder/Designer/Consultant and Manager of BHMC, supplier of
environmentally friendly products, services, and sustainable technologies.
Cedar is highly skilled in the use of earthen materials for plasters,
paints, and many other finishes.  Cedar will discuss her work and her vision
of what lies ahead for us all in materials and renewables.  Lecture &
hands-on plastering project at Sundial.

SunRay Kelly
Known to most as simply "SunRay".  Renaissance man, architectural artist,
cob builder, dancer, friend of man, woman, and child. SunRay inspires and
teaches, and puts us in touch with the brighter side of life.  We'll all be
in SunRay's hands and heart this weekend as we build, dance and celebrate
life together.

Gary Duncan
Smart Shelter Network, Director
Gary tracks and documents much of the sustainable building that goes on in
western Colorado.  The SSN offers course studies and a publicly accessible
resource network.  Gary will show us "what's happening" in an evening slide
show presentation at the Rico Theatre.

Steve Berlant
Western slope Colorado natural builder, educator, and non-practicing lawyer,
Steve has widespread experience in earthen construction and shares his
experiences in the field.

Bill Christensen
www.greenbuilder.com
Austin, Texas based sustainable technologies network.  The leader in web
based access to worldwide products, services, and technologies.  Bill will
take you on one hell of a ride on the autobahn of cyberspace and you'll see
just how fast the world is turning. Presentation at the Rico Theatre.

Tom Bennett
Bennett Forgeworks
Metal and music are best when served separately.  Tom's capable of both, but
we'll focus first on being given a chance to learn a little about metal
working for the masses.  Tom will show us how to set up a simple forge and
metal handling workshop.  Tom manufactures custom building components,
hinges, candleholders and much more in his blacksmith shop on main street.

Steve Berlant
The Natural Builder
This Colorado based lawyer turned natural builder will be hosting a slide
show and lecture on natural building and giving a hands-on demonstration on
lime based paints and cob construction.

John Sir Jesse
The Herb Walker
 John is an incredible source of knowledge on the plants that grow all
around us.  You will be amazed at the diversity and usefulness of the bounty
of the bioregion.  Spend a few hours on a hike through the San Juan
highcountry with this enlightening and inspired herbalist.

Scott Ely
SunSense  Solar
Serving the western slope with solar technology, products, and services
since before it became fashionable!  Scott is on-hand to answer your
questions on renewable energy options and opportunities.

Bruce Eriksen
Outdoor enthusiast, climber, skier, traveler, and oh yes, solar consultant.
Bruce has been installing renewable energy systems in the San Juans for 4
years.  He'll be showing you his work in Sundial and available to answer any
questions you might have on going solar.

Tom Wuelpern
Rammed Earth Development Corp.
This Tucson-based rammed earth building designer and contractor sets the
standard for the construction of rammed earth homes in the desert southwest.
Tom will show his work through slides and will give on-site instruction for
a rammed earth demonstration project at Sundial.

Maggie Remington
Mortgage Specialist, Bank of Telluride
Working to educate lenders on alternative building is crucial to
establishing a mainstream position for green building.  Maggie is in the
trenches with the support of a lending institution who perhaps looks at
things a little differently, the Bank of Telluride.


Keith and Tracy Lindauer, with daughter Erica
SunEarth Construction
Natural builders, developers, & planners.  Originators of Sundial, and your
proud hosts
 for the 1999 Colorado Natural Building Workshop.

Barbara Rose
Permaculturist
Tucson based permaculture instructor and sustainable living afficionado.
Barbara is affiliated with the Permaculture Drylands Institute and is
skilled in a wide range of permaculture based methodologies.  She will be
giving a lecture at the Rico Theatre.







The Parade of Places
Join us for a walking tour and open house of some sacred spaces and
interesting places in the Rico region. . .

The Griebel Earthship - two bedroom, 1,680 sq. ft. Earthship in Sundial.
High alpine modifications to the generic plan and grid interface.
Constructed by SunEarth and owners.  Solar by Bruce Eriksen.

The Stevens Strawbale - one bedroom w/den, off-grid post and beam/straw bale
with radiant floor heat, sautillo tile floors, plaster finishes.  A cozy
handmade home in Sundial.

The Richardson Studio - Off grid, owner built, 150 sq. ft. solar straw bale
studio in Sundial.  Earthen plasters and living roof.

The Casita at Sundial - 1,100 sq. ft. load bearing strawbale studio in
Sundial.  Earthen plasters, natural paints, radiant adobe floors,
catchwater, biodynamic sewage disposal.  Hecho via muchos manos.

The Bennett Strawbale - what happens when steel meets straw?  In the hands
of artist Tom Bennett, you'll be amazed.  The style is new age anasazi.
Steel/straw bale, light clay, earth plasters.

SunRay's bus shelter - what happens when love meets mud!  This cob shelter
was constructed at the ‘96 CNBW.  A natural building classic.

The Lindauer Earthship - life inside a test tube.  The first truly high
elevation Earthship in the country is a dinosaur now, but continues to
provide for and nurture its inhabitants.

Bluecorn Beeswax Candle Factory - this grassroots cottage industry thrives
and jives in funky Rico.  John Kornbluh, proprietor will give us a tour of
this impressive and earth friendly enterprise.  Discounts for workshop
participants.



Colorado Natural Building Workshop


Please print out and enclose the following with your registration check:

___ I have information I would like to exhibit on a __table __display board.

____ I would like to make a presentation ___ minutes in length.  Please
describe:


____ I plan to camp at Sundial.       ___ I have a recreational vehicle to
park.

____ I would like to help in the kitchen and receive a $30 discount.


Name:

Address:

Phone and Email:


Please register by April 1, 1999!  Space is limited, and this event will
sell out early!!

Make checks payable to:   SunEarth

Send registration to:   SunEarth     after 4/1/99 remit to:

      P.O. Box 35504    P.O. Box 113
      Tucson, AZ 85740    Rico, Colorado 81332
      Email: sunearth at theriver.com  Email: keithl at csn.net

or phone us at:             (520) 531-1528    (970) 967-2882

We encourage the use of email whenever possible to improve efficiency and
control costs.


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