Builder Training Program

This is a professional training program for those individuals already working in the building industry or individuals with past building experience interested in any of the following:

Becoming proficient in clay/straw building
Assisting a client who wants an EcoNest built
Learning how to build EcoNests as a profession
Building their own EcoNest
Networking and assisting on EcoNest projects
Advancing their career as a natural builder
Becoming a certified EcoNest Affiliate Builder

Program Overview

The comprehensive EcoNest builder training program is offered in a series of three modules that follow the logical flow of constructing an EcoNest home. Course modules must be taken in sequence.

Builder Training I (7 days)

Foundations: Students will learn about WICFs (Woodchip Insulated Concrete Forms), why they are a more ecologically sound choice and how they integrate with clay/straw walls and finishing techniques used in an EcoNest.

Timber Frames: Students learn how to integrate the clay/straw "outsulation" wall system with European and Asian style timber frames.

Matrix Framing: The matrix is the light framework of Larsen trusses that wraps around the timber structure and facilitates an energy efficient clay/straw wall system. This light framing may be used with a timber frame or as an independent load-bearing structure. Students learn how to efficiently construct and erect the truss wall systems for 12" clay/straw walls. Students learn when, why and how to use load-bearing, non-load-bearing and hybrid solutions.

Door and Window Framing: Students learn a systematic approach to constructing door and window frames within the matrix of a clay/straw wall.

Clay/Straw Workshop: The clay/straw workshop is included in Builder Training I. It does not take previous experience to load clay/straw walls but it does take people power and the skill to organize them. "Builders-in-training" learn how to safely orchestrate a group of people to produce, deliver, and compact thirty tons of clay/straw.

Formwork: Students will fabricate and install the formwork used for building clay/straw walls and learn how to recycle the formwork back into the finished home.

Staging: Moving material, erecting scaffolding and coordinating the set up of a project is a major undertaking for each home. Properly organized and executed, it saves time, money and effort while increasing safety. Students learn how to effectively stage a project for maximum efficiency.

Clay/Straw Placement: The art of building a 30 ton wall system in less than 4 days is the result of good teamwork shepherded by good leadership. Like the barn raisings of our ancestors, when people come together to achieve this feat both walls and community are built. "Builders-in training" will gain experience as team-players and as leaders in the clay/straw wall building process.

Builder Training II (5 days)

Roof Structures: Perhaps one of the most distinguishing visual characteristics of an EcoNest is the umbrella-like roof structure that crowns the building. This is truly an example where form follows function. The roof protects the natural wall system, provides shade and collects water while gracefully connecting the structure to the landscape. Students will learn how to build the unique EcoNest roof system.

Interior Walls: Students learn about the three types of interior walls in an EcoNest: Standard 2x frame walls for running electrical and plumbing utilities, earthen mass walls for moderating indoor temperature and humidity and pocket walls for housing retractable shoji screens.

Open-Built® Framing: Open built framing is an approach to building that recognizes that a structure must be designed to be flexible and adaptable to ensure a long and useful life. A major consideration is running all utilities so that they are easily accessible. Students will learn this practical approach to planning for the future.

Utilities: Students learn how to work with electrician and plumber to install utilities in the EcoNest shell. Students will also learn how to integrate sustainable water use, waste and energy technologies.

Natural Building Science II: Much discussion amongst building scientists in North America has been about the theory of the movement of vapor through walls and how to prevent condensation from occurring within the wall cavity. Almost all construction and subsequent theory is based on the stud construction and mechanical HVAC systems. The EcoNest, with its massive, vapor-diffusible walls and natural systems of heating, cooling and ventilating can not be properly understood in terms of current North American building science theory. Students will learn about "Bau-Biologie", or building biology, the building science developed in Germany that explains the theory and practice of natural building systems. This background is important in terms of understanding and maintaining a natural home. It is also necessary background for anyone who will become a spokesperson for the natural building movement and who will be working with code officials and building inspectors.

Thermal Performance: Achieving the goal of the carbon neutral home requires, first and foremost, designing, building and detailing a home so that it requires very little energy to operate. Solar orientation, natural protection from the elements, air barriers and insulation all play a key role in a buildings performance. Students learn strategies for creating an energy-efficient home and how these strategies are applied in EcoNest building.

Rainwater Catchment: EcoNest roofs are designed to capture millions of gallons of water over the life of the home. Students learn how to turn a roof into a water harvesting system by using specific design and construction practices for gutters, protecting gutters from ice and snow damage, utilizing downspouts and rain chains, sizing and placing cisterns, as well as handling overflow protection.

Prerequisite: Builder Training I.

Builder Training III (5 days)

Exterior Details: Students learn which finishes are most appropriate for different climate zones and how to properly incorporate wood and stone into a breathing wall system. Students examine options for finishing the fascia and soffits of the large roof overhangs. Interior Details: EcoNests are designed to create light filled, compact and flexible interiors. Students will explore the integration of various design elements including timber frame layout, ceiling and skylight treatments, window placements, and use of shoji screens within the EcoNest to achieve these design goals.

Heating Systems: Students learn the many benefits of using wood burning masonry heaters and the necessary construction provisions needed for their installation. In addition, passive and active solar heating and high-efficiency, gas-fired infloor hydronic systems, will be discussed.

Interior Finishes: Interior finishes are chosen for beauty, health and ecological stewardship. Students learn how to select finishes to achieve health, hygroscopicity, thermal comfort, negative ionization and natural electro-climate.

Exterior Finishes: There is an old English adage that a "good hat" and a "good pair of boots" are the key to a long life for a building The third key is to have "breathable walls". The exterior finishes on a clay/straw wall must be highly permeable. Students will learn how to detail and plaster exterior clay/straw walls using locally available materials. Detailing for exterior wood finishes will also be addressed.

Floors: By employing "earth coupling" EcoNests harness the planet's thermal bank. Students learn the principles and strategies for building energy-efficient and comfortable floors. Specific construction practices for wood, stone, cork, brick and concrete floors will be reviewed.

Natural Building Science III: This in-depth study of the EcoNest Construction Specifications Manual outlines special project protocols, specifies acceptable materials, identifies where to source them and provides recipes for creating natural finishes. The use of this manual ensures the Owner that they are getting a healthy home. It also serves as a manual for home maintenance throughout the life of the building. Students will learn the science behind the specifications and its importance in the EcoNest certification program.

Project Management: The successful outcome of any construction project is dependent on good management and co-ordination with sub-contractors. With healthy and ecological building, most subs require guidance and education. Subcontractors are often grateful to work with friendlier non-toxic materials. Learn the EcoNest philosophy for making your sub-contractors team players in a successful business.

Prerequisite: Builder Training II.

Instructors

Robert Laporte and EcoNest Team Members

Workshop Fee

$795 per person per module.

Workshop Dates and Locations

See the Calendar for dates and locations.