POSTPONED

**This event has been postponed until further notice.

This workshop aims to provide an introductory guide to a range of earth building techniques including materials science, conservation of earth structures and buildings and construction methods using earth based materials.

This course complements our existing range of courses for the repair, conservation and maintenance of traditional buildings and bridges a knowledge and experience gap required for the effective repair, conservation and maintenance of earth constructed buildings which unknowingly abound our landscape in Scotland. Scotland has a rich but largely forgotten heritage of earth buildings which is slowly gaining recognition through recent projects and publications. There is also a global revival for earth and natural materials in eco-construction.

Becky Little (Rebearth Ltd) has over 25 years’ of experience working with both earth here and abroad and will share her knowledge across a range of disciplines, including sourcing and testing materials, mixing and making samples, building and repairing structures.

By the end of this workshop course attendees will be able to recognise earth and clay built structures and will gain an understanding of earth materials science, construction methods and the conservation requirements for their effective repair.

Course suitability

This course is aimed at those who work with, own or are responsible for traditional buildings. It is suitable for building and heritage professionals, self builders, building contractors and homeowners who have an interest in our rich built heritage as well as those considering a renovation, conversion or new build project using traditional earth based materials and techniques.

Course programme

Presentation – Earth building traditions and new build in Scotland and beyond.

Sourcing earth materials, testing and analysis – practical session.

Practical taster sessions including mixing, samples and application:

• Earth Mortars

• Mudwall (cob) and mud brick

• Daub (earth in a framework)

• Light earth with hemp fibres