This three-day workshop, led by Becky Little (Rebearth) and Caitlin McNamara, covered the theory and practical and experimental use of building with clay and straw. The workshop welcomed people of all building abilities, beginners as well as experienced practitioners. All materials and equipment were provided.
The workshop will covered the theory and practical and experimental use of earth and fibre. This includes the underpinning principles of using light earth in building - density, structure, thermal mass; experimentation with different soils, aggregates and fibres; practical experience infilling a timber-frame structure with clay and straw - mixing and placing; a lecture by Material Cultures; a tour of HG Matthews brickworks; and expert answers to questions about attendee's own projects.
Becky Little is an artist and natural builder and has been working with earth and fibre since the early 1990s. She is a specialist in the conservation of earth heritage and traditional techniques in Scotland and beyond, namely mudwall (mass earth), earth mortars, daub, turf and clay finishes. Her company, Rebearth, carries out materials and historic research, repairs to vernacular buildings and innovates using traditional methods in new build. She also runs workshops and community builds for social impact. She is a project officer for EBUKI and a trainer on many European projects.