Join us for a two-day workshop, led by Barbara Jones and jointly delivered by the WeCanMake team, Material Cultures and the RIOT Lab EPFL, exploring both the theory and hands-on practice of retrofitting masonry buildings externally with strawbales.
THE WORKSHOP: This is a two-day workshop offering practical techniques for using locally sourced straw bales to insulate existing buildings. An introduction will be given by Barbara Jones, who will provide an overview of the contemporary practices of straw construction. Participants will learn how to arrange and fasten the bales securely, creating solid, well-constructed walls. The workshop will cover the basics of using straw bales as a building material, focusing on methods appropriate for external wall insulation.
Barbara Jones is a pioneering natural builder and educator, passionate about creating affordable, healthy homes using natural materials. With a background in mainstream construction and years of experience in strawbale building, Barbara has been at the forefront of the movement since 1995. Through the School of Natural Building (SNaB), she mentors self-builders and teaches across the UK. She is the author of the acclaimed manual Building with Straw Bales, and has received multiple awards for her groundbreaking work, including the CIOB’s "World’s Best Woman Builder." As a designer of innovative, cement-free foundations and an advocate for EcoCocon straw panels, Barbara continues to innovate how we think about sustainable building.
These workshops welcome people of all building abilities – beginners, as well as experienced practitioners. You do not need any pre-requisite knowledge to join us – just a willingness to learn and get hands-on with materials. Snacks and light refreshments will be provided for participants, but you will be required to bring your own lunch.