Learn to build walls with one of the oldest construction methods known to man. Earth building or earth masonry is a range of building techniques that use a mixture of clay-based soil, sand, straw, and water. Despite being incredibly ancient, earth building is relevant today due to its thermal mass or insulative properties, low embodied energy, affordability, accessibility, breathability and, due to being a natural material, is non-toxic and can be reused or returned to the earth at the end of its life.

In this workshop we will be infilling the walls of a quail aviary using a method called wattle and daub. You will learn how to assess the suitability of soils for earth building, different earth building techniques, how to create a foundation for an earth wall, how to create a wattle and daub frame with bamboo, how to mix an earth mixture with your feet and use it to build up a wall. If there is time left over, we can also discuss earth renders/plasters.

The workshop will be hosted by Kyle Taylor. Kyle owns and operates north shore-based landscape construction company Tierra Projects. Tierra projects is deeply rooted in permaculture ethics and practises and exists to help homeowners, businesses and community groups to achieve more self-sufficiency and sustainability.

You will need to bring:

• Work boots or gum boots for stomping the cob
• Sunscreen
• Hat
• Water bottle
• Lunch (or there are cafes and restaurants nearby)