Natural Building Basics – Part I: Wall Systems

Section I: Introduction

1. Introduction 
   Welcome to your course! Here you’ll learn how to create and build walls made of natural building materials. This course has a second part to the series called Part II: Natural Finishes in which you learn how to finish the walls you’ve made in this course. We highly recommend it!
2. Course Guidebook 
   Please be sure to download your guidebook so that you can bring it with you when you are building your first structures. We are sure that it will be worn out in no time!

Section I: Materials

1. Before Choosing Materials 
   Before we get started, Bryce goes over the pros and cons of different natural building types, and how to choose which materials are right for your project.
2. Common Natural Building Materials 
   Here, Bryce discusses basic materials that are commonly used for natural building projects, as well as how to identify them, and where to source them. He also covers how much of each material you will need.
3. Cutting Baling Twine 
   This is an important skill to learn and will save you lots of time!
4. Sifting Clay Through a Screen 
   Another important step in the process of creating these materials, Bryce shows you how to correctly sift clay to refine your product.
5. The Jar Test 
   This handy test helps you to determine the sand, silt, and clay content of the soil you’re using—whether it’s outsourced, or from your own back yard. Knowing the soil content will help in the creation of your materials.

Section II: Mixing

1. Mixing Light Clay
   This is where we get to the bulk of the content and start getting dirty. In this section, Bryce demonstrates a low-tech way of mixing clay slip, and fiber (either woodchips or straw, typically). He also covers using a tumbler mixer for bigger projects. See the guide book for more details.
2. Mixing Cob 
   Bryce demonstrates how fun it is to mix cob—especially in a big group! He discusses the many ways of mixing cobs and shows how to do barefoot mixing, as well as Canadian-style foot mixing.
3. Mixing Review
   Bryce goes through a quick recap of what you have learned already before moving on!

Section III: Wall Systems

1. Wall Systems
   In this section, Bryce will talk about how to use, combine, and integrate common wall systems used in natural building into different structures. Here he covers Cob, Light Clay, and Straw bale.
2. Safety Precautions
   Even while working in a fun and messy site with natural materials, safety is always important. Here, Bryce goes over important safety precautions to take.
3. Foundations 
   Depending on your circumstances, there are many different foundations that can be beneficial in different ways. Bryce gives an overview of a few of these to think about.
4. Foundations: Mortared Stone Wall 
   One of the foundations Bryce covers is the mortared stone wall. Here, he compares the mortared stone wall to the dry stack stone wall; both of which are used for natural foundations.
5. Roofs 
   Bryce discusses all the different ways in which you can roof a natural building. This includes Post and Beam, Timber Frame, or standard framing. While cob and straw bale can be load bearing, they require careful consideration. Many styles of roof including metal, or even a living room can be used over a natural wall system!
6. Cobb Overview
7. Light Clay Walls 
   This is the section where Bryce covers how Light Clay is a good insulator and can also be used in a renovation setting. Light Clay is versatile, so it can be integrated with standard stud walls, as well as Larsen Truss walls or between a post and beam frame.
8. Preparing Light Clay Walls 
   In this video, Bryce shows you a technique for making thicker, more insulated walls while working with a standard stud wall. He covers techniques such as blocking and strapping the studs.
9. Larsen Truss Walls 
   A Larsen Truss wall is used when you want to achieve a wider wall with more insulation, or if you want more roof support. Bryce gives an overview of the circumstances you’d want to use this under.
10. Straw Bale Introduction 
    This video will touch on the how straw bale is an excellent insulator that lends itself to many different types of frameworks. Bryce will also discuss how it can be combined with Cob to make Bale Cob.
11. Difference Between Straw and Hay
      This is an extra important one to know when creating a natural building!
12. Using and Making a Baling Needle 
    This detailed video will show you the methods used to create a baling needle for making straw bales of different sizes.
13. How to Make Straw Bales Different Sizes 
    Bryce shows you the important skill which allows you to make different sized straw bales for straw bale walls.
14. Full Wall Systems Review 
     Ready to apply some cob? Bryce goes through one more overview of what you have learned already before you get started!

Section IV: Application

1. Forming and Filling a Light Clay Wall 
   Bryce shows you what to look for as he forms and fills a light clay wall.
2. Cob Application 
   Making a cob wall is no easy feat. In this thorough video, Bryce will show you many techniques including shouldering, slumping, trimming, and sculpting. This video will also cover how to prep a dry wall, how to help a wall dry faster, and more!
3. Making Corbels 
   What’s a corbel, you say? Corbels are used for making arches, and when extra tensile strength is needed. Here, Bryce shows you how and when to make them.
4. Making Arches and Niches 
   In this video, Bryce shows the general technique for working with corbels. They can be used to create free-form shapes, or they can be applied over a removal form for bigger shapes.

Section V: Final Words

1. Disclaimer
   Just a few words before the end of your course. Bryce reviews some key things to remember before you start building your first natural structure.
2. Full Course Review 
   We know that you will enjoy this course and that you feel confident to start getting your feet dirty. Cob structures are such a beautiful way to be a part of the natural environment and enjoy your space.