Join us for a 2026
Natural Building Workshop!
with Sigi Koko, veteran natural building architect and instructor
(she designed and helped build ZigBone Farm Retreat buildings)
July 21-24: Strawbale Walls
August 25-27: Introduction to Lime Plaster
Sept. 15-17: Base Coat Clay Plaster
Natural Building Workshop!
with Sigi Koko, veteran natural building architect and instructor
(she designed and helped build ZigBone Farm Retreat buildings)
July 21-24: Strawbale Walls
August 25-27: Introduction to Lime Plaster
Sept. 15-17: Base Coat Clay Plaster
July 21-24: Strawbale Wall Intensive
Cost: $500 (lodge accommodations additional, see below)
DESCRIPTION: Strawbale infill describes the use of rectangular bales of straw to create a super-insulating wrap around a standard structural system. The resulting walls are beautiful, quiet, and energy-efficient. We will also work a thin coat of clay into the surface of the straw so the walls will be plaster-ready.
WHAT YOU LEARN:
• overview of strawbale construction
• recommended detailing for wet climates
• permitting issues & tips
• overview of passive solar design
• hands-on experience of all installation techniques
PROJECT: We will install strawbale walls in a 2-story passive solar home at ZigBone Farm Retreat. This course is for you if…you want to understand how to correctly install strawbale walls in wet climates.
WHAT's INCLUDED:
✓ one-on-one guidance from Sigi Koko
✓ hands-on experience installing strawbales
✓ information on permit approval for strawbale construction
✓ ample time for questions
✓ light breakfast, coffee/tea, & lunch
Option to camp for free (only five spots available) or stay in ZigBone Lodge for an additional fee (see below)
Everyone has access to bathrooms, showers, and a shared kitchen for cooking their own dinners
BOOK YOUR SPOT W/ SIGI KOKO: REGISTER NOW!
BOOK LODGING OR ARRANGE CAMPING: contact [email protected]
DESCRIPTION: Strawbale infill describes the use of rectangular bales of straw to create a super-insulating wrap around a standard structural system. The resulting walls are beautiful, quiet, and energy-efficient. We will also work a thin coat of clay into the surface of the straw so the walls will be plaster-ready.
WHAT YOU LEARN:
• overview of strawbale construction
• recommended detailing for wet climates
• permitting issues & tips
• overview of passive solar design
• hands-on experience of all installation techniques
PROJECT: We will install strawbale walls in a 2-story passive solar home at ZigBone Farm Retreat. This course is for you if…you want to understand how to correctly install strawbale walls in wet climates.
WHAT's INCLUDED:
✓ one-on-one guidance from Sigi Koko
✓ hands-on experience installing strawbales
✓ information on permit approval for strawbale construction
✓ ample time for questions
✓ light breakfast, coffee/tea, & lunch
Option to camp for free (only five spots available) or stay in ZigBone Lodge for an additional fee (see below)
Everyone has access to bathrooms, showers, and a shared kitchen for cooking their own dinners
BOOK YOUR SPOT W/ SIGI KOKO: REGISTER NOW!
BOOK LODGING OR ARRANGE CAMPING: contact [email protected]
August 25-27: Introduction to Lime Plaster
Cost: $425 (lodge accommodations additional, see below)
Description: Learn how to make and install your own high-quality, traditional lime plaster! You’ll get experience mixing lime and applying it over strawbale walls. This course is for you if you want to take the mystery out of lime plaster and learn how to create a traditional, durable, anti-microbial plaster. You do not need prior plastering experience!
What you learn:
• introduction to lime plaster & understanding the different types of lime
• understanding your materials
• understanding the chemistry (yes, there's chemistry!)
• how to work safely with lime
• mixing techniques
• how to prepare your wall surface
• how to apply a basic lime plaster base coat
• calculating quantities
• tips for your own projects
What's Included:
✓ one-on-one technique guidance from Sigi Koko
✓ resources for lime and pigments
✓ ample time for questions
✓ light breakfast, coffee/tea, and lunch
Option to camp (only five spots available) for free or stay in ZigBone Lodge for an additional fee (see below)
Everyone has access to bathrooms, showers, and a shared kitchen for cooking their own dinners
BOOK YOUR SPOT W/ SIGI KOKO: REGISTER NOW!
BOOK LODGING OR ARRANGE CAMPING: contact [email protected]
September 15-17: Base Coat Mud Plaster
COST: $500 (lodge accommodations additional, see below)
DESCRIPTION: Fiber-rich clay plaster is the backbone of natural building. This versatile plaster can be used in many ways and over many different substrates. We will apply a levelling coat over strawbale walls, as well as learn how to apply over wood lath (on conventional stud wall). You will learn skills that you can literally apply to any building…new or existing!
WHAT YOU LEARN:
• benefits of clay materials
• how to test site soil for clay & establish your basic recipe
• understanding ingredients & the function each one serves
• mixing techniques
• how to apply and smooth the shape of your plaster
You do not need previous plastering experience for this workshop!
PROJECT: We will apply thick clay plasters over strawbale walls as well as over wood lath on stud walls on a two-story home at ZigBone Farm Retreat in Maryland's Catoctin Mountains. This layer is the shaping coat in preparation for finish plaster. This Course is for you if… you want 3 days of personalized, hands-on guidance making and applying clay plaster.
WHAT’S INCLUDED:
✓ one-on-one guidance from Sigi
✓ hands on experience
✓ resources
✓ ample time for questions
✓ light breakfast, coffee/tea, & lunch
Option to camp for free (only five spots available) or stay in ZigBone Lodge for an additional fee (see below)
Everyone has access to bathrooms, showers, and a shared kitchen for cooking their own dinners
BOOK YOUR SPOT: REGISTER NOW!
BOOK LODGING OR ARRANGE CAMPING: contact [email protected]
DESCRIPTION: Fiber-rich clay plaster is the backbone of natural building. This versatile plaster can be used in many ways and over many different substrates. We will apply a levelling coat over strawbale walls, as well as learn how to apply over wood lath (on conventional stud wall). You will learn skills that you can literally apply to any building…new or existing!
WHAT YOU LEARN:
• benefits of clay materials
• how to test site soil for clay & establish your basic recipe
• understanding ingredients & the function each one serves
• mixing techniques
• how to apply and smooth the shape of your plaster
You do not need previous plastering experience for this workshop!
PROJECT: We will apply thick clay plasters over strawbale walls as well as over wood lath on stud walls on a two-story home at ZigBone Farm Retreat in Maryland's Catoctin Mountains. This layer is the shaping coat in preparation for finish plaster. This Course is for you if… you want 3 days of personalized, hands-on guidance making and applying clay plaster.
WHAT’S INCLUDED:
✓ one-on-one guidance from Sigi
✓ hands on experience
✓ resources
✓ ample time for questions
✓ light breakfast, coffee/tea, & lunch
Option to camp for free (only five spots available) or stay in ZigBone Lodge for an additional fee (see below)
Everyone has access to bathrooms, showers, and a shared kitchen for cooking their own dinners
BOOK YOUR SPOT: REGISTER NOW!
BOOK LODGING OR ARRANGE CAMPING: contact [email protected]
Natural Building at ZigBone
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Lodge Accommodations (camping is free, only five spots available)
Shared Room/Shared Bathroom: $75/night, 13 spots available across five rooms (pictures coming)
The Log Cabin Room (private, en suite): $200/night. Spacious room in original log cabin portion of ZigBone Lodge, with full bath
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Private Room/Shared Bathroom: $150/night, queen bed, sink in room
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