Natural Building Workshop – 08/2023
Powell River, Canada

In this year’s permaskills Natural Building Workshop we will build a Cabin / PermaHome for Jessica and Shane in Powell River, Canada. They would love to have a comfortable, passively heated guest room. The highlights of this workshop are a winter-proof building with passive heat management and well-insulated strawbale walls from foundation to roof, earthen floors, earthen plasters, and even cob sculpting.

You will get the opportunity to build a complete building from foundation through floors and walls to the roof with your own hands. We are trying to use only natural materials, so you know exactly what you are working and surround yourself with.

There are no skill requirements for this Natural Building Workshop! You will learn everything you need to build a PermaHome from foundation to roof. That said, it certainly won’t hurt if you know some things and put it to good use or share it with others. Nobody is perfect and we are always curious to learn other ways of doing things.

This course will provide you with plenty of opportunities to get hands-on experience in Natural Building, all the skills, and especially the confidence you need to build a PermaHome for yourself.

This course consists of theoretical instruction (in English) with lectures & graphics as well as hands-on construction for 7 – 8 hours a day. The successful completion of these Workshops gives you a Natural Building Certificate. You will receive the permaskills Natural Builder Certificate, all the teaching materials by email and the permaskills – Natural Builder’s Handbook, which is a summary of the workshop building steps, upon graduation.

Passive heat management – In Canada the winters are long and cold, therefore we need good insulation for the house and an internal heat storage that will be charged by sunlight and release the heat at night.

There is often someone who leads yoga or some other movement practice in the morning and/or the afternoon. We like to have one evening a week to show slides, videos or have workshop related debates. The rest of the time you can spend on your own, join a jam session or contribute something to share with the group.

Shane and Jessica are the gracious stewards of Singing Cedars, a breathtaking 5-acre parcel nestled in the lush greenery of Powell River, BC. Shane is a passionate permaculture designer, audio engineer, music producer, and performer. Jessica has a degree in sustainable agriculture and is currently managing a large project bringing greenhouses to remote communities for food security.

Singing Cedars is more than just a plot of land, it’s a sanctuary for those seeking to reconnect with nature, rewild themselves, and replenish their souls. The property has a small-scale farm, a sacred space that hosts ancestral ceremonies, and ample untamed forested areas. The vision of Singing Cedars is to live close to the land and provide a place where people can learn, evolve, and deepen their connection to their humanity through various workshops, retreats, gatherings, and sacred ceremonies.

To further this vision, we aim to construct an earth dwelling that will serve as a warm, welcoming sanctuary for Elders and teachers as they visit Singing Cedars to lead ceremonies and workshops.

We are excited to welcome like-minded individuals to join us in co-creating this vision. Surrounded by majestic forests, diverse wildlife, and scenic hiking trails, Singing Cedars offers a glimpse into the unparalleled beauty of Powell River. We look forward to sharing this haven with you.

Powell River is a small coastal city located in British Columbia, Canada. Surrounded by the picturesque Coast Mountains and the pristine waters of the Salish Sea, it offers a wealth of opportunities for nature lovers.

The city is situated on the traditional territory of the Tla’amin Nation and offers numerous hiking trails, parks, and beaches. The Powell River Sea Walk is a popular spot for walkers and cyclists, offering scenic views of the ocean and nearby islands. Willingdon Beach is a great spot for swimming and picnicking, while the Sunshine Coast Trail offers a more challenging hike for experienced adventurers.

In addition to its natural attractions, Powell River is also home to the Powell River Historical Museum and Archives, which showcases the area’s rich history and culture. Visitors can also explore the vibrant arts and culture scene, including the Powell River Film Festival and the Powell River Farmers Market.

Overall, Powell River is a great destination for nature lovers who want to experience the beauty of the Canadian wilderness while also enjoying the amenities of a modern city.

Rob has been doing construction work since the age of 12 when he accompanied his grandpa on construction sites during his summer vacation. He’s a Jack of all trades, experienced in Masonry, Carpentry, Plumbing, Electrical Wiring, Home Automation, Cob Building & Sculpting, Green-Roofs, Non Violent Communication, Teaching and Team-Building and is bringing it all together to give you a complete experience from foundation to roof. Robert loves the Natural Building Community and bringing together the kind of people that are interested in it. He loves teaching and the look on faces when people succeed in doing things they never imagined they could do.

We offer 4 work trade discounts, 2 in the kitchen making breakfast in the morning and 2 on-site in the morning before breakfast or in the afternoon between class and dinner. An ideal learning opportunity to get a glimpse on every detail of the build. Each work trade is $50 off the tuition fees per week for one hour of help a day. These positions are naturally in high demand, but reserved to those that need financial support.

Register friends later, get the same discount. When the discount offer is ending soon, but your best friend isn’t sure yet. No problem, register now and secure the discount for the both of you.

Please contact robert.brendler@permaskills.org for more information.
Optional via Whatsapp +4915158593588.

WE LOOK FORWARD TO MEETING YOU!!!!