Natural Plasters

Builder Training II

Overview:

Exterior Details: Students learn which finishes are most appropriate for different climate zones and how to properly incorporate wood and stone into a breathing wall system. Students examine options for finishing the fascia and soffits of the large roof overhangs. Interior Details: EcoNests are designed to create light filled, compact and flexible interiors. Students will explore the integration of various design elements including timber frame layout, ceiling and skylight treatments, window placements, and use of shoji screens within the EcoNest to achieve these design goals.

Heating Systems: Students learn the many benefits of using wood-burning masonry heaters and the necessary construction provisions needed for their installation. In addition, passive and active solar heating and high-efficiency, gas-fired infloor hydronic systems, will be discussed.

Interior Finishes: Interior finishes are chosen for beauty, health and ecological stewardship. Students learn how to select finishes to achieve health, hygroscopicity, thermal comfort, negative ionization and natural electro-climate.

Exterior Finishes: There is an old English adage that a "good hat" and a "good pair of boots" are the key to a long life for a building. The third key is to have "breathable walls". The exterior finishes on a clay/straw wall must be highly permeable. Students will learn how to detail and plaster exterior clay/straw walls using locally available materials. Detailing for exterior wood finishes will also be addressed.

Floors: By employing "earth coupling", EcoNests harness the planet’s thermal bank. Students learn the principles and strategies for building energy-efficient and comfortable floors. Specific construction practices for wood, stone, cork, brick and concrete floors will be reviewed.

Natural Building Science II: This in-depth study of the EcoNest Construction Specifications Manual outlines special project protocols, specifies acceptable materials, identifies where to source them and provides recipes for creating natural finishes. The use of this manual ensures the Owner that they are getting a healthy home. It also serves as a manual for home maintenance throughout the life of the building. Students will learn the science behind the specifications and its importance in the EcoNest certification program.

Project Management: The successful outcome of any construction project is dependent on good management and co-ordination with sub-contractors. With healthy and ecological building, most subs require guidance and education. Subcontractors are often grateful to work with friendlier non-toxic materials.