Jon Clark, EarthCraft Construction President: Dumars Straw Bale Workshop

Straw Bale Building – Free 2-Day Workshop Aug 30–31

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August 19, 2025•3 min read

August 19, 2025

Straw Bale Building – Free 2-Day Workshop Aug 30–31

Join EarthCraft in Boise for a free 2-day Straw Bale Workshop. Build, learn, and explore sustainable construction

EarthCraft Design Build is opening up one of our active job-sites in the Central Foothills of Boise. It will be for a free, hands-on community workshop! Join us for an immersive two-day learning experience in sustainable straw bale construction and plaster rendering.

Are you curious about natural building? Are you passionate about sustainability? Or, do you want to get your hands dirty and learn new skills? This is your chance. Come for one day, or stay for both to gain the full spectrum of knowledge.

Event Details

Dates: Saturday, August 30 & Sunday, August 31
Time: 8:00 AM – 3:30 PM (arrive by 7:45 AM)
Location: Central Foothills of Boise (exact location provided to registered participants)
Cost: FREE – our gift to the community
Includes: Expert instruction, building materials, light refreshments, and real-world experience on a live project
Bonus: Homeowners are generously providing lunch both days. We’ll also have cold drinks, shade, and plenty of camaraderie.

What You’ll Learn

This workshop blends theory with practice so you leave empowered to advocate for and even build with straw bale yourself.

Day One – Foundation Day (Saturday, August 30):
- Get hands-on experience building straw bale walls.
- Learn the costs, logistics, and advantages of straw bale construction.
- Explore what it’s really like to live in a straw bale home.
- Connect with others passionate about sustainable living.
Day Two – Finishing Day (Sunday, August 31):
- Prepare walls for the first mud (plaster) layer.
- Learn professional plastering and finishing techniques.
- Experience how earthen plaster creates energy efficiency and insulation.
- Walk away with knowledge to confidently share and apply straw bale building practices.

Why Straw Bale?

Energy Neutral Homes: Learn about passive and active solar integration for energy independence.
Local Impact: Discover how sourcing straw supports Idaho’s farming community.
Healthy Homes: Understand how natural materials like straw and earthen plaster create safe, efficient, and durable living environments.
History & Applications: Explore the roots of straw bale construction and where it fits in today’s world.

Jon Clark, EarthCraft Construction President places straw bale on wall

What to Pack for Your Building Adventure

Sun hat & weather-appropriate work clothes
Water bottle
Work gloves
Safety glasses or sturdy sunglasses
Closed-toe shoes (steel-toed preferred)

Who Can Join?

Everyone! All ages and abilities are welcome. Whether you swing a hammer every day or you’ve never been on a job-site, your presence is valuable. As we like to say: Many Hands Make Short Work.

Straw Bale Wall Assembly

Be Part of the Conservation

This is more than a workshop. It’s an opportunity to be part of something bigger. You will be building a resilient, sustainable future for Boise and beyond.

Come for the experience. Leave with the skills, stories, and confidence to share straw bale construction with your own community.

Reserve your spot today by registering through EarthCraft Design Build. The exact location will be emailed to participants.

We can’t wait to build with you!

The EarthCraft Design Build Team