What's Here for You...

Hello there. You are probably on our website because somewhere along the way you heard about natural building, and you want more information. Maybe it was through a hands-on workshop that introduced you to building with cob, either a cottage or maybe a wood fired pizza oven. Maybe you are interested in alternative heating systems like the rocket mass heater. Or perhaps you are looking for ways to improve your current living spaces with materials that are sensitive to the environment, and positive for your health. Maybe you are looking to build your dream home, and that project involves straw bales, and you need some guidance. You may be an owner builder looking for input on your home design; input that could save you time, money and heartache.

Either way, you are probably looking for alternatives. Well, have a look at some of our resources, a broad collection of helpful tips and thought provoking material, and consider if there are opportunities here for you.

Check out more about Dirt Craft...

What's New?

Straw Bale Comprehensive Workshop (August 11 - 17) - Millarville, AB
Straw Bale Comprehensive

Straw bales finished with earthen plasters is a natural building combination that is hard to beat. Being relatively low cost, low impact, high performance, and DIY - accessible makes straw bale construction one of the most sought after natural building techniques today.

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The Rocket Gets One More (Final!) Tweak

It was one year ago that I figured that the lacklustre performance of the rocket was due to the...

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Dealing With Code Officials

At last year's International Straw Bale Conference David Eisenberg, of the Arizona-based DCAT (Development...

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Alberta Straw Bale Comprehensive (August 11 - 17) - Details Coming Soon

Dirt Craft Natural Building will be teaching a one-week straw bale comprehensive workshop from Sunday, August 11th to Saturday, August 17th, 2013 out at Woodland West, near...

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Reflections on Japan

Though we were in Japan for only a few weeks, it is a country that leaves a deep impression on those who venture there. Japan is not an easy place to characterize and we’re still trying to sort out everything we observed while there, and more importantly, what it all...

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Walls Au Naturel: Learn the Art of Making and Applying Clay Plasters & Paints (SOLD OUT)
natural paint clay piant and plaster learn to do it yourself

Walls Au Naturel: Learn the Art of Making and Applying Clay Plasters & Paints!

Why:
Dreaming about turning your living space (massage studio, yoga space, children’s bedroom) into an eco sanctuary? Clay is the ultimate in natural: unique...

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Mike Jones Talks With Dirt Craft About His Straw Bale Home Journey - podcast

In 2012, Heather and I worked with Mike and Amber Jones during various phases of their straw bale home project. I interviewed Mike this spring (March 27, 2013) to see how his project was going and to get his experience, and have...

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A Little Insight into What Dirt Craft is All About - A Short Video

Recently, the very talented folks of Light & Soul have been working on a progect for Verge Permaculture. Below is that video...

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Free Resources

Cob Ovens: How to Use Your Oven, FAQ, How to Light a Fire (videos!)        

Rocket Mass Heaters: DIY Rocket Stove, A Lesson in Chimneys                 

Clay Plasters: Earthen Plasters for Natural Buildings  , the Benefits of Using Clay in Your Home, Clay Plasters & Paints for Drywall

Straw Bale Building: Learn about the benefits of straw bale wall systems, Top 10 reasons for straw bale construction, FAQ.

Building Practicalities and Philosophy: Provocative information on the economics of home ownership, as well as site selection and choosing a building method

 

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Marketplace

Books for Sale: A exciting selection of natural building books, direct from the authors, that are sure to inspire.

  

Clay Plasters for Cob Ovens: From experience, we know these are busy times, and ofthen there are projects that just go unfinished. So, we've taken action to make plastering a joy, not a chore!