Join us for a three-day workshop, led by Becky Little (Rebearth) and Caitlin McNamara, on the theory and practical and experimental use of building with clay and straw. The workshop welcomes people of all building abilities, beginners as well as experienced practitioners. All materials and equipment are provided.

LOCATION: The Brickworks, Bellingdon HP52UR, United Kingdom

ABOUT THE WORKSHOP: This workshop will cover the theory and practical and experimental use of earth and fibre. Including the underpinning principles of using light earth in building - density, structure, thermal mass; experimentation with different soils, aggregates and fibres; practical experience infilling a timber-frame structure with clay and straw - mixing and placing; a lecture by Material Cultures; a tour of HG Matthews brickworks; and expert answers to questions about your own projects.

ABOUT THE LIVE BUILD: The practical elements of the workshop will contribute to a Material Cultures Lab test for pre-fabrication methods and low-embodied carbon technologies. The timber-frame structure that we’ll be infilling with hempcrete was pre-fabricated with Central Saint Martins students and our building skills workshops are an opportunity to continue that learning with experimental methods, materials and mixes. More information about the project here.

ABOUT THE TUTOR: Becky Little is an artist and natural builder and has been working with earth and fibre since the early 1990s. She is a specialist in the conservation of earth heritage and traditional techniques in Scotland and beyond, namely mudwall (mass earth), earth mortars, daub, turf and clay finishes. Her company, Rebearth, carries out materials and historic research, repairs to vernacular buildings and innovates using traditional methods in new build. She also runs workshops and community builds for social impact. She is a project officer for EBUKI and a trainer on many European projects. 

TRANSPORT / ACCOMMODATION: Material Cultures is rooted in a low-carbon approach so please travel to the workshop by public or shared transport if you can. We will be trying to do the same. There will be a shuttle from Chesham Underground Station and a WhatsApp group for participants to coordinate sharing lifts and accommodation, there are plenty of options for camping and B&Bs nearby.

ACCESS: Some of the workshops will be held on rough terrain and may pose issues for those in wheelchairs or with reduced mobility. Reach out to us if you would like more information and photos in order to assess together whether you would be able to access the site.

PRICE: Many people are under-represented in construction and architecture and we want to do all we can to help respond to this. Material Cultures is a not-for-profit and this workshop doesn't receive external funding but we have tried to keep the price as low as possible. A quarter of places will be subsidised 50% for people who don't have access to resources for the cost of the workshop. This will operate on a trust basis, first-come first-served. We’re committed to improving this as our education work develops. Price includes tuition, materials, tools and refreshments.

£300/person Full Price
£150/person Subsidised Price (SOLD OUT)

BOOKING: There is a limited number of places on the workshop and booking is essential. If you have any questions, please email lab@materialcultures.org.