Essential Straw Bale Building Theory Courses in Todmorden

We are thrilled to be bringing our Essential Straw Bale Building series of theory classes to Tod College this autumn. 

Taught by the UK's leading straw bale expert and our co-founder, Barbara Jones, these in-depth sessions are designed to give you total confidence in your straw bale building project - from finding the land to applying the final plaster.

We are determined to keep our courses accessible to all; as such you can book for individual day classes, class bundles or the full course. This time we are also trialling a partner discount.

What Makes This Theory Course Essential?

• The Complete Journey: We cover every single aspect: land, planning, design, technical details, project management, and natural finishes.
  

• Affordability Focus: Learn practical steps to save money on foundations, materials, and long-term energy costs.
  

• The Confidence to Begin: Leave with a clear plan, a solid knowledge base, and the ability to manage your project successfully
  
  

Friday 9th October: Preparing to Build with Bales

This class is your project management playbook. Learn the techniques needed to keep your build on track, on budget, and up to standard. We turn the overwhelming process of starting a build into manageable steps.This session will cover:

• Financial Strategy

• Land & Planning

• Cost & Resource Management

• New Housing Models

• Case Studies

Saturday 10th October: Design your Straw Bale Building

Save critical time and money by learning how to design with the bale in mind. This essential preparation ensures your plans are buildable, efficient, and beautiful, whether you are a self-builder or a professional designer. This session will cover:

• Bale Basics

• Modular Design

• Structural Planning

• Modern Methods

• Site-Specific Customisation

Friday 16th October: Straw Bale Technical Details 

Ready to start, but still unsure about those make-or-break details? This deep-dive workshop covers the technical specifics you didn't know to ask about. Submit your specific questions to Barbara beforehand for live answers during the sessions.This session will cover:

• Foundations That Save You Money

• Weatherproofing & Durability

• Airtightness

• Internal Fittings

• Advanced Techniques

Saturday 17th October: An Introduction to Natural Plasters

Worried about the climate emergency and your home's air quality? Natural plasters (lime and clay) are central to a healthy, low-carbon home. This course connects you to historical, sustainable practices and their modern application. This session will cover:

• Decarbonisation

• Healthy Air

• Why Lime Works

• Practical Application

ABOUT THE TRAINER:
Barbara is the founder of SNaB (@schoolofnaturalbuilding), and the UK’s pre-eminent straw-bale building authority. She has decades of experience with straw bale building, clay and lime plastering, building physics and leading work on building sites across the UK and Europe. Her book, 'Building with Straw Bales; A Practical Manual for Self-Builders and Architects' is considered the essential guide to building with straw, and Barbara brings a wealth of knowledge and practical experience to every course. She will ensure course participants have a wonderful learning experience.


BOOKING:
£11-day seminar is priced at £110 with discounts available when you attend two consecutive days or all 4 seminars:

£110 - One individual day class

£198 - Two class bundle

£374 - Full course

See full Terms and Conditions here. Please note that for insurance reasons, all participants must be 16 or over.


ACCESS:
We welcome participants of all physical abilities and neurotypes, and aim to make our courses as accessible and inclusive as possible. As course sites and learning environments vary, we encourage anyone with specific access needs or requirements to get in touch so we can discuss how best to support your participation.

Tod College (this course location) is fully accessible.


ABOUT TOD COLLEGE:
Following a 5-year campaign, this former vocational college was transferred into community ownership from Calderdale Council in 2021. The centre functions as a community hub and learning centre, with a focus on sustainability. 


TRANSPORTATION:
The college is a short walk from Todmorden station, which has regular direct trains to Manchester (25 mins) and Leeds (1 hour). There is car parking space at the college and locally.

The School of Natural Building is a not-for-profit BenCom established for community benefit and receives no external funding. We price our courses as fairly as possible to support accessibility and representation in the building industry.

For course questions and enquiries please contact us on hello@schoolofnaturalbuilding.co.uk