Our Theory Course is now available online!

Join our 2027 cohort of online learners with the new online edition of our theory course. A great way to deepen your understanding or refresh your knowledge ahead of the spring build season! 

Classes will take place Wednesday's 6pm - 8pm, with each module spanning 3 consecutive weeks. We thoroughly recommend taking the full course, it is designed to take you on a complete journey from land & planning, to design, technical details and natural finishes.

Module 1: Preparing to Build with Bales
6-8pm, Wednesday 6th, 13th & 20th January 

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

Module 2: Design your Straw Bale Building
6-8pm, Wednesday 3rd, 10th & 17th February

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
  
  
  

Module 3: Straw Bale Technical Details
6-8pm, Wednesday 3rd, 10th & 17th March

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

Module 4: An Introduction to Natural Plasters
6-8pm, Wednesday 31st March, 7th & 14th April

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:
Hannah Hunt is a straw bale building designer, engineer, natural builder and Passivhaus practitioner with over 20 years’ experience in construction. Since 2009, she has worked with SNaB’s sister companies, Amazonails and Straw Works, developing extensive experience in straw bale design and natural building. Hannah combines her engineering background with a passion for natural materials, low-energy design and creating healthy, beautiful buildings that work with their surroundings. She holds an MEng in Civil and Structural Engineering and an MSc in Architecture, Environment and Energy Studies. Hannah also teaches Qigong and is passionate about exploring the connections between people, buildings and the natural world. 


BOOKING: 
£100 - Per individual module 
£325 - Full course

We aim to keep our courses accessible and offer a limited number of subsidised places for those truly unable to afford the standard rate, please get in contact if finance is a barrier to yoru participation. Places are limited and we encourage early booking via the button below.

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.

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