Build Your Home from the Ground Up: A Masterclass in Natural Walls & Foundations
A home is only as strong as its foundation and its walls. This comprehensive course delves into the very heart of natural construction, empowering you to start your building journey from scratch using time-tested, cement-free methods.
You will explore the domain of robust foundations and diverse earthen walls, from sculptural Cob to sturdy Earthbag. This is an essential course for anyone aspiring to build a truly natural and durable home.
What You Will Master in This Package
- How to build different types of strong, cement-free foundations and limecrete plinth beams.
- Multiple wall systems including Cob, Adobe, Wattle & Daub, CSEB, and Earthbag.
- Traditional masonry techniques like Rat Trap bond and their advantages.
- How to prepare and use different natural mortars (mud, lime, pozzolanic, etc.).
- Techniques for creating openings and adding sculptural elements like niches and air ducts.
- The role of plant mixtures, natural gums, and fibers in creating durable, water-resistant walls.
Course Curriculum
Part A: Your Complete Guide to Walls & Foundations
This is the core of your learning journey, where you will master the structural elements of a natural home.
- 3.1 Foundation, Plinth, and Plinth Beam: Learn the principles of creating a solid, cement-free base for your home.
- 3.2 Different Methods of Making Mud Walls: A deep dive into the various techniques for building the body of your home, exploring their unique strengths and applications.
Part B: BONUS - Includes Foundational Materials Knowledge
To build strong walls, you must first understand your materials. This package includes the complete Part 1: Essential Materials course as a free bonus.
- 1.1 Introduction to Natural Building: (Learn the philosophy of natural building, why traditional systems changed, and the 'Jagrat' concept of sensory connection).
- 1.2 Mud: (Understand soil composition and perform essential on-site mud tests to find the right earth for construction).
- 1.3 Bamboo: (Discover how to identify, sustainably harvest, and treat bamboo using traditional, chemical-free methods).
- 1.4 Lime: (Master the full lime cycle, from burning limestone in a kiln to slaking and testing its quality for use).
- 1.5 Surkhi: (Explore the science of pozzolanic materials and learn how to make your own Surkhi to create stronger lime mixes).
- 1.6 Admixtures Part-1: (Uncover the secrets of traditional binders and natural additives like Kadukkai, neem, cow dung, and plant fibers).
Who Should Enroll in This Course?
- Owner-Builders who are ready to lay the foundation and erect the walls of their own natural home.
- Architects and Engineers seeking in-depth knowledge of traditional load-bearing structures and cement-free foundations.
- Students and Researchers who want to understand the science and application of various earthen wall systems.
- Anyone who has mastered materials and roofing and is ready for the next logical step in the building process.
What Our Students Say
The section on foundations was a game-changer. I never knew it was possible to build such a robust base without using any cement and learning the differences between Cob, Adobe, and Earthbag helped me choose the perfect wall system for my project. A must-watch for any aspiring builder!Thank you, Thannal!" - Shivini Gandhi, Potter, Goa
Frequently Asked Questions
- Are these foundations suitable for flood-prone areas or different soil types? The course covers various foundation types, including those designed for greater resilience. Understanding your local soil (which you learn in the bonus Part 1) is key, and the course guides you on how to choose the appropriate foundation technique for your specific context.
- Which wall system is the strongest or best for a beginner? Each wall system has unique strengths. Cob is sculptural and forgiving, while Earthbag is known for its strength and ease of learning the basics. This course explains the pros and cons of each, helping you choose the best system for your skill level, climate, and design.
- Do I need heavy machinery to build these walls? No. The vast majority of these traditional techniques are designed to be built with simple hand tools and human power, making them accessible and cost-effective.
Course Details
- Total Duration: Approximately 10 hours 35 minutes (5 hours on Walls & Foundations + 5 hours 35 minutes on Essential Materials).
- Language: English
- Pace: Self-Paced, learn on your own schedule.
- Access: Lifetime Validity.
The displayed price is inclusive of GST (18%), Payment Gateway Charges (2-3%), Platform Charges (10%), Affiliate Charges (20%).
This course equips you to create solid foundations and sturdy walls that will proudly support the roof of your natural home. Enroll today to learn these essential skills.