Workshops

Building a Clay Oven

A Workshop Presented by The Green Foundation
September 3rd and 4th, 2011, Sundre Alberta

This 2 day workshop (see full agenda) will give you a chance to get your hands and feet muddy, while building a traditional clay oven. The weekend will also introduce and demonstrate key permaculture features such as a straw bale house, a chicken greenhouse, and the use of local materials.

Camping is available on site. $165 per person . Call (780) 723-3533 to Register.

DIRECTIONS TO WORKSHOP SITE: to be provided to registered attendees

The Chicken GREENHOUSE

September 3rd – 5th, 2010

SUNDRE, ALBERTA

With Paul Belanger eco-designer and builder

This is a weekend workshop about the design and construction of the ultimate food producing machine: The Straw Bale Chicken Greenhouse!! You will see an example in its final stages of construction. Last year the back portion was built with straw bale walls. This year the south Greenhouse (glass) portion is to be built. There is some hands-on during the weekend. You will learn:

  • The use of thermal mass heat storage for any building.
  • How to use natural/recycled materials to reduce bldg. costs.
  • Should you integrate a greenhouse with your house?
  • Why do chickens work so well in a greenhouse?

Also, see a completed straw bale round house on site.

Workshop fee; $265/person or $485 for couple or two friends. Low income price is 15% less. Space is limited. Camping on site is available.
To register call (780) 723-3533 or email:

This workshop is presented by The Green Foundation

Straw bale Building Workshop

August 14 – 16, 2009

SUNDRE, ALBERTA

With Paul Belanger eco-designer and builder

This weekend workshop had “hands on” and classroom components. We built a straw bale chicken coop on a farm near Sundre. Topics covered included:

  • Straw bale building details for the Alberta climate
  • Options for plastering a straw bale wall
  • Moisture control methods for a straw bale wall
  • Passive geothermal heat storage for any structure
  • Use of natural materials to reduce construction costs
  • Can you integrate a greenhouse with your house?
  • Building the ultimate food producing machine:
  • “The Solar Chicken Greenhouse”
  • See a completed straw bale round house on site
  • Install straw bales, and apply some plaster

This workshop was presented by The Green Foundation