Hands-On

10 Day Long Natural Building Workshop

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Note: Proceed to the payment link at the bottom after reading the entire terms & workshop details.

Status: 
The next 10-day workshop will be held in mid-2024 (exact dates yet to be determined). However, you have the opportunity to join the 5-day Hands-on and Complete Companion of Natural Building Combo workshop scheduled for October 1st – 5th, 2023.

Time- 09:30 AM – 5:30 PM.

If tickets are filled, please write to us on Whatsapp or email: thannalroots<@>gmail.com. We will be happy to add you to our waiting list and will keep you informed if any cancellations become available.

Overview

Thannal Natural Building School’s half-yearly 10-day course is planned for people who want intense learning in natural materials, techniques and processes through hands-on work (1:1 scale) on our project. Every aspect of Natural Building from the foundation, wall systems, roofs, flooring & finishes is part of this course. Basics know-how of every ingredient used like different types of mud, lime, bamboo, herbal mixes and natural gums is explained. Participants are made familiar with how to identify different properties of the material, source it, prepare it and different techniques of using it. Various treatments for natural materials for termite resistance and how to repair mud structures are also covered.

Enhanced with Rural Study through site visits to indigenous & contemporary mud buildings. Inferences from such experiences can strengthen your confidence in building with Natural Materials.

Observe and learn from a wide range of experimentation done on our campus:

  • The Singing Dervish Studio, using cob.
  • Learning Center, using Cob, Adobe, Wattle & Daub.
  • Water tanks made with Mud and Lime.
  • Sensing Natural living.
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Aspects of Natural Building explored:
  • Lime preparation and usage.
  • Different forms of stabilization and admixtures.
  • Treatments using native plant and animal derivatives.
  • Natural gums.
  • Greywater management using Natural filtration.
The course consists of
  • Theory sessions with lectures and audio-visual presentations.
  • Hands-on sessions (for better practical learning about Materials & Techniques).
  • Prototype sessions (artisan will explain through doing a sample).
  • Site Visits (to experience the existing Natural Buildings).
  • Question and Answer session.
Natural Building Techniques covered in the course:
  • Foundation using Earth-bag and Stone.
  • Cob, a thick monolithic wall using Mud and Fibers.
  • Wattle & Daub, bamboo is weaved and mud is applied on top. Flexible to take any shape given.
  • Adobe, Sun-Dried bricks of Mud and Fibers.
  • CSMB, compressed mud blocks using very little water.
  • Earth-bag as building units.
  • Beams and Lintels using Bamboo.
  • Natural Plasters using admixtures derived from plants and animals.
  • Flooring using Lime and Terracotta tiles.
  • Roofing using Thatch, Bamboo, Wood and Tiles.
  • Murals and Sculptures on Mud walls.
Course Details

Note: Each day is divided into four sessions, 10 days into 40 sessions, two before lunch and two after lunch. Schedule could vary according to site weather conditions.

S.No Topic Type Sessions (Total 40)
1 Introduction to Natural Buildings Theory 01
2 Procurement and Treatments 01
2.1 Mud- Testing & Sampling Hands-On
2.2 Bamboo Prototype
2.3 Herbal Mixes Prototype​
2.4 Lime slaking and storing Prototype​​
3 Foundation 02
3.1 Stone Hands-On
3.2 Earth Bag Prototype
3.3 Beam System using Bamboo Prototype
4 Wall Systems 15
4.1 Cob Hands-On
4.2 Adobe Hands-On
4.3 Wattle and Daub Hands-On
4.4 CSMB Hands-On
4.5 Earth Bag Prototype
5 Roofing Systems 01
5.1 Thatch Theory
5.2 Living Roof Theory
5.3 Flat Mud Roof Theory
5.4 Tile Roof Theory
6 Finishes 08
6.1 Cob Repair Hands-On
6.2 Plasters (Lime, Mud, Mud + Lime.) Hands-On
7 Flooring 02
7.1 Lime Prototype
7.2 Tiles Prototype
8 Interior 02
8.1 Furniture Hands-On
8.2 Openings Hands-On
8.3 Murals Hands-On
8.4 Sculptures
9 Site Visits 02
9.1 Old Mud Dwellings
9.2 Own Projects
Presentation by Ar. Biju Bhaskar and Thannalites on the following topics:
  • Introduction to Natural Building.
  • Evolution of Natural Building in India.
  • Material Library.
  • Natural Gums, Herbs, Starch.
  • Natural Builders in India and around the globe.
  • Owner’s Build and Low-cost Mud housing.
  • Thannal’s completed and ongoing projects.
  • Revival of Traditional techniques.
Workshop Location:

Thannal campus, Tiruvannamalai, Tamilnadu

Travel:

Nearest Railway Stations: Tiruvannamalai, Katpadi and Villupuram.
Nearest Airport: Chennai, Bangalore.

Accommodation:

Accommodation is not available within Thannal Campus, so participants have to find and arrange a guest house for staying in Tiruvannamalai town. This expense is not included in the course fee. The daily commute to the campus (6 k.m. from Ramana Ashram, Tiruvannamalai) during workshop days also has to be arranged by participants.

Workshop fee:

The workshop fee is Rs. 30,500/-. To register you have to pay 50% of the fees and the remaining fee is to be paid on the workshop day (in cash only).

If you are coming for the workshop with your family, children between 10-16 years will be charged Rs. 15,250/- and children below 10 years can attend the workshop without any fee with their parents.

This fee includes lunch & refreshments during workshop days and excludes accommodation & site visit travel expenses.

We function in a manner in which all our studies, documentation, travels and research are funded with the money from workshops, Online courses not from any external funds, sponsorship or fellowships. Projects are done on gift culture, without any consultation fee, which are the results of our studies of Indian Traditional Natural Building techniques. We expect people who want to learn from us to understand this situation and kindly not ask for discounts on our study programmes. As we do not have any scholarships available right now, you can find a sponsor for yourself to study with us (you will be supporting us this way).
If you wish to sponsor any student for the course, kindly write to us. We have applicants waiting for sponsorship.

Prepare for the day:

Please see the below links for details of things to carry and other matters of concern.
Prepare for the workshop

Cancellation/Refund Policy:

We understand that circumstances may arise which prevent you from attending our hands-on workshop after booking a seat. However, kindly note that we have limited seats available and finding a replacement on short notice may be difficult.

If you want to cancel your booking, please inform the Thannal team at least 20 days before the workshop, and we will offer you the opportunity to attend one of our future workshops.

If you cancel your booking within 20 days of the workshop, we will provide you with the following options:

  1. To participate in one of our future workshops within 20 days of cancellation, you will need to make an additional payment of INR 7,500 along with the balance payment of INR 15,250, bringing the total to INR 22,750/-. This additional payment is required to cover the cost of the vacant seat, as Thannal will lose a valuable participant if it remains unfilled. We appreciate your understanding in this matter.
  2. Alternatively, you can opt for access to our online course packages for the amount paid as the booking fee for the workshop.

Please note that we do not provide refunds for cancellations. Instead, we offer you the two options mentioned above. We appreciate your cooperation in this matter. Thank you for choosing Thannal for your natural building education.

For queries: thannalroots<@>gmail.com

Note:
  • We welcome families taking part in the workshop together. Children below 10 years can attend the workshop for free with their parents. Children from 10-16 years of age have to pay 50% of the workshop fee.
  • We don’t entertain non-participants at the workshop site during workshop hours unless it is unavoidable. Please let us know in advance if you want to invite your relatives or friends to campus during workshop days.
  • Do respect the privacy of others when you go visit any nearby sites.
  • This is exclusively a hand-on workshop so get ready to stretch and twist your muscles.
  • Do wear light comfortable cotton clothes, preferably old, to beat the heat. There are very few chances of your clothes not getting soiled.
  • The sun can be a bit harsh here so carry sunscreen and headgears.
  • Do keep yourself hydrated to avoid any discomforts. You can also carry Electoral & Glucose for that extra boost of energy.
  • Wear footwear that you can slip in and out of easily. Our Natural Cob Gym will need the use of your bare feet!
  • At times, working with hands can get a little rough; you can get a pair of work gloves along!
  • Please carry your emergency medicine if and when required.
  • Keep your cell phones away while working, this is a no-selfie zone. Video recording during the workshop is also prohibited, notes can be written down.
  • The itinerary is subject to change as per material availability, site conditions and local weather.
  • If tickets are filled, please write to us on Whatsapp or email thannalroots<@>gmail.com6

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84 thoughts on “10 days Natural Building Workshop”

  2. Lokmani Narayan

    Namaste Thannal _

    I would be really interested to attend a complete and detailed workshop at your place.
    Kindly let me know if you are going to organise a workshop in Second half of 2023 or whenever you do in 2024. For me sooner is better.
    Kindly mail me at my email id provided along this message.

    I am also really interested in learning about rammed earth structures if you can include that it would be really nice.
    Also whenever you launch your ebook in hardcopy/paperbound, do inform me.

    Thank you so much.
    Looking forward to hear from you.

    Regards
    Lokmani Narayan

  4. Fiona Gala

    Hello thannal I am Fiona Gala, and I am intrested in the 10 day workshop from 1st to 11th July, but I am unable to finad any payment link, so please update me with the link where i can pay for the unique workshop.
    Thank You

  6. Poorna Pallavi Purushottam

    I am a designer and interested in attending the workshop and learning more and widening my scope. Would like to get an update on the dates for the workshop so I can go ahead and book my seat. Thanks

  7. Thannal

    Namaste Rajesh,
    You can learn with us through hands-on workshops or Online courses
    Our next hands-on workshops are planned for Feb 2023 (Dates are not fixed). Kindly write to thannalroots<@>gmail.com. So that we can let you know when the dates are fixed. Thankyou.

  8. S K Rajesh kumar

    I am retiring in six months. I am interested in developing my farm land with natural farming and build a house with combination of chettinad and kerala naluketu style. I have seen jawahar kumars video. Pl suggest the course for me and can I book a seat for Feb slot?

  11. Binciya P H

    Hello, I am interested to attend a 10-day workshop with my family, I would like to know the details

  14. Kranthi

    Hi sir I am interested in doing this course ….can u pls join me in April 1st batch…..thankyou

  16. swati

    Hi, the payment link only open 1April workshop, which shows Out of Stock. I don’t see the 20April workshop listed. Please provide the link for 20April 10 day workshop enrollment.

  20. Ambika M

    Hi, I am Ambika from Bangalore.I wanted to build a mud house in my native village near Sivakasi and also wanted to share and spread the awareness towards the need of eco friendly houses around our area.I also wanted to be a part of the volunteer group of Thannal.
    I would like to attend the 10 days workshop planned in March 2022.Pls let me know how to make the payment for booking.
    Regards
    Ambika

  22. Sanjay Singh

    Recently retired from corporate world. interested to build my own home. when and how to attend for hands on. Thanks

  23. karupasamy

    @Guru, the Workshop schedule will be updated along with the revised cost on the 1st week of January 2022.

  25. Guru

    10 day long natural building workshop in February.
    I am interested in joining this course.
    How much dose the course cost.

  26. Shiva Chopra

    Hi I am Shiva Chopra from Mumbai I work in entertainment industry as an actor,I have a small farmland in Bhopal there I want to make a cob house for myself for staying purpose I am very much eager to join your upcoming workshop.

  27. Priya Revuri

    Hi, me and three friends of mine are interested in attending this workshop. Please let us know the dates when fixed, we would love to take part and learn a lot from you.

  28. Binay kumar

    I am jnable to find the payment link as I want to register for the upcoming 10 days workshop. Please guide

  30. Sreedhar D

    I have been waiting for this for quite sometime now. I live in Bangalore and planning construction in the near future, this will be of great help. Please keep us posted on the details of the workshop

  31. Shailendrasing Patil

    Hi,
    I would be interested to attend this workshop, please inform me once you plan it next.
    Please email me the details.

    Best Regards,
    Shailendrasing Patil

  33. Sreya Mantena

    Hi Thannal, I am waiting for this workshop for a very long time. I couldn’t attend it last year, as the seats got filled quickly. I am very eagerly waiting to get muddy. Please keep me informed as soon as the session dates are declared. My email: sreya.mantena@gmail.com. Thank you!

  35. Gurinder singh sarai

    Pls inform me through phone on my no
    9814685997 for the dec2020 workshop when booking of tickets will open

  37. Wungram

    HI, I am very much interested and would love to be part of this workshop. Please let us know, will these workshops be conducted as planned in October and December 2020 post this COVID-19 Lock down? And what are the preventive measures considered during this workshop if they are to be conducted.

  42. Dinesh Mukhiya

    Namaste!
    We are trying to pay, but it is not working with international cards or even with the nepali/indian card!
    How can we pay and book?
    Greetings
    Dinesh

  43. Thannal

    Namaste Mrunalini, 10 day Feb 2020 is full. Kindly write a letter in thannalroots @ gmail.com so it will be easy for us to inform you if anyone cancel. July 10 day tickets will be open with in a week’s time

  45. Atif Kazi

    Hi. I want to participate, however, I need to know any pre requisite skill set or experience. I’m not an architect, however, loved this concept and this has sparked my interest in eco friendly architecture

  46. Mrunalini Ob

    Hello,
    I am interested in participating 10 natural building workshop from 24th feb to 4th of March … However, I am unable to pay the workshop amount.
    Is there any alternative mode of payment. It would be very kind of you if you could assist me through this.
    I look forward to attend the workshop.
    regards,
    Mrunalini

  47. Thannal

    @Kinjal Namaste, presently Dec2019 workshop is full. Feb2020 10 day is also getting full. Surly we will let you know if any one cancel. You can write a letter in thannalroots(@)gmail.com so that we can respond soon if any body cancel.

  48. Kinjal

    Hi,

    I want to participate in the 10-day long workshop in December. Since I am already in the middle of construction of a space, it would be best for me to understand natural building soon, hence I want to participate in the December workshop. Please let me know in case someone cancels and a spot opens up.
    Thank you.

  50. Nischitha D

    Hi i want to apply for 28 March – dec 4 workshop
    But it is showing unavailable
    Are there any slots left? If not I am alone to attend the workshop is there any chance to join the workshop?

  52. Ar Pratiksha Porwal

    Hello Thannal Team,

    I have two kids aged (5 & 9 yrs) whom i would like to get along for the February workshop. However, won’t it affect my concentration and learning ability or are your programs designed in such a way that they will get to learn and at the same time , me too? I don’t even know how to frame this question, but i had to put my concerns here, since your phone number is not available. Also, which is the nearest station to your venue. I shall be coming from Mumbai. And what should be the total approximate cost apart from the course fees? What is the best and cheapest lodging available and again best and cheapest way to reach course venue everyday? Kindly call me on 9920887469 as i would prefer discussing this on phone instead of comments section. It would also be easier for me to book for the course, if I am aware of all the above asked details. With Regards, Ar Pratiksha

  55. Dipesh zajariya

    I really want to register for 14-23 dec session but i m not getting link . Is there any chance to get admission for workshop?

  58. Ananya Jaiswal

    Hi, I’ve registered for the workshop in September.
    I’ve some issues regarding accommodation. I’ve mailed my queries. Please reply 🙂

  59. Thannal

    Namaste Tejas, Greetings from Thannal, well surly let you know if there is a vacancy, if you could write a letter thannalinfo @ gmail.com, it will be very helpful.2020 calendar will be put up in September first week. Thanks

  60. Thannal

    Namaste, Greetings from Thannal, well surly let you know if there is a vacancy, if you could write a letter thannalinfo @ gmail.com, it will be very helpful. Thanks

  63. Krishna Chaitanya

    Namaste! I am very much interested in a 10 days course.
    Please let me know if a slot is open for this year? All courses this year show house full….is there a way we can get notified on my emails or by SMS when registrations get opened??

    Thank you,
    Krishna

  64. Tejas Shah

    I want to build natural house near Ahmedabad. I want to learn it my self seems all 10 day work shops till dec are full. When will be next one? If there is cancellation for dec one can I get a seat?

  66. Manjula Dilip Bhadricha

    I would like to join the course after December. Can u pls tell me when.is the next session after December 2019.

  69. Suman mital

    I am 62 years old iam interested in this course but dont know if I will be eligible

  70. Dr. Durai

    Bravo,
    மண்ணின் கலை களஞ்சியங்களுக்கு சிறம் தாழ்ந்த வணக்கங்கள்.

    We are preparing ourself for the natural designed rooms and commune for our naturopathy institution.
    Do you provide any assistance by workmanship, or contracts by your group of people or. By any skilled artisians trained by you.

    Thanking you.
    துரை.

  75. Hariharakarthikeyan

    Hii friends

    This is Hariharakarthikeyan from Trichy
    Actually i’m civil engineer and i’m very much interested in natural building and i would like to construct my own house using natural resources

  78. Thannal

    Sorry Neelima presently our courses are held in our campus in Tiruvannamalai, Tamilnadu. Its worth a visit in south India under the foot of Arunachala.

  80. Thannal

    Namaste,
    Difference between 10 day workshop & 15 day workshop.
    In 10 day workshop, every aspect of Natural Building from Foundation, Wall, Finishes, Flooring and Roofing is covered. It is a comprehensive course on all topics needed to build a home.
    In 15 day Workshop, different kind of Natural finishes – Mud Plaster, Mud + Lime Plaster, traditional Rajasthani Lime Plasters, Natural Colours, Plant & Animal Admixtures, Flooring etc is covered. Other parts of building like Walls, Roof, Foundation etc is not covered in this course.

    Please look into the course details of both workshop.

  81. sanjay

    Is the topics covered in 10 days Natural Building Workshop, will it be there in 15 days Long Course in Natural Finishes & Flooring October 2019?

  82. Thannal

    Namaste Poonam,

    Firstly the amount of money you can save in constructing your home by learning and applying this method is very much higher than how much you are investing for this course.
    We are working in barter system with our projects, the money to run the organaisation comes through teaching at these workshops only. So by attending our workshop, you will be contributing to our future research and studies, along with your own learning.
    We had two common man workshops, 1 day plaster workshop and 4 day farmer’s natural building workshop held in april & may for people who could not invest more money in learning, you can attend these workshops next time.
    We appreciate your thirst in learning natural building.

  83. Poonam

    Beyond my budget.. But I wish it could be available for interested low budget candidates like me.
    Regards,
    Poonam

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