Hands-On + Online
Quick 2-Day Combo Natural Building Workshop
Note: Please follow the registration procedure after reading the entire terms and workshop details
Quick 2-Day Combo Natural Building Hands-on Workshop
1. May 2025 (Status: Open) – 2-Day Combo workshop (Dates not fixed)
Are you eager to participate in this year’s 2-day Hands-on and Complete Companion Natural Building Combo workshop? If it’s fully booked, you have the option to join our waiting list. In the event of any cancellations or available spots, we’ll inform you without delay. To secure a spot on the waiting list, please email us at thannalroots<@>gmail.com.
Time- 09:30 AM – 5:30 PM
Venue: Thannal Campus, Tiruvannamalai, TamilNadu
Overview
Learn Natural Building in Just 2 Days with Hands-On & self-paced Online Learning!
You don’t need to be an architect or engineer to learn natural building. Our two-day workshop in Tiruvannamalai, Tamil Nadu, is open to everyone, regardless of your age or profession.
In the workshop, you’ll:
- Get hands-on experience with building materials and techniques.
- Watch artisans demonstrate techniques with samples.
- Lifetime access to Parts 1-4 of the comprehensive Natural Building online course (20 hrs)
It’s a great opportunity to connect with like-minded people and learn how to build in harmony with nature.
Why Opt for a Combo Workshop?
Imagine attending our engaging, hands-on workshop. It’s a fantastic, immersive journey that ignites your passion for building. However, once you return home, you’re likely to encounter a myriad of questions. This is precisely where the combo workshop excels. It pairs the workshop with a convenient, self-paced online course, simplifying the entire learning process. It’s akin to having a personal guide for all your pressing queries. Make sure you don’t miss this opportunity!
Whether you are an architect or engineer or aspire to pursue a career in natural building, this combo package is your essential guide throughout your journey.
Fee Structure
The workshop fee is Rs. 28,000/-. To register, you have to pay Rs.22,000/- and the remaining Rs. 6,000/- fee will 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. 4,000/- and children below 10 years can attend the workshop without any fee with their parents. The cost for each additional family member is Rs. 8000/-. Any additional family members should also pay 50% of their fee in advance as a registration deposit. Please be aware that access to the online course is granted to a single participant only.
If individuals who have previously purchased the online course wish to partake in the hands-on workshop, they may do so by paying a fee of Rs. 8000/- to secure a spot. Please note that there are only 5 available seats for additional participants, and they will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.
This fee includes lunch & refreshments during workshop days and excludes accommodation & food & travel expenses.
Note: Our policy generally accommodates seats for husbands, wives, and children as family members. We offer a total of 15 full tickets, along with 5 seats for family members.
Content
2-Day Hands-On Workshop Schedule:
9:00 AM – Registration
9:30 AM – About Thannal and Team
9:45 AM – Participant’s Intro
10:00 AM – Introduction to Natural Building (Theory)
10:15 AM – Natural Building Library and Lab (Theory)
10:40 AM – Natural Building Glossary (Theory)
10:50 AM – Tea Break
11:00 AM – Understanding Mud and How to Test it (Theory cum Hands-On)
12:00 PM – Lime Class with Pozzolana (Theory cum Prototype)
1:00 PM – Lunch
2:00 PM – Cob and Wattle & Daub (Theory)
2:30 PM – Cob Mixing and Doing Cob (Hands-On)
4:30 PM – Tea Break
4:45 PM – Doing Cob (Hands-On)
5:30 PM – Class Ends
Day 2
9:00 AM – Bamboo types, treatments and usage (Theory cum Prototype)
9:45 AM – Wattle and Daub Mix (Hands-On)
10:45 AM – Tea Break
11:00 AM – Weaving, Daubing, Sculpting in Wattle and Daub Wall (Hands-On)
1:00 PM – Lunch
2:00 PM – Adobe Bricks (Prototype)
2:30 PM – CSEB (Prototype)
3:30 PM – Plasters (Theory)
3:30 PM – Plasters Application (Prototype)
4:30 PM – Tea Break and Group Photo
5:00 PM – Clay Paints and Limewash (Prototype)
5:30 PM – Campus Tour
6:00 PM – End of Workshop
No. of Theory sessions: 8 | No. of Hands-On sessions: 5 | No. of Prototype: 6
Content
Self-Paced Online Course Content
Part 1: Essential Materials of Natural Building – Introduction to Natural Building, Mud, Bamboo, Lime, Surkhi, Admixtures – 1
Part 2: Natural roofing techniques – Introduction to Roofing Techniques, Flat Mud Roof, Madras Terrace Roof, Limecrete Roof, Khiru Roof, Adobe Roof, Pot Tile Roof / Country tile roof, Sandwich Roof using Terracotta Tile
Part 3: Wall Systems & Foundation – Foundation, plinth and plinth beam, Different Wall systems, Wet mixes, Cob, Wattle and Daub, Adobe, Dry mixes, Earthbag, CSMB, Openings, Masonry and mixes”
Part 4: Natural Finishes & Flooring
Click here to learn more about the Index of Natural Building Virtual Library.
Total Duration: About 20 hours | Learn at your own pace | Validity: Lifetime
Workshop Location:
Thannal campus, Tiruvannamalai, Tamilnadu
Food:
The fee covers lunch and refreshments exclusively during the workshop days. However, it does not include accommodation, travel expenses, or any costs associated with site visits.
Travel:
Nearest Railway Stations: Tiruvannamalai, Katpadi and Villupuram.
Nearest Airport: Chennai, Bangalore.
Accommodation & Transportation:
Accommodation is not available within the Thannal Campus. Therefore, participants are required to find and arrange their own guest house. We will provide a list of nearby places to stay. Please note that the accommodation cost is not included in the course fee. Additionally, participants are responsible for organizing their daily commute to the campus, which is located 6 km from Ramana Ashram, Tiruvannamalai, during the workshop days. Many guest houses in the area offer bicycles or scooters for rent at nominal rates, which can facilitate transportation. Alternatively, participants can consider sharing vehicles with other participants.
Kindly read the Cancellation Policy:
We understand that circumstances may arise when you can’t attend 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.
The advance payment is non-refundable, but in return, you will receive access to the Part 1-4 Complete Companion of the Natural Building Online Course.
If you wish to cancel your booking, kindly inform the Thannal team via email at least 20 days before the workshop. In such a case, we will allow you to attend the next 2-day workshop without any penalties (so be sure to attend our next 2-day workshop). It is important to note that seat availability follows a first-come, first-served basis, and only 5 seats are allocated for cancellations. If all 5 seats have been booked, you will have a chance to participate in the subsequent workshop.
For cancellations made within 20 days of the workshop, an extra fee of 3,000 INR must be paid in addition to the remaining workshop fee (i.e., 6,000 + 3,000 = 9,000 INR). If family members are registered with you, this fee may vary. In this case, you still have the option to attend the next 2-day workshop (please note that this option will only be available for the next 2-day workshop; there won’t be any further options).
Please be aware that we do not offer refunds for cancellations. Instead, we present these two options to accommodate your needs. We sincerely appreciate your cooperation and thank you for choosing Thannal for your natural building education.
Registration:
To book the tickets write to us thannalroots<@>gmail.com. The further step-by-step process and payment details shall be informed to you via mail. Kindly note that entry to the workshop is only possible through email; further details will be provided via email.
Prepare for the day:
Please see the link for details of things to carry, the nearest airport, hotels, and other matters of concern- Prepare for the workshop
Frequently Asked Questions
You will find answers to our most frequently asked questions below. If you have any additional inquiries that we have not addressed, please feel free to contact us. We are always ready and eager to help!
What Will You Experience in the 2-Day Hands-on Workshop?
In our 2-day hands-on workshop hosted by the Thannal Team, you will immerse yourself in actual building projects under expert supervision. This workshop offers you the opportunity to become part of a community passionate about natural building, just like yourself. Additionally, you gain exclusive access to an online course that provides comprehensive knowledge on various aspects, from selecting the right materials to applying the final touches to a building. It’s also an excellent opportunity to connect with individuals who can support your projects, including volunteers, architects, and engineers.
Who Will Guide You Through the 2-Day Hands-On Natural Building Training?
For this enriching 2-day journey in natural building, your mentors will be the formidable pair of Architect Biju Bhaskar, who brings 15 years of expertise, and his wife, Sindhu Bhaskar. Accompanying them is Architect Dharan Ashok, enriching the experience with his fresh perspective and 5 years of experience in the field. Beyond these expert guides, you will also gain insights from local villagers and skilled masons. These practitioners, with their hands-on experience in Thannal projects, will share their valuable and practical knowledge with you
Is a Longer Duration Recommended for Studying Natural Building?
While the course duration in natural building varies, it’s important to note that even a 2-day hands-on program can be incredibly effective. This is especially true when paired with the complete Part 1-4 online course. Impressively, there are individuals who have successfully built homes after attending just the 2-day session. However, for those who seek a more immersive, hands-on experience, opting for a 10-day program may be more beneficial.
What Should I Do If I Have Already Purchased the Part 1-4 Online Course?
If you have previously purchased the Part 1-4 online course and are interested in the new program, you can still participate in the hands-on workshop. Existing online course users are welcome to join by paying a fee of Rs. 8,000. This option allows you to expand your learning experience with practical, hands-on training.
Is Enrollment in the Part 1-4: Complete Companion of Natural Building Self-Paced Course Necessary for the 2-Day Hands-On Workshop?
Yes, it is essential! Our extensive experience has shown us that this online course is invaluable. It provides you with crucial knowledge and answers many questions you may have before and after the workshop. With this foundational understanding, you can maximize the benefits of your hands-on training experience with us!
What Is a Self-Paced Online Course and How Does It Work?
A self-paced online course provides a flexible learning experience that fits your personal schedule and location. This means you have the liberty to study from anywhere, at any time, completely at your own pace. Even though there is no tutor physically present, you are not alone in your educational journey. Our supportive online community is always available to help, offering clarification and answers to any questions you might encounter.
What specific self-paced online courses should I complete before attending the 10-day hands-on workshop, and is it mandatory to finish the entire 20-hour Part 1-4 course?
To fully benefit from the hands-on workshop, it’s recommended that you familiarize yourself with specific key chapters. This isn’t just about ticking boxes; it’s about laying a solid foundation for your practical experience. Here’s a tailored guide to what you should explore:
- Introduction to Natural Building: Start here to grasp the basics and ethos of natural building. Learn More
- Introduction to Roofing Techniques: Dive into roofing methodologies, a crucial aspect of any structure. Explore Here
- Different Types of Wall Systems: Focus on the first two chapters to understand various wall systems in natural building. Check it Out
- Types of Natural Plasters: Discover the various plasters that breathe life into walls. Discover More
While completing the entire 20-hour Part 1-4 course is optional before the workshop, engaging with these specific chapters will significantly enhance your hands-on experience. You can delve into the rest of the course afterwards, enriching your overall understanding and application of natural building techniques.
What Is Involved in a Prototype Session During a Hands-On Workshop?
A prototype session embodies a vibrant and enthralling aspect of our workshop. In this session, skilled artisans are at the forefront, demonstrating their mastery in different crafts. This isn’t merely a showcase of their abilities; it’s an interactive learning experience. As the artisans demonstrate their skills, mentors offer detailed explanations of the processes and techniques. This approach enables you to observe, learn, and grasp the subtleties of craftsmanship up close, making it a crucial component of the educational experience.
Comparison Table
Our tailored workshops offer a range of experiences to suit your interests and availability. Whether you have just a couple of days or can immerse yourself for longer, we have something for everyone. Compare our 2-day, 5-day, and 10-day hands-on combo workshops to find your perfect fit.
Quick 2-Day Combo Natural Building Workshop | Extensive 10-day Combo Natural Building Workshop | |
---|---|---|
Hands-On Sessions | 5 | 25 |
Theory Sessions | 8 | 15 |
Prototype Sessions | 6 | 8 |
Online course access | Part 1-4 | Part 1-4 |
Fees per participant | 28,000 INR | 48,000 INR |
Fees for additional participants (Family Members only) | 8,000 INR | 30,000 INR |
Fees for children age 10-16 | 4,000 INR | 15,000 INR |
Fees for children below 10 | Free | Free |
Site visits to see Natural buildings | No | Yes |
Discussions and presentations about various projects | No | Yes |
Doubt Clearing sessions | No | Yes |
Know about materials in natural building | Yes | Yes |
Making walls Hands-on | Only cob and wattle and daub in full scale, making of CSEB, Adobe prototype | All types which cover cob, wattle and daub in Full scale earthbag, adobe unit/block and wall making, CSEB block/unit making only |
Roofing Techniques | No | Theory and Hand-on(Mud roof and Limecrete rood) |
Foundation, Plinth and Plinth Beam | No | Yes, both theory and prototype |
Natural Plasters | Theory and Prototype only (3 plasters only) - 2 hr session | Theory, Sampling and Hands-on (6 Plasters + Clay Plaster and Lime Wash) - 16 hour session |
Natural Flooring | No | Theory and Hands-on Cow Dung - mud flooring, Lime flooring, Natural tile placing |
Testing Participants soil | No | Yes |
Mortar Classes | No | Yes |
Who can Attend? | Everyone | Everyone |
*Please be aware that any topics not fully addressed in the hands-on sessions will be thoroughly covered in the online course.*
Testimonial
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