Hands-On + Online

Quick 2-Day Combo Natural Building Workshop

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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

Quick 2 Day Combo Natural Building Workshop Tamil Nadu India

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:

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!

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.

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

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.

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.

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!

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.

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:

  1. Introduction to Natural Building: Start here to grasp the basics and ethos of natural building. Learn More
  2. Introduction to Roofing Techniques: Dive into roofing methodologies, a crucial aspect of any structure. Explore Here
  3. Different Types of Wall Systems: Focus on the first two chapters to understand various wall systems in natural building. Check it Out
  4. 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.

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

Click on the name to view the detailed review.

4.6/5
Mohenraj Vellingiri
IT
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I attended 2 days Thannal eco friendly construction workshop on june 2023,it was eye opening for me on natural buildings and it can save our dream home cost and budgets & homeloans. And more then that,how earth homes benefits our health in terms of living in 5 elements (fire,earth,water,air,akash) and its natural building is breathing so its very cool and its makes even our vegetables to stay fresh for days without fridge.Thannnal has inspired me in natural building and it is way of living as our ancestors shown and lived.Its time to revitalize and bring back our indian traditional architectural living.Thanks Biju sir and team for making this happen.
Reena Radha
Banking
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Two day workshop at Thannal was really an exemplary and memorable experience. For long I had wished to meet Mr.Biju Bhaskar,the soul of Thannal and learn from him directly and for me it was a dream come true. Mr.Dharan ,who headed the workshop most of the time handled the sessions in a much professional and gentle manner. Though too short,the confidence that we get out of this workshop is that high that it enables us to try a mudhouse of our own or teach the technology to like minded people. Two lively days with hands on experience and crisp theory sessions were really worthy. My wishes to Thannal and team in their future endeavours. Man comes from mud and goes to Mud..,..
Divya
High School Student
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Thannal's workshops has helped me gain more technical as well as theoretical knowledge about natural building. Their stories and history regarding mud houses is not just about "alternative buildings" but the real deal for a sustainable future against cement. Anyone who visits Thannal is assured to come back with an open mind and filled with determination to start building their own homes! Just listening to what the people at Thannal share you too will be motivated to learn more about natural building.
Kanduri Kiran kumar
Space Scientist
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It is very good, Real Earthly experience and teaching and hands on are superb, dharani, Biju sir and their team was fantastic, supportive, patient enough to listen to our questions and answer them till we understood. There is no hype and the course is really real. I suggest most people should visit thannal and come into this natural building method which benifit us financially, in being more,healthy and also friendly to mother nature.
Priya Aiyer
Techie
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Back from a recent 2 day common-man 'Natural Building' workshop as a family, it felt we where in another world. Where your living space can be built with your own hands with what nature offers you so humbly...you are not put down by the thoughts that you don't have a formal learning or a big budget. Every piece of information was offered in such an order, in a language that even a layman can relate, understand and learn. The workshop was a good blend of theory, hands-on, personal experiences and stories, history, the present scenario of development and its impact, music, sweat...so much and more. Yet, you are not mentally drained (physically, maybe) instead rejuvenated seeking for more. Holding a high regard for every member of Thannal for their knowledge, efforts, dedication and contribution to this essential field, especially when so much is happening in the name of development around us. My sincere gratitude for the experience.
Guru Prathap
Local Guide
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Really dedicated and passionate people here, No cement - no building is a myth, astounding knowledge and building techniques revived by the team. They are the baton holders for Indian - construction and architecture solutions.
Anubhav Sengar
Software engineer
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I am a software engineer and was looking out to learn about natural construction and came across Thannal. I would say this is one of the best place to learn about natural construction. They have knowledge of natural construction in and out and it’s not just theoretical, Thannal has been putting it into practice for years now. I attended 2 day workshop and in two days I was taught many things with fine details. My questions were even answered to a great satisfaction. I am very thankful to Biju Anna for taking this initiative to restore our faith back in natural construction by showing the application of it. Also, thankful to Dharan ji for answering each and every question during the workshop and explaining things with finer details. Thank you very much.
Geetha Dhananjayan
School Teacher
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A beautiful place to learn natural building and other sustainable options.Being a person to build a natural home this was the apt place to learn all the methods of home building with mud, lime and bamboo.Loved the way how they explained and showed how to do it by ourselves.Literally shocked by the strength and durability of the walls n floor using such simplistic raw materials like mud and lime.Looking forward to learn more such techniques and I was glad to have my kids with me to have this beautiful experience of building a home of their own.
Anandhi GiriChartered Accountant
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They have given such high quality knowledge and Hands on experience in just a 2 day workshop. Such rich experiences they have with their continuing research & Yet with such simplicity they share it. Thank You all in Thannal Team
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