Hands-On + Online
3-Day Natural Plaster combo Workshop
Note: Please follow the registration procedure after reading the entire terms and workshop details
3-day Combo Hands-on Natural Plaster Workshop
1. April 4 – 6th, 2025 (Status: Open)
Are you eager to participate in 2025’s 3-day Combo Plaster 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 promptly. 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
Get the complete natural plastering learning experience through hands-on and self-paced online course
This 3-day hands-on workshop is designed for anyone interested in learning natural plastering techniques, whether you’re a homeowner, builder, DIY enthusiasts or just curious about sustainable building practices.Learn from the team who spent 15 years of mastery in natural plaster techniques using zero percent cement at Thannal!
- A 3-day immersive hands-on training session
- Lectures and presentations
- Artisan demonstrations with samples
- Opportunities for questions and discussions
- 1 year access to Part1: Essentials Materials and
- 1 year Part 4: Natural Finishes from the Natural Building Online Course (11+hours of content)
Why Consider a Combo Workshop?
Imagine attending our hands-on workshop and having an amazing, immersive experience. You’re all fired up to start plastering, but as soon as you’re back home, questions start pouring in. That’s where the combo workshop shines! With the self-paced online course at your fingertips, the entire process becomes a breeze. It’s like having the answers to your burning questions in your pocket. Don’t miss out!
What You Will Learn:
Day 1: Introduction and Sampling
- Overview of natural building principles and plastering
- Introduction to Mud, Lime, and various Admixtures/Natural Polymers
- Surface treatment before plastering
- Sampling techniques to experiment with different plaster combinations
Day 2: Preparation and Application
- Preparation of plaster mixes
- Application of the first coat of plaster – Ayurvedic charcoal-turmeric cow dung plaster, Egg-enriched beige mud & lime plaster, Lime-blended ash plaster, Heritage Lime surkhi-sand plaster
- Hands-on clay extraction techniques to prepare materials from scratch
Day 3: Finishing Touches
- Application of the second coat of plaster
- Creating smooth finishes using natural materials – Clay plasters, Glossy fine lime plasters with Natural colors, Lime washes.
- Sealing using wax and oils.
Who Can Attend?
This workshop is for anyone! Whether you’re a complete beginner or have some experience, you’ll gain the skills needed to work with natural plasters. Natural plasters can be applied to a variety of wall surfaces—from mud walls and bricks with lime mortar to bricks with cement mortar and concrete surfaces—so the techniques you learn will be widely applicable.
Fee Structure
The workshop fee per participant is Rs. 24,000/-. To register, you need to pay Rs. 10,000/- in advance, and the remaining Rs. 14,000/- is to be paid on the workshop day (in cash only).
- Family Participation:
- Each additional family member: Rs. 18,000/-
Please note that access to the online course is granted to a single participant only. Any additional family members (Wife/husband/Children) should also pay 50% of their fee in advance as a registration deposit.
- For Previous Online Course Purchasers:
- If you have already purchased the online course and wish to attend the hands-on workshop, you can secure a spot by paying Rs. 18,000/-.
- Please note that there are only 5 available seats for additional participants, allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.
This fee includes lunch and refreshments during workshop days and excludes accommodation, food outside workshop hours, and travel expenses.
Note on Family Seats:
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.
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.
- Advance Payment:
- The advance payment is non-refundable, but in return, you will receive access to the Online Course.
- Cancellation Before 20 Days:
- If you wish to cancel your booking, kindly inform the Thannal team via email at least 20 days before the workshop.
- We will allow you to attend the next 3-day workshop without any penalties.
- Seat availability follows a first-come, first-served basis, and only 5 seats are allocated for rescheduled cancellations. If all 5 seats have been booked, you will have a chance to participate in the subsequent workshop.
- Cancellation Within 20 Days:
- For cancellations made within 20 days of the workshop, an extra fee of Rs. 2,000/- must be paid in addition to the remaining workshop fee.
- In this case, you still have the option to attend the next 3-day workshop (please note that this option will only be available for the next 3-day workshop; there won’t be any further options).
Please be aware that we do not offer refunds for cancellations. Instead, we present these options to accommodate your needs. We sincerely appreciate your cooperation and thank you for choosing Thannal for your natural building education.
Workshop Location:
Thannal campus, Tiruvannamalai, Tamilnadu
Food:
The fee covers lunch and refreshments exclusively during the workshop days. However, it does not include accommodation or travel expenses
Travel:
Nearest Railway Stations: Tiruvannamalai, Katpadi and Villupuram.
Nearest Airport: Chennai, Bangalore.
Accommodation & Transportation:
Accommodation is not available within the Thannal Campus. Participants are required to arrange their own guest houses. We will provide a list of nearby places to stay. Please note that the accommodation cost is not included in the course fee.
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 attendees.
.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
Below you’ll find responses to our most frequently asked queries. Should you have any further questions that aren’t addressed here, feel free to reach out. We’re eager to assist!
What can you expect from the 3- Day Hands-on natural finishes workshop?
Our 3-day workshop offers an in-depth experience in natural plastering techniques, tailored for homeowners, builders, DIY enthusiasts, and anyone curious about sustainable building practices. Here’s what you can look forward to:
- Immersive Hands-On Training: Gain practical skills in natural plastering with guidance from artisans who have over 15 years of expertise, using zero cement.
- Lectures and Presentations: Benefit from informative sessions covering essential natural building materials, techniques, and the fundamentals of sustainable finishes.
- Artisan Demonstrations and Sample Preparation: Watch experienced artisans at work, demonstrating various techniques with natural plaster samples.
- Interactive Discussions: Engage with instructors in Q&A sessions to deepen your understanding and address specific questions.
- Exclusive Online Course Access: Receive 1-year access to “Part 1: Essential Materials” and “Part 4: Natural Finishes” from our Natural Building Online Course, totaling over 11 hours of additional content.
This workshop provides everything you need to start your journey with natural plasters, guided by seasoned professionals in a hands-on, supportive environment.
Who will lead the 3-day hands-on natural plastering training?
The training will be led by Architect Biju Bhaskar, who has 15 years of experience in natural building, along with his partner, Sindhu Bhaskar. Architect Dharan Ashok, with 5 years of experience, will also be part of the teaching team. Additionally, local villagers and skilled masons who have worked with Thannal will share their practical knowledge with you.
I have already purchased the self-paced online course. How can I attend the hands-on workshop?
If you have bought the online course and wish to join the hands-on workshop, you can reserve a spot by paying Rs. 18,000.
What is a self-paced online course, and how does it work?
A self-paced online course in Natural plasters allows you to study whenever and wherever you choose, progressing through the material at your own speed. You have the freedom to learn from any location, at any time, according to your own schedule. While there isn’t a tutor present, you’re not alone; our active online community is available to help answer any questions or clarify any doubts you may have. The course also lets you revisit concepts, deepen your understanding, and get answers to questions that may come up during your own projects.
Do I need to enroll in the Natural Finishes self-paced online course to participate in the 3-day hands-on plaster workshop?
Yes, enrollment in the online course is required. We have found that this course is invaluable, providing essential knowledge and answering many questions you might have before and after the workshop. This ensures you can make the most of your hands-on training with us.
What specific self-paced online courses should I complete before attending the 3-day hands-on workshop, and is it mandatory to finish the entire 11-hour course?
To make the most of the hands-on workshop, we recommend that you familiarize yourself with certain key chapters from our online courses. Start with the “Introduction to Natural Finishes” to understand the basics and principles of natural building.
What exactly does a prototype session involve in a hands-on workshop?
A prototype session is a dynamic and engaging part of our workshop. Here, skilled artisans take center stage, showcasing their expertise in various crafts. It’s not just a display of talent, but an interactive experience. As these artisans work their magic, mentors provide insightful commentary, explaining the processes and techniques in detail. This session allows you to observe, learn, and understand the nuances of craftsmanship firsthand, making it an invaluable part of the learning experience.
*Please be aware that any topics not fully addressed in the hands-on sessions will be thoroughly covered in the online course.*