Architectural designers natural building specialists trainers The application of clay plasters to straw bale buildings and how the ECVET clay plaster training course works in the UK and Europe

A Little History Strawbale building began in the UK in Barbara Jones of Amazon Nails began experimenting with clay plasters on strawbale buildings in 1997, after seeing clay plasters and floors used in strawbale buildings in the USA. The strawbale house above is in Clones, Ireland and has clay plaster internally, applied by Kate Mullany, one of the self-build owners, in 1997

Early plasters on strawbale buildings application was DIY plasters were experimental made from local clay soil and lots of fun!

Some memorable strawbale buildings using clay plasters The Spiral House, Castlebar, Ireland

Some memorable strawbale buildings using clay plasters The National Trust Footprint building DIY clay plasters internally Grand Designs Eco-Home of the Year Award 2008

LearnWithClay Partnership programme Leonardo da Vinci Original Partners: Germany (lead Partner), France, UK, Bulgaria UK involvement: Centre for Alternative Technology Construction Skills amazonails Straw Works Strawbuild Additional Partners: Slovakia, Spain, Portugal, Czech Republic

Developing Professional finishes as clay plasterers learnt their craft, so finishes became more professional,

LearnWithClay A training course in clay plastering Similar to the credit point system now being used by Construction Skills Trainees can learn at any Partner organisations within Europe Qualifications are recognised by all participating countries The project developed:

LearnWithClay the training course

LearnWithClay Qualification recognised by German Chamber of Commerce Courses to train Trainers Clay plastering recognised as a skill in UK Teaching resources available on CD Handbook developed containing Units 1 - 6

LearnWithClay the training course

ECVET Certificate of Achievement a certificate of Achievement or of Attendance awarded to all participants

LearnWithClay Close of project in July 2012 Addendum to Handbook containing guidelines for running courses and exams Constructionskills working towards including clay plastering and natural building in National Occupation Standards

architectural designers natural building specialists trainers Hollinroyd Farm Todmorden OL14 8RJ