Natural Building Course
with Lola Byron
Join us for a seven-day journey into the art of building with the earth.. We’ve traded the classroom for the site, weaving theory and practice into one seamless experience. From day one, you’ll dive into the tactile work of mixing and shaping—testing subsoil firsthand and experimenting with techniques like adobe, cob, and slip-straw. You will learn how to make a timber frame and gain the unique experience of helping finish a beautiful earth house.
Whether you dream of building your own home or simply want to work in harmony with nature, you’ll leave with a grounding foundation and a new perspective on sustainable living.
Why Natural Building?
Building with the earth is a return to a way of living that respects the landscape, our health, and our future.
Healthy & Breathable Natural walls are vapor-permeable. They "breathe," naturally regulating humidity and filtering the air for a toxic-free, peaceful living environment.
Thermal Comfort By combining thermal mass (clay) with insulation (straw), these buildings stay cool in the Portuguese summer and hold warmth in the winter.
Low Impact We use materials sourced directly from the land—clay, sand, and timber—resulting in a nearly zero-carbon footprint and a house that can return to the earth.
Empowering Natural building is accessible. It is a collaborative process that invites everyone—regardless of age or experience—to put their hands in the mud and create.
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Theory and practice are integrated on-site. You’ll explore ecological design and match techniques to the climate, discovering the "why" behind the "how." These active days are balanced with reflection, rest, and nourishing vegetarian meals from A Quinta’s kitchen.
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This workshop is open to everyone—no previous experience is needed. Natural building is a collective, inclusive process; every age and ability finds a meaningful role here.
About the Facilitator
Lola Byron is a natural building practitioner and founder of the Women Natural Building Collective. With over a decade of international experience, Lola creates a safe, heartfelt environment where everyone is encouraged to learn, share, and build with confidence.
Location & Stay
A Quinta da Lage is a working off-grid permaculture farm in Southern Portugal, featuring wild forests and freshwater springs.
Included in the fee:
● 3 wholesome vegetarian meals/day (Vegan/GF available with prior notice).
● All tools, materials, and a custom WNBC course handout
● Stays in Campervan/Tent: Use of our peaceful campsite is included in the price
Prices
740€ with your own caravan or tent
830€ with accommodation in dormitory
We have private cottages, rooms and bell tents available, if you prefer this option please contact us to inquire about availability and pricing.
Your course fee supports both our facilitators and the ongoing regenerative projects at A Quinta.
How to Book:
Click "Book Now" to fill out our registration form.
After submitting, you will be redirected to Stripe to pay a non-refundable deposit to secure your spot.
The remaining balance is due upon arrival (Cash or Bank Transfer).
Note: If we cancel the course, your deposit is refunded in full. If you cancel less than 7 days before the start, we ask for 75% of the total fee to cover our costs.