The Active Site: Starting the Learning Center
with Lola Byron
We are laying the first stones and mixing the first batches of earth for a project that has been close to our hearts for a long time: the Natural Building Learning Center.
Rather than a standard build, we are creating this space as a "living textbook." The vision is a demo house where each wall serves as a different chapter, showcasing a unique natural building method. This July, we invite you to help us break ground and begin this story.
A Living Textbook: The First Chapters
This 4-day immersion is designed to give you a broad, practical sense of how a natural building comes together, from the soil upwards. While we won't finish the entire structure in one workshop, you will be part of the foundational stages—learning how to set the pace and choose the right techniques for the journey ahead.
A Foundation in Knowledge: Every building starts with the earth. We’ll dive into soil analysis, teaching you how to read the land and determine which techniques—like Cob, Cordwood, or Adobe—are best suited for the materials you have.
The Structural Skeleton: We will work with timber framing, understanding how a wooden frame provides the strength and "bones" that allow our earthen walls to sit safely and beautifully.
Exploring the Options: Because this is a demo house, you’ll get a hands-on introduction to a variety of techniques. We will be starting different sections of the house to show how Cob, Stone, and Straw can work together in one cohesive design.
Understanding the Layers: While we won't reach the final coat in these four days, we will discuss the full roadmap—from foundations and drainage to the breathable clay and lime plasters that will eventually protect the walls. You’ll leave with a clear "big picture" of the entire building process.
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This course is for the dreamer and the doer alike. It is perfect if you are in the "planning phase" of your own life project and want to see several different techniques in one place before deciding which path to take.
Guided by Lola Byron, we maintain a grounded and supportive environment. Whether you are completely new to the site or have handled a few trowels before, you’ll find a place in the team and a deeper connection to the craft.
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Soil Science: Hands-on testing to find the right clay-to-sand ratios.
Timber Basics: Understanding joints, loads, and how to work with raw wood.
Wall Systems: Starting the infill for various sections (Cob, Earth-bag, or Cordwood).
The Building Roadmap: A theoretical and practical look at the stages of a build, ensuring you understand what comes after the walls are up.
Tools of the Trade: Safe and effective use of hand tools and basic power tools.
About Lola — Course Facilitator
Lola Byron is a Permaculture and Natural Building facilitator, practitioner and consultant. After travelling the globe with her young family, connecting with Permaculture projects, she now lives, works, teaches, builds and raises her 2 children in Southern Portugal. Originally from Birmingham, England, she has been a thriving Permaculturist and natural builder since completing her PDC back in 2010. Following this, she was an active urban Permaculturist, designing and implementing various community gardens and co-facilitating natural building and gardening workshops in and around the UK. With a background in studying, then teaching, Fine Art, Sculpture, when she discovered Permaculture and Natural Building, she knew she had found her calling in life. Lola recently founded The Women Natural Building Collective, a safe and empowering learning space and network for women builders worldwide. She has built and taught internationally, spent 3 years as the Natural Building Manager at Panya Project, Thailand, and has been a consultant and project manager with Surplus Permaculture Design since 2017.
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 your own campervan/tent is included in the price
Prices
385€ with your own caravan or tent
430€ 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).