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Farm Retreat Center

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Natural Plastering: Training & Volunteering & Job Opportunities
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with James Henderson

author of Earth Render-The Art of Clay Plaster, Render and Paints.

August 6-11, 2023

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James Henderson is a licensed General Contractor who specializes in Natural Building. Over the last 15 years, James has worked on over 100 building projects in the USA and Australia.  James is Co Owner of Northwest Natural Homes LLC and Goldhill Clay Plaster LLC.  James is also the President of the “Natural Plasterers Guild” a networking and training non profit organization that James founded in 2019.  James authored “Earth Render, The art of clay plaster, render and paints” in 2013.  Through the Natural Plasterers Guild and other Trainings, James has taught people in the USA, Australia and the UK, the art of Clay and Lime plastering. A 5-day training is recommended to cover the basics of Natural Plaster Systems.  Each day a different topic / system will be taught and practiced. 

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Day 1

  • Introduction to Natural Plaster Systems. Basic systems used in natural plaster installations, products and materials for natural plaster. Equipment used for mixing, staging and applying natural plaster. 

  • Exterior adhesion coat application.

Day 2

  • Interior Clay Plaster base coat system. Set up, accessories, trowel skills, application system, mesh installation.

​Day 3

  • Exterior Lime Plaster base coat system. Set up, accessories, trowel skills, application system, mesh installation.

  • Compression and detailing of interior clay plaster.

Day 4

  • Interior clay plaster top coat system. Mixing, trowel skills, application system, finishing system, repair of clay plaster.

Day 5

  • Exterior lime plaster top coat system. Mixing, trowel skills, application system, finishing.

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Please contact the farm if you are interested in participating in the natural plastering training, apprenticeship and job opportunities.

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We have been working with a wonderful architect and natural home builder to construct two new buildings. The Living Wing will contain 6 bedrooms, sunken living room, kitchen and bathrooms. The Communal Wing will house a meditation room, library and studio. Construction began fall 2022 and will continue till summer 2024.

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  • Build With Nature: straw/timber wall panel system

  • Radiant heating system with thermal solar energy

  • Natural plaster finishes (lime & clay)

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Floorplans & architectural Drawings

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