The Finger Lakes School of Natural Building hosts this workshop at the Cob Family Farm!
Join us for a hands-on, two-day immersion into the craft and science of lime plaster, one of the most durable, breathable, and beautiful finishes used in natural building for thousands of years.
Over the course of the weekend, students will work side-by-side with experienced natural builders to apply both a base coat and a finish coat of lime plaster over a cob pallet wall system being constructed for a barn at the Cob Family Farm. This workshop is designed to build confidence, skill, and understanding: no prior experience is required.
What You’ll Learn
The fundamentals of lime plaster and how it differs from earthen and cement-based plasters
Why lime plaster is valued for its durability, flexibility, vapor permeability, and mold resistance
The role lime plays in healthy buildings, indoor air quality, and long-term resilience
How lime plaster carbonates over time, slowly turning back into limestone and locking away CO₂
Basic troweling techniques, surface preparation, and finishing methods
How to mix your own lime plaster from raw ingredients
An overview of different lime plaster systems and commercial options, including when and why they may be used
Drawing from best practices taught by leaders in natural building, we’ll discuss how lime plaster fits into modern, code-conscious, and climate-resilient construction. Emphasis will be placed on understanding why lime behaves the way it does, so students leave with knowledge they can apply confidently on future projects.
Schedule: Two Days: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM each day
Food: Local, organic lunch provided each day
Camping & Accommodations
Participants are welcome to camp on-site for Friday and Saturday night of the workshop for an additional $15 per night per person. Saturday night camping is encouraged for those who want the full experience.
Our 30-foot diameter yurt will serve as a shared community space and includes:
Access to a shower
Indoor kitchen with a propane stove
Large refrigerator for food storage
Compost toilet
Cozy space for relaxing, reading natural building books, and connecting with others
This shared environment allows participants to fully immerse themselves in the workshop, enjoy meals together, and build meaningful connections with fellow natural building enthusiasts.
Cost: $375 total for the full two-day workshop including lunch each day.
Camping: $10 per night per person
How to Register:
To secure your spot or for any inquiries, please email MatteoLundgren@gmail.com. Spaces are limited, so sign up early!