Build Outside the Box Mastermind course

We are excited to announce the 4th launch of this course! This is a perfect course for people interested in getting a big picture overview of natural building systems and options, from a wide range of instructors.

We are also offering a $100 discount, use code COB100.

Registration will only be open for one week, in late November. You can pre-register on their website now and get notified when registration is open (but remember to use our discount code to save $100!) or sign up for our mailing list and we will sent a reminder when registration is open.

Classes are taught by 16 Masterminds, builders, designers, scientists and teachers each who cover one type of building system.  These Masterminds have also written technical standards for the use of alternative materials and been instrumental in getting them into the building codes. The course comprises 10 classes on individual wall systems from cob to rammed earth to strawbale and hempcrete.  A bonus class on nature-based solutions serves as an introduction to the systems that make these types of structures come alive and nurture their residents.   

Classes by natural builder and designer, Sigi Koko, cover the big picture including climate, building envelope, thermal mass vs. insulation and passive solar design.

A follow-along workbook helps students identify their motivations for embarking on their projects and prompts them to identify the solution(s) that will address their needs. A supportive online community is embedded in the course where students can learn from each other, connect, encourage, assist, refer, and discover new techniques. Live sessions with the Masterminds address challenges and new possibilities while also serving as a forum for lively discussion and Q&A. You will have access to all the online content for life. 

What's included in the course: 

✔ 16+ hours of video classes

✔ A downloadable follow-along workbook

✔ A self-assessment to help you identify your needs, values and challenges

✔ Actionable steps to move your project forward

✔ Course vocabulary 

✔ Lifetime access to course and additional Build Outside the Box future add-ons!

✔ Bonus content & materials

✔ Live classes & Q&A sessions

✔ Access to the private Build Outside the Box community

& more!

Class details below:

MODULE 1

Introduction

Welcome! Get to know your hosts, Jeane and Kirsten. This module includes:

• Why we built this resource

• How to use the course platform

• Welcome to the private community

• Download the Follow-Along Workbook

This module will give you a framework for the information in the Mastermind building types presentations.

MODULE 2

What is a Building Envelope?

Natural builder and architectural designer Sigi Koko teaches foundational concepts including:

• Passive Solar design overview

• Climate considerations

• What is a building envelope?

After this module, you’ll have the framework you need for the Mastermind presentations on building types.

MODULE 3

Thermal Mass vs. Insulation

Why are these two properties so important to thermally-efficient buildings? Sigi Koko explains:

• Characteristics of mass vs. insulation

• Why/when you want to use either or both

• How to incorporate these materials into your building envelope

MODULE 4

Earthen Buildings

Buildings made with earthen materials are: natural, low-cost, accessible, healthy, and thermally-efficient. This module includes class on:

• Cob, Sasha Rabin

• Adobe Bricks, Alice Ko

• Earthbag, Nicolette Wagner & Ian Zatarain

After this module, you are going to want to play in the dirt and start building!

MODULE 5

Rammed Earth Buildings

Rammed earth is strong, fire-, disaster-, and mold-resistant. It is long-lasting and can be used to reduce or eliminate heating and cooling bills.  The Masterminds for this module are:

• Rammed Earth, Ray Clamons

• SIREWALL, Joss Krayenhoff & Michael Palethorpe

• Tire Walls, Martin Freney

After this Module, you’re going to want to build your house to last 1,000 years!

MODULE 6

Insulated Buildings

Natural insulation is healthier to live with and kinder to the planet. This module covers insulative materials that also store carbon as they grow:

• Strawbale, Barbara Jones

• Hempcrete, Eamonn McNaughton

• Light Straw Clay, Lydia Doleman

Add a little solar heat or a super-efficient wood stove and you'll be cozy and comfortable!

MODULE 7

Aircrete

This versatile material is inexpensive, light, and insulative and is DIY-friendly with materials found around the world. Joel Haggar of Domegaia shows us:

• The simple materials, process and design

• "The beauty of small"

• The importance of understanding exactly how your home is built

• The life-changing potential for creating communities

MODULE 8 - BONUS

Nature-Based Solutions

The intelligence of nature predates human intelligence by 3.8 billion years. Biotonomy Founder Moein Nodehi shows us why he doesn't build buildings but builds ecosystems. Nature-based solutions can be implemented to:

• Heat and cool buildings

• Produce electricity

• Harvest, filter, and reuse water

• Grow food

• Restore ecosystems

MODULE 9

Make your plan!

Now you know about all the amazing ways to build it's time to decide what's right for you based on your:

• Climate

• Budget

• Skill level

• Aesthetic

Jeane and Kirsten will help you with actionable steps to move your project forward.