seeking natural building contractor

Hello Permies!

We are buying land in Northern CA with the goal of building first a house and then a larger retreat center. We are looking to use timber framing / light straw clay as the construction method, earthen floors and earthen plasters.

We are looking for a general contractor who is either knowledgable about these natural building techniques or is interested in learning.

If anyone knows anyone who fits the bill please let me know!

Hi Gabe,

Welcome to Permies!!! You will get outstanding feedback here from many different views. I have sent you a "Purple Mooseage" and I hope you consider my advice.

Regards,

jay

Hi Jay, and thanks for the comments.

I should note that I am a long time lurker, first time poster! This site was a contributing factor to me getting interested in (and informed about) natural building. I have since completed Sun Dog's cob workshop and an apprenticeship with Robert LaPorte at Econest as well as read a number of books recommended here.

So thanks, permies.com!

Welcome to permies Gabe. Please keep us posted when you get started on your project!

I'm not a real contractor, but I play one on TV... or on my farm is more like it.
Northern CA is beautiful! I just took my family to Arcata for vacation last august. I'd love to be able to clone myself, get licensed, and go help you out! Here are some pics of my project and below is a link to Whole Trees Architecture and Structures who designed it for us. They're probably too far away for you but maybe they'd know someone in your area. What do you have in mind? Are you very far along in the planning stage yet?


http://wholetrees.com/

I really like the round pole construction! I am hoping to incorporate some of that in our buildings. It really adds a great organic feel.

We will be building a timber frame and clay straw home "econest". You can see more about it here: https://www.facebook.com/EcoNestLivingSanctuaries