Earth Building
Academy
Learn to design and build with natural materials in ways that are safe, beautiful, and suited to your specific situation
Online Natural Building Program & Mentorship
Whether you already have a natural building or retrofit project underway, or are still at the stage of gathering information, this program provides the structure and technical guidance needed to move forward. You will learn to understand your local materials, apply proven methods that meet modern building standards, and develop designs that are appropriate for your specific climate, site, and goals.
Natural building becomes accessible when approached in the right sequence. Over three decades of practice, research, and mentorship, we have observed that uncertainty arises when knowledge is encountered in fragments, without a clear progression.
The Clay to Code™ Framework provides that progression. It begins with clarity about your site, climate, materials, and goals. From there, hands-on engagement with earth as a building material develops material literacy and practical skill. This informs design decisions and allows natural building methods to be applied safely, appropriately, and in alignment with building standards.
Earth Building Academy guides you through each of these stages, providing the technical depth, demonstrations, and mentorship needed to apply them to your own project.
Here's what is included in the course
30+Hours On-Demand Video
Pre-recorded lectures and practical demonstrations (12 modules)
plus Guest Lectures
Downloadable Resources
PDF handouts of the lectures, shared calculation spreadsheets, shared resources lists
Full Lifetime Access
The course is hosted on a easy to navigate online portal. Students retain access as long as the platform exists.
12 months tailored support
Personalized advice in our private community and 1:1 via zoom to support student projects long-term
Live online skill-shops
Regular online get-togethers to practice practical skills. Content will be tailored to group need
Module 1: Introduction to Earth & Natural Building
Lecture
Short introduction to Earth and Natural Building: Different building techniques using natural materials, advantages and limitations of the building material earth, earth building from a Building Biology and Ecology (BBE) perspective
Hands-on session
Detailed introduction to using local materials: Soil identification, simple material tests, sourcing materials locally, determining which earth building techniques are most suitable for your materials, trialing ratios for various mixes.
Module 2: Retrofitting with Natural Materials
Lecture
Retrofitting with Natural Materials: Options for non-load bearing walls and wall surfaces, when using earth as thermal mass material, for sound proofing, to regulate indoor humidity and to beautify your living spaces.
Hands-on session
Demonstration of two non-load bearing techniques with different set-ups and material variations: Wattle-and-Daub (Quincha) and Light Earth Infill (LEM). Developing mixes, construction details, sequence of work and drying times, artistic play with form and texture.
Module 3: Earth and Lime based Solid Plasters
Lecture
Introduction to Natural Plasters: Using earth and lime to create stunning, durable and well detailed solid plaster coatings over a variety of substrates. Discussion of different binders, aggregates, mix ratios, techniques and tools.
Hands-on session
Mixing and applying earthen and lime based plasters in several coats: Detailes demonstration of work steps, application techniques, tools and tricks of the trade.
Module 4: Natural Paints, Sealants and Wild Pigments
Lecture
Natural Paints and Sealants: History or natural paints, environmental and health impacts of paints and sealants, earthen pigments, time-tested proven recipes, traditional painting techniques such as Alis and Al Fresco.
Hands-on session
Making natural paints and breathable sealants - clay paint, milk paint, lime wash, clear casein sealer. Demonstration of application techniques and artistic techniques such as Al Fresco painting. Method of extracting wild-crafted pigments water colours and oil paints.
Module 5: Adobe Tile and Poured Earth Floors
Lecture
Earthen Floors: Detailing and construction of poured earth and Adobe tile floors, testing mixes, making floor tiles and mortar. How to finish your earthen floor, tips on maintenance.
Hands-on session
Demonstration of Adobe tile making, laying Adobe tiles, making different mixes for poured earth floors, work steps, finishing earthen floors with hardening oil and hard wax polish.
Module 6: Tadelakt, Al Fresco & Sgraffito Techniques
Lecture
Specialty techniques from various different cultures, theory of Tadelakt, sourcing materials for Tadelakt-like waterproof finishes, work steps for showers. Additional guest lecture on creative techniques by Nora Haupvogel from Mudmural Berlin.
Hands-on session
Step-by-step demonstration of both a Tadelakt practice piece and applying Tadelakt to a bigger shower surface.
Module 7: Design of load-bearing Earth Buildings
Lecture
Introduction to the design of load-bearing earth buildings in accordance with the NZ Earth Building Standards. Discussion of site requirements, structural design for earthquake and wind, design principles for durability and energy efficiency, including detailing and requirements for building consents.
Hands-on session
Demonstration of bracing calculations step-by-step and the calculation of insulation values for walls of different densities and thicknesses. This is applicable to all earth walls, not just Adobe.
Module 8: Adobe Brick Manufacture and Testing
Lecture
The Adobe Brick technique: A detailed look at this simple and versatile technique that can be used for both load-bearing and veneer walls. Options for manufacturing Adobe bricks, material testing, Adobe Construction and Light Adobe for improved thermal performance in colder climates.
Practice
Demonstration of Adobe Brick making with both traditional and light mixes, mixing, yard set-up, drying, stacking and material testing (strength and durability) to comply with regulations.
Module 9: Construction and Site Logistics
Lecture
Adobe Construction: Adobe laying plan, vertical and horizontal reinforcing, details around windows, footings and top of walls, electrical conduits, efficient set-up of building site, laying patterns for different wall thicknesses, designing to module, allowing for settlement.
Hands-on session
Demonstration of Adobe Construction: Efficient set-up, required tools, profiles, running string lines. How to make Adobe mortar, lay Adobe Bricks incl. installation of vertical and horizontal reinforcing, cut and drill bricks. Weather protection during construction, site safety.
Module 10: More on Adobe Construction
Guest Lecture
Prof. Gernot Minke "Vaults and Domes of Earth"
Founder of the former Building Research Institute in Kassel, for research and development projects in the field of low-cost-housing, sustainable architecture, building with earth, straw bales, bamboo and green roofs. Author of „Building with Earth“, which was published in 12 languages, „Building with Straw“ and „Building with Bamboo“.
Hands-on session
Demonstration of installation of gringo blocks, window sills, conduits and flush boxes for power, top plate, wall tensioning.
Module 11: Adobe Brick Veneer and Wall-finishing
Guest Lecture
Dr Marcela Brauner "Building Physics: Thermal and hygroscopic Performance" looking at Adobe bricks (and other earthen materials), thermal modelling, embodied carbon
Guest Lecture
Dipl Arch Graeme North "Reflections on Earth" looking at 40 years of natural building in Aotearoa New Zealand
Hands-on session
Demonstration of the safe installation of Adobe veneer bricks for interior thermal mass, as well as adjoining work and the hand-rub method for a simple and beautiful wall finish.
Module 12: How to choose Techniques and Shared Stories
Lecture
Discussion about considerations when choosing earth building techniques suited to specific conditions, resources and logistical needs. Looking back on 20 years of Solid Earth Adobe Buildings.
Guest Lecture
Jomo Zeil and Sami Weiss from Erden Austria "100% Earth" on large-scale unstabilized rammed earth with Martin Rauch
Hands-on session
Demonstration of our take on cob construction, using light shuttering and mechanized mixing. Possibilities for free-form building and the restoration of historic earth buildings.
PLUS a growing collection of BONUS CONTENT
We regularly invite new guest speakers and add content that is tailored to student's needs and requests. You will receive access to all our future content.
Bonus Module on
Cob Construction
The course content on earth wall design applies to most solid earth building techniques. Due to demand, we have added a detailed demo of cob construction, showing both free-form and shuttered methods.
The online Earth Building Academy is for you if...
You are preparing to build or retrofit with natural materials, and want clear guidance on how to begin in a way that is appropriate for your site, climate, and goals.
You may have attended workshops, read books, or researched methods online, but still feel unsure how to translate that knowledge into a coherent and safe project using your own local materials.
You want to understand how earth behaves as a building material, how to develop and test mixes, and how to apply methods that are structurally sound and aligned with building standards.
You recognise that decisions made early in a project influence not only structural performance, but also cost, efficiency, and long-term durability, and you want to approach those decisions with clarity rather than guesswork.
You value having access to experienced guidance as your project develops, allowing you to avoid costly missteps and move forward in a grounded and deliberate way.
Earth Building Academy provides the structure, technical depth, and mentorship needed to support your building journey, saving you headaches and money along the way.
Earth Building Academy is also for building and permaculture professionals.
You may already be working in design, construction, consulting, or education, and want to develop a deeper, technically grounded understanding of natural building materials and methods.
Natural building is often misunderstood or presented without sufficient reference to structural performance, moisture dynamics, or regulatory requirements. As a result, it can be difficult to apply confidently within professional contexts.
New Zealand is unique in having comprehensive building standards for earth construction, and we have been closely involved in their development and application. This provides a clear pathway for natural building to be implemented safely, durably, and in alignment with modern building code requirements.
Earth Building Academy supports professionals in developing material literacy and applied understanding. Participants learn how to evaluate soil, develop and test mixes, and make informed decisions about construction methods, detailing, and compliance.
You want to create or improve your own living space using natural materials.
Working directly with earth allows you to shape spaces that are healthy, durable, and suited to your specific needs and environment.
Many participants begin with retrofit projects such as natural plasters, earthen floors, or small structures. These techniques can be learned progressively, and developed through direct engagement with local materials.
Earth Building Academy provides the technical knowledge and guidance needed to develop these skills in a grounded and practical way. You will learn how to evaluate and prepare materials, apply appropriate construction methods, and understand how earth performs as part of a complete building system.
These skills remain valuable over time. They allow you to improve existing spaces, contribute to building projects, and make informed decisions about materials, design, and construction.
Natural building offers a way to work with locally available resources to create spaces that support human well-being and respond global challenges such as climate change, resource depletion and the cost of living crisis.
Some of our students' experiences
"The course is really meaningful and we loved it! It has made us realize how do-able it is to build our own small house and this is super exciting. "
Mika and Xavier, Aotearoa New Zealand
"This program has resuscitated a long-suppressed interest and empowered me to believe that I can build buildings that are in line with my values."
Laura, Mexico.
Click on images to watch the video
Nujud, Jordan.
Stephanie, Aotearoa NZ
Tess & Marco, Aotearoa NZ.
Iza, Aotearoa NZ.
Jake, Australia.
Alain, Thailand.
What previous students say...
We opted for building an adobe house after weighing up various earth-building options. Verena was invaluable in our building process – very responsive to our many questions and really knowledgeable. Verena’s experience in building and design meant that the support she gave us online was fantastic for our confidence. She brings a ‘down-to-earth’, well-informed, and good-humoured approach firmly grounded in principles of sustainability and we would highly recommend her to anyone considering building in adobe..
LEIGH HARRINGTON, NEW ZEALAND
This course really added to my earth building knowledge and set me on track to experiment more and start my own project.
REEM HILAL, LEBANON.
This was my first learning experience on zoom and I very much enjoyed being with a group of people worldwide. I love your teaching style. You are a genuine and very experienced teacher. The sessions were well structured and presented, and I look forward to sharing progress on our buildings this year.
YVONNE, NEW ZEALAND.
Earth Building Academy was excellent! Verena and her team are steeped in knowledge and experience on the subject. My fellow attendees were architects, building professionals and self-builders. The content and delivery adeptly catered to all of us. Whatever your reason for considering this type of course, the Earthbuilding School offers exceptionally good quality at a very reasonable price.
JACQUES, SPAIN
I just wanted to say a massive thank you for all your efforts putting together such a fantastic learning experience, during a different time. Your online workshop has focused us and we had a lot of fun. It also stoked my passion and love for natural building again. Although we were not ready to build in real time, we finished the oven a few days later. Thank you once again, it was really great! I am so glad we found out about this course.
TOM SCHNEIDER, AUSTRALIA.
Hi! We are Verena and Scott...
With over 250+ completed projects since 2002 and many years of teaching here and abroad, Solid Earth Ltd is one of the most experienced natural building companies and the longest standing Adobe Brick manufacturer in Aotearoa NZ.
Our focus is on creating beautiful, healthy living spaces that have minimal environmental impact. We take pride in our state-of-the-art workmanship, extensive research and innovation in the field, as well as our contribution towards the NZ Earth Building Standards.
Verena is a trained architectural designer, BBE consultant and has been awarded tradeswoman of the year in 2017. Scott is a carpenter and landscaper. Together we run Solid Earth Ltd. We have been teaching online since 2020.
We are now open for enrollments.
The next live round starts 5 March 2026.
Earth Building Academy
USD 420
LOW-INCOME / UNWAGED
Full access to 3-month program, incl. everything included in the full price
Supported price for those who cannot afford full price
Please only use this price point if you really need to. Consider the payment plan.
Earth Building Academy
USD 570
FULL PRICE
BONUS 1: Recordings of the Earthen Tiny House Design Challenge
BONUS 2: Recordings of the Natural Building Challenge
BONUS 3: Access to an (optional) training for SketchUp
30+ hours of pre-recorded content in 12 modules
Regular Q&A calls and 12 months of mentorship
Includes live skills practice sessions via zoom
Implement your own project with customized support
Earth Building Academy
USD 190/month
3-MONTHS PAYMENT PLAN
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Full access to 3-month program incl. everything included at the full price
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3 monthly payments, the first one being charged right now
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Please make sure you have enough funds in your account to cover future payments
F A Q
Please get in touch if you have questions
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www.earthbuildingschool.com
www.solidearth.co.nz
Copyright © 2025 Eartbuilding School T/A Solid Earth Adobe Buildings Ltd.