Workshop: Building a Clay Oven

Posted on by

A Weekend Workshop Presented by The Green Foundation
September 3rd and 4th, 2011, Sundre Alberta

Traditional Clay Oven

An example of a traditional clay oven at the Alberta Ukranian Village

This 2 day workshop (see full agenda) will give you a chance to get your hands and feet muddy, while building a traditional clay oven. The weekend will also introduce and demonstrate key permaculture features such as a straw bale house, a chicken greenhouse, and the use of local materials.

The style of clay oven we will be building during the workshop is described in the book The Bread Ovens of Quebec, by Lise Boily and Jean-Francois Blanchette
Publisher: Canadian Museum Of Civilization (October 1979). Another good reference for clay ovens is: Build Your Own Earth Oven: A Low-Cost Wood-Fired Mud Oven; authors: Kiko Denzer and Hannah Field.

Lunch is provided both days, including drinks, for both meat eaters and vegetarians. You will need to plan for your own breakfasts and evening meals.

This workshop is one of a series of ecological and permaculture education programs offered by the Green Foundation.

Suggested Items to BringMixing mud

  • Gloves, hat
  • Work clothing, coveralls, or just a change of clothes
  • Your own coffee/water mug
  • Basic tools such as a small hand saw, knife, small trowel for forming clay
  • Note pad, pencils, camera
  • Camping chair
  • Drinking water (we will have drinking water on hand, but you may wish to bring your own)

Overnight Accommodations

round straw bale house

Round straw bale house on site

For non-local workshop attendees – you can find one of many hotels available in Sundre, or put up a tent at the workshop site which is a farm with forest and creek nearby. Let us know if you need some telephone numbers for a hotel/motel.

Overnight campers may wish to stay until Monday morning (holiday) and travel
back home on that day.

Workshop Registration

Date: Saturday, September 3rd (10 am) to Sunday, September 4th (6 pm)
There will also be an evening social on Sunday and an informal social wrap-up on Monday morning (9-11am) before leaving. (also see the full workshop agenda)
Location: Sundre, Alberta
Directions to the workshop site will be provided to registered attendees
Fee:  $165 per person

There is limited space in this workshop. Registration is first come, first served. Prepayment is required.

To Register call (780) 723-3533 or fill out the registration form.