Yestermorrow Design/Build School

This week-long workshop will be an immersion in constructed wetlands for wastewater treatment. Students will be introduced to the basic principles of domestic wastewater treatment with natural systems and explore the major design considerations including treatment requirements, process flow diagrams, and process selection. We will cover system analysis, site investigation, permitting, treatment options, design basics and material selection. The course will also cover design history and current design theory. We will spend a day visiting constructed wetlands in the area. Students are encouraged to bring specific projects to work through design considerations.  After completing the course, students will be able to design and build a small constructed wetland for wastewater treatment.  More information...

This course will take students through the processes of harvesting building materials from existing structures, design to incorporate these materials into new constructions that are adaptable and deconstructable, and finally building one or more small scale structures using reclaimed materials. Outcomes include knowledge of safe and best practice for salvaging materials for reuse, learning about and developing solutions to the challenges of integrating reclaimed components into the design of small scale structures, and understanding and hands-on practice of principles of design for adaptability and deconstruction. Learning to salvage materials and designing with reclaimed materials in ways that allow building and materials reuse is the basis for a practice of lifecycle design. More information...

Edible Forest Gardening is the conscious application of the principles of ecology to the design of home scale gardens that mimic forest ecosystem structure and function, but grow food, fuel, fiber, fodder, fertilizer, “farmaceuticals" and fun. This workshop will offer an in-depth exploration of forest ecology, site analysis and assessment, the design process, and interaction with some of the lesser known plants that can comprise ‘perennial polycultures’. There will be interactive lectures and group work, as well as hands-on experiential learning. The course will include a detailed analysis of the Yestermorrow site, using what we find to create a draft plan for a large forest garden installation. Students will be an integral part of a permaculture designed landscape installation at Yestermorrow. This workshop is open to all, but is recommended for experienced gardeners or graduates of Permaculture design courses.  More information...

This course is aimed at those involved in small, integrated, local farms — a farm apprentice responsible for building a chicken coop; a new farmer with a farm in need of regeneration; an established farmer looking to make capital improvements; or the family homesteader who needs a sheep barn. Topics covered will include energy efficiency and independence, barnyard layout, barn design and rehabilitation, site planning, sheds and outbuildings, greenhouses, root cellars, housing, long-term planning, and the many systems involved in a local food source.  More information...

The cutting edge of design and construction involves enhancing the performance of our buildings to ensure that they last longer, use less energy, and are healthier and more comfortable to inhabit. As we push this edge further, we learn more about the physical phenomena that affect our buildings and how to design in accordance with the laws of physics and the forces of nature. In this class we will explore the field of building science to inform best practices for design and construction of the built environment. With a primary focus on moisture and thermal dynamics, we will identify typical weaknesses and develop strategies for improvements of various building envelopes and mechanical systems. Through lecture, case study, hands-on testing, demonstration, design exercises, and design review, students will not only learn the science behind building performance but have the opportunity to apply their knowledge. More information...

In this course, we will explore intensive and extensive green roof systems. We will discuss various planning strategies including water retention and native habitat preservation. We will cover the theoretical and technical considerations of green roofs while gaining the hands-on experience of actually building them. Through evening lectures and discussions, we will examine layer buildup, drainage solutions, characteristics of growing medium, and plant palette selection. During the days, we will perform a hands-on installation.  More information...

Join us as we explore different ways of living small! Less is More offers ideas and design strategies that will enable you to envision and design a tiny “home,” whether it be a yurt, trailer, shipping container, cottage, or beyond. We’ll tour noteworthy local examples (amazing abodes, cottages, and yurts), virtually travel across the globe to explore various cultures and modalities (cubicle apartments in China, and treehouses in Tokyo), and have interactive lectures and conversations, all of which are certain to spark your imagination for your next home. In the design studio, we’ll work on a collaborative design project to hone our skills and ideas, and then finish the week by working on our individual actual or concept projects for micro-dwellings. Students leaving this course will take home the skills necessary to help them imagine and begin design work on their own small homes. Bring your curiosity, enthusiasm, and projects! More information...

This course provides students with a comprehensive exploration of all facets of creating an energy efficient, climate-specific natural structure. In this two-week intensive, we will engage in studio sessions, hands-on construction experience, lectures, slide shows, and site tours. In the studio, students will develop a comprehensive design of a project through the creation of drawings of elevations, sections, plans, and scale models. In the shop, students will build a variety of insulative wall systems, examining critical details such as doors and windows, wall to roof connections, air sealing, framing options, plastering, and much more. Topics include straw bale construction, fiber-clay infill and other natural wall systems, clay and lime plasters, natural roof options, alternative foundations, water and energy conservation systems, permaculture and building-site relationships, and social and cultural contexts. Emphasis will be paid to designing and detailing for success in cold, wet climates.  More information...

This unique intensive brings a critical eye and an experiential approach to the ideas underpinning ecological design. How does immersion in a natural environment impact creativity and design decisions? Can an experiential understanding of natural processes lead to more “natural” design, not just in terms of material usage but also in terms of aesthetics, technological systems, and applied building science? What would it look and feel like to truly align contemporary building with the principles of ecology? To answer these questions, students will spend three days backpacking in Vermont’s Green Mountains, studying natural patterns and processes through drawing, readings, hands-on design activities, and discussion. We’ll then return to the studio to synthesize what we’ve learned in a culminating design project. Throughout, we’ll examine key concepts and trends in ecology and design, including biophilia, permaculture, biomimicry, and “green building.” Students will need to bring their own basic backpacking gear and should be capable of carrying a 30–40 pound pack over several miles of easy to moderately difficult uneven terrain. More information...

Our Permaculture Design Certification course provides a positive and empowering vision for social and ecological transformation. You will learn how to apply permaculture principles to diverse landscapes, scales and issues with a focus on rural, urban and temperate environments. Primary permaculture design applications addressed in this course include bioregional design science that provides a new model for economic development; an assessment of the major issues of our day from a whole systems perspective; permaculture as a worldwide movement that is helping to regenerate local ecologies and economies; and solution-oriented ecological approaches to retrofitting our societies. This course is ideal for motivated individuals -- including community leaders and professionals in the fields of architecture, planning, ecology and education -- who wish to use the tools of permaculture in rural and urban environments as well as for modeling sustainable and regenerative businesses. Come be inspired by the possibilities of today and learn how to redesign your world.  More information...

Using reclaimed or salvaged materials speaks to both the ecological and creative realms. By re-using materials, we are fostering a sustainable design/build ethic. In this class students will create a small-scale furniture piece constructed with reclaimed, salvaged, and/or found materials. Students will explore the design process in full, gathering inspiration from the available materials, while contemplating unique or unusual uses they might offer. Students are encouraged to bring their own project ideas and materials to class. More information...

The leading edge of sustainability is moving beyond green design and into regenerative development - the process of integrating buildings, communities, and their inhabitants as healthy contributors to the living places of which they are a part. Because sustainability is ultimately about sustaining all life, a mental model shift is required to work towards this next level. To ‘develop' means to create new potential. This requires of us both inner and outer work. It is a process of shifting ourselves from being occupants of the land to becoming inhabitants - conscious participants in the co-evolution of life for the purpose of continually regenerating and healing the whole system. More information...

This intensive course will provide homeowners and aspiring professionals with the knowledge needed to make informed decisions regarding the design and installation of a solar electric system, as well as the skills necessary to be actively involved in the system’s implementation. The course will start by introducing the fundamentals of photovoltaic technology, the types of solar electric systems and components, and basic elements of site evaluation and design. Students will tour several residential PV systems, discuss incentive programs and code compliance, and perform financial analysis. Participants will complete a hands-on installation of a small solar electric system on a mock roof. And finally, instructors will help course participants size and select equipment for their own solar electric systems. Each student will leave the class with the knowledge necessary to assist a licensed solar professional in designing and installing an appropriate solar electric system for their home.  More information...

Have you always wondered about strawbale construction? Heard it is only for hot and dry climates? Think again! With their combination of insulation and thermal mass, plastered strawbale walls can be perfect for cold - and even wet - climates if they are designed and built according to a set of time tested principles. This course balances sessions in the classroom and on a demonstration project so you will learn to think your way through a bale house while gaining a feel for the nature of straw, clay and lime as building materials.  More information...

Why do respected environmental metrics like LEED for Homes, Energy Star and NAHB Green prefer manufactured homes? Because with pre-fab: material conservation typically results in less than 2% waste; tighter construction and shorter travel costs prompt energy conservation; fewer trucks and deliveries reduce degradation and pollution of the site; OSHA regulations and a controlled building environment provide healthier work conditions; and better construction methods means a longer life cycle. And naturally, pre-fab can deliver sustainable homes at lower prices! But, this new approach to building light on the land requires new design strategies. Students will learn to use SketchUp software to prototype a green, factory-friendly design for fast pricing. We cover how to “shop” manufacturers, and factory visits provide insight into their methods. At the end of the course all students will have a design with a strategy to maximize this affordable green architecture.  More information

During this one week course students will learn how to design and build a sustainable tree house. In the studio we will talk about tree house design issues such as site, tree physiology and species, sustainable design, tree house structures and, let us not forget, beauty! In the field component of the course, students will learn how to safely construct a tree house design in real trees. While building we will learn construction techniques, suitable materials, tree house detailing and how to build safely. Students will walk away with the confidence and understanding of how to design and build their own tree house.  More information...

Over the last two decades, the historic craft of timber framing in residential construction has experienced a revival. Students will learn the fundamentals of designing and constructing a timber frame using mortise and tenon joinery. Layout techniques, tool use and sharpening, and joinery cutting methods are taught as we work on a small timber frame project. Evening lectures will address the history of the craft, finishing techniques, and mechanical systems for timberframe houses. We will also touch on frame design, joinery choices, and integration of frame and house design. This course will focus on traditional hand-cut joinery and tools and will also demonstrate some of the power tools used by modern timber framers. The class will raise the structure on the final day.  More information...

Tiny houses (homes typically between 64 and 300 square feet) are springing up all over the country -- from Vermont to Oregon to post-Katrina New Orleans -- as well as all over the media landscape. They are affordable and energy efficient, they reduce materials consumption, cut your carbon footprint, and they're cute! A tiny house is perfect for an office, art or writing studio, children's playhouse, meditation/yoga space, guest house, or even a fully equipped dwelling. In this intensive tiny house workshop, students will spend mornings and afternoons building a tiny house on wheels, including framing, interior and exterior finishes, insulation, and possibly plumbing and wiring. Evenings will be spent in the design studio, where students will contemplate how to efficiently utilize space as they create drawings, plans and models for their own tiny houses. More information...

Like humans, bees are social animals, living and working together in a community.  They are also intuitive designers and builders.  Raising bees provides a window through which we can commune with these unique creatures, gain an understanding of their biological and social structure, as well as encourage a more productive, ecological landscape of our own.   In this workshop, we will discuss the history of beekeeping, the environmental importance of having more individuals raising bees, and the responsibilities associated with keeping the hive healthy. The emphasis will be on sustainable and biodynamic principles. We will analyze natural beehive architecture, and look at the different styles of human-made hives. Finally, we will review plans for our own hives and then each build one.  Each student will leave with a finished beehive consisting of a brood hive, one medium hive body (two if time permits),  the base, and inner and outer covers.  More information...

This workshop will enable students to begin replacing fossil fuel with renewable fuel in a variety of applications. The heart of this intensive course is the adaptation of diesel engines to operate on straight vegetable oil. Students will perform all major operations in the design and construction of a heated fuel system, including electrical wiring, fuel filter and tank installation, coolant plumbing and controls. Lecture and discussion will cover biofuel home heating, electrical generation and transportation. We will explore briefly biodiesel use and production, ethanol, methane, and locating/ growing fuel sources. More information...

Mud, earth, clay, soil – an awesome and versatile building material which can act as a thermal battery, holding heat. People have used this technology for thousands of years to bake bread and other staples. Today wood-fired earthen ovens are seen as an appropriate technology in an increasingly over-complicated world. They restore simplicity to the connection between toil and nourishment, hand and mouth. Come learn how an oven works, how to build it, and modify it for your needs. Building with mud is fun for everyone from young to old; from experienced builders to someone who has never built by hand before. So join us and get ready to get your hands dirty!  More information...

Industrial hemp is a dynamically functional plant that for millennia has been utilized for everything from paper, to textiles, to body products, to biofuel. And a hemp-based mixture known as hemcrete is now being touted as a high-performance alternative to traditional building and insulation materials. This course will cover a short history of industrial hemp and its current status in the United States and other countries. Participants will learn the advantages of building with hemp as well as current hemcrete construction methodologies. Hands-on practical application will include forming or shuttering, mixing and casting the material within a framed structure, as well as finishing with plasters and coloring. Students will come away with enough knowledge to pursue a hemp building project of their own. Proceeds from this class will support the efforts of Rural Vermont, a statewide grassroots sustainable agriculture organization. More information...

This course is for anyone that is interested in building or purchasing and using a composting toilet. We will consider the history and philosophy of composting human waste and the science behind it. We will also examine the different types of composting toilets available on the market such as those manufactured by Sun-Mar and Clivus-Multrum, as well as designs that can be constructed by the do-it-yourselfer. Some states now allow composting toilets to be used to replace conventional toilets, and the regulations involved in their operation and maintenance will be thoroughly discussed. Upon completion of the course, students will be prepared to install and begin using their own composting toilet while avoiding some of the major potential pitfalls involved in composting toilet use. More information...

This hands-on course covers the basic science of composting with various feedstocks optimized to produce large amounts of heat, using a simple but proven approach of embedding a heat-exchanger into a large mass of aerated saw-dust, wood-chips and/or bark-mulch. Course materials and system designs are based on the pioneering work of the non-profit network at CompostPower.org and French inventor Jean Pain. Students will learn about the history of this concept of the "Jean Pain Method" and the early results of CompostPower's experiments in Vermont, while building a Compost-Power system that will be used to create steady base-load heat for domestic hot water, process heat, space-heating or greenhouse-heating depending on the host-site. An overview of HVAC-plumbing-integration or a field trip to an operating system will also be included.  More information...

This course will teach the design, construction and effective utilization of greenhouses. A survey of structural principles, material limitations, macro/micro environmental design principles, enclosure options, and existing greenhouse archetypes will be discussed in the classroom and in the field as students tour area greenhouses with opportunities for hands-on building and learning. This course will also consider how a greenhouse enclosure can be integrated into, and influence, the interior spaces of existing buildings. Students will get an overview of the environmental principles and guidelines that designers employ in designing buildings that benefit from the natural energies that are ambient in our world. The course begins with an understanding of how the sun’s orientation from dawn to dusk contributes to the solar passive heat gain with respect to the location and orientation of a greenhouse, and concludes with the basic understanding of assembling a home built greenhouse.  More information...

This course, led by green building expert Peter Yost, will use the new web-based tool, GreenBuildingAdvisor.com, to make the comprehensive case for green remodeling. This will be a “soup-to-nuts” approach to green remodeling, covering all of the essential principles of building science on projects ranging from weatherization to gut rehab to deep energy retrofits. Day 1 will focus on green remodeling principles and the tools available to employ them. Day 2 will be driven by case studies (including the 8-year deep energy retrofit of Peter’s own 100-year old home) and YOUR projects; bring plans, photos, drawings, etc. to bring green remodeling home!  More information...

For those considering harvesting logs for lumber on a small scale, building with materials from their own woodlot, or purchasing a sawmill, this course will provide an overview of methods and options for small scale sustainable harvesting and wood production. The bulk of the course will be live demonstrations with emphasis on the variety of considerations at every step of the process. Methods of felling, skidding, and sawmilling will be presented. Discussions will include everything from woodlot assessment and management to building with fresh cut green lumber. More information...

The relationship between good housing and good health is an often overlooked aspect of the sustainability movement. But a home cannot be sustainable if it contributes to the ill-health of its inhabitants. This workshop is a comprehensive and holistic exercise that prepares participants to site, design, build and operate a healthy home, or to inspect and remediate problem situations in already existing homes. We will explore both conventional and unconventional perspectives enabling you to create healthy, supportive and productive environments, free from allergens, toxins, and hazards that can cause everything from asthma to learning disabilities to cancer. Myths and misconceptions will be replaced with prudent avoidance and healing design. The course is for people who have environmental health concerns (or want to avoid them), as well as for design and building professionals striving to create holistically green structures.  More information...

No modern building can function properly if the design program and construction detailing fails to account for the thermal and moisture dynamics of the building envelope and its relation to the internal and external environment. This class will be an in-depth building science investigation of hygro-thermal issues -- including steady-state heat loss, internal and external heat gains, wind & solar radiant impacts, temperature gradients within the building envelope and the effect of relative humidity, air convection and mean radiant temperature on human comfort. This will be the context to explore the often misunderstood issues around indoor and outdoor moisture, moisture migration through the building envelope, moisture storage (or buffering) capacity of materials, effects of relative humidity both inside the building and within the thermal envelope, and moisture control methods that minimize mold, rot, corrosion and warpage while optimizing durability of the structure and human comfort. More information...

As the adverse impacts and rising costs of fossil fuel use become increasingly apparent, residential-scale renewable energy options are more appealing than ever. But how does a homeowner determine the strategy that makes the most sense for their specific situation? This course provides an overview of the most efficient and practical systems: passive and active solar, wind, microhydro, geothermal, biofuel and biomass. Students will learn the principles, methods, and equipment associated with these renewable energy systems. Students will also learn to perform preliminary needs, site, and economic assessments; utilize their local incentives and resources; and determine the strategy that best suits their home site and requirements.  More information...

Tadelakt is an ancient lime plaster technique that originated in Moroccan royal palaces and steam baths. The allure of a tadelakt finish is its high degree of polish, silky-soft feel, and subtle micro-cracking that gives the appearance of ancient porcelain. Tadelakt is a completely waterproof and fluid medium that can conform to most any shape. Contemporary tadelakt is an excellent choice for showers, sinks, bathtubs, functional art, and sculpture. In this introductory class, students will learn the basic substrates, materials, tools, and techniques required to create tadelakt finishes. Each student will individually complete a variety of small art pieces to take home; as a group, we will also create and complete a project together. Special emphasis will be placed on how to locally source raw materials for tadelakt. More information...

Finishing walls with natural, nontoxic products imparts a number of benefits to a building, whether you are working on a plastered strawbale wall, or interior gypsum wall board. The ingredients are simple and safe, the process is creative and fun, and the possibilities are endless! In this course, we will look at the art, science and practice of making your own paints, washes, and other finishes with clay, lime, casein, wheat paste, mica, sand, pigments, oils and other natural materials. Students will be introduced to a variety of materials and their working properties, as well as gain a solid understanding of the basics of where and how to apply these products to different wall systems. This class will be mostly hands-on, with discussion ongoing throughout the course. More information...

Rain gardens retain and reuse rainwater from rooftops, driveways, or parking lots to prevent adverse stormwater impacts. In this class, students will learn the principles and design techniques for planning, building, and maintaining a small-scale rain garden. Using the spirit of do-it yourself, students will become empowered with the tools to make a positive impact on their personal water-use and water-waste footprint. Learn how rain gardens are at once beautiful, effective, and fun! The course will cover background science, site investigation, permitting, design basics, plant and material selection, and hands-on installation.  More information...

Using one of Yestermorrow’s existing facilities as a case study, students will redesign its wastewater system from the groundwater up. In two days we will cover system analysis, site investigation, permitting, treatment options, design basics and material selection. The course will also cover design history and current design theory. We hope to answer your questions regarding source separation, composting toilets, and nutrient cycling.  After completing the course, students will be able to identify the major components of a wastewater treatment system and size individual treatment unit processes.  More information...

Root cellars and other means of passive food storage are simple and effective ways to reduce carbon footprints, monthly bills, grid dependency, and increase your food security. In this workshop, participants will learn elements of designing for passive cooling and humidity control, including site selection, design strategies and options, materials pros and cons, thermal mass, ice batteries, raw food considerations,  planning crops for food storage, design considerations for different applications, and retrofit opportunities and methodologies.  More information...

This workshop will present the basic design, theory and methods required to maximize the solar potential of your present or future home. Day one will use lectures, slide shows and tours to show how to use passive design for home heating, cooling and day lighting. Day two will cover the basics of photovoltaics for home power. The course will expand your understanding of how to use the sun's energy to brighten your life, heat your living spaces and water, and recharge your batteries for a more natural, comfortable and economical home. More information...

Solar hot water systems provide one of the most cost effective means to reduce reliance on petroleum-based and carbon producing energy sources. This workshop will provide homeowners and aspiring professionals the opportunity to be actively involved in the design and installation of a solar hot water system that is appropriate for their needs. Through lecture and site visits, students will learn the fundamentals of solar thermal technology, the types of available systems and components, and the basic elements of site evaluation and design. Incentive programs, code compliance, and financial analysis will also be discussed, and students will perform a hands-on installation of a small solar hot water system on a mock roof. Each student will leave the class with the knowledge necessary to assist licensed solar and plumbing professionals in designing and installing an appropriate solar hot water system for their home.  More information...

This two-day workshop will cover the basics of design and construction of super-insulated and zero-energy buildings. These "green" buildings not only reduce our carbon footprint by saving energy, but are also extremely comfortable, quiet and healthy. Topics of discussion will include the principles of heat loss, putting together an effective insulation package, simple modeling of building performance, affordable approaches to insulation and weatherization, determining how much insulation is enough, selecting the right windows, heating system selection and incorporating solar aspects into your design.  More information...

As urban populations worldwide continue to grow amidst the convergent crises of energy depletion, climate change and economic uncertainty, it is critical that we redesign our cities to provide for more of their residents’ needs. This workshop focuses on practical skills usable by urban communities to achieve greater local access to, and control over, life’s essential resources. We will introduce simple and affordable techniques for soil building, bioremediation, rainwater harvesting, intensive food production, microlivestock and aquaculture, small scale autonomous energy production, DIY air purification, and other infrastructure retrofits. We’ll look to existing urban farms, urban homesteads, and other examples of urban permaculture to explore the ways we can design and establish our homes and communities as ‘human ecosystems’ that are not only less fuel reliant, but also beautiful, productive, ecologically regenerative, and wholly nourishing.  More information...

Derived from the traditional Mongolian moveable shelter, the modern yurt is for many an economical, creative, durable, and versatile form of housing. The yurt can work as a home, a temporary shelter or creative work space. Consisting of a few elemental parts, we will build a simple yurt that includes the lattice wall, tension cable, doorway, roof rafters, roof ring, dome and fabric covering. With minimal woodworking skills, a home of complex and magical beauty can be made at modest cost. As the group saws, drills, glues, nails, and assembles the parts together that comprise the yurt framework, then cuts and joins materials for the covering, you will gain the experience that will allow you to make your own yurt to suit any need from year-round home to a room of one's own.  More information...

Water is essential for life, and how we live affects both the quality and quantity of water available to us. From farming to transportation, energy production to economics, our actions and systems have an impact on water. In uncertain and increasingly extreme climatic conditions and an increasingly urbanized world, water will be to the 21st century what oil was to the 20th. As such, community by community, watershed by watershed, we are being called upon to be good water stewards. To do this we need to understand both how water works and how our actions impact water. We will work with basic patterns, principles, and processes to help us think about water in all we do. Specific topics will include the hydrological cycle, river and stream morphology, biological water treatment, landscape storage, carbon sequestration, and watershed resilience. More information...