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Tiny House Technologies​ (includes building a wood fired hot tub) 

June 26 - 30, Jacksonville, Oregon 

 

(The workshop starts with dinner on the first day and ends with lunch on the last day)

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Fee: $850

Maximum class size: 12 students

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Included in the fee:

  • instructions

  • use of tools and materials (no need to bring your own)

  • camping spot, hot showers, composting toilets

  • 3 vegetarian meals, coffee, tea, water

  • transportation from Medford airport or bus station

 

Instructor Conrad Rogue and Kyle Chandler-Isacksen

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Register now!

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Overview

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Whether you live in a small cabin, RV, Tiny House or mud hut, we all can benefit from a few lights, clean water and a comfortable way to go to the bathroom. Conventional ways of addressing these needs are so often too complex, expensive and not at all appropriate for living a more modest life.

 

However, many of us have missed the opportunity to work with a parent, sibling or friend to learn the basics needed to put these systems together. Many people interested in building a small earthen home are also welcoming a less complex and more human friendly way of addressing some basic needs.

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All technologies taught are actively in use on the site of the workshop and students will get first hand-experience of them

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What will you learn

 

This workshop will teach you how to:

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  • build a variety of composting toilets

  • build several different sized “off grid” solar systems

  • use solar panels to directly charge phones and computers, pump water, run fans, etc.

  • harvest rainwater off your roof

  • design and build simple solar hot water systems

  • build and use solar cookers

  • design simple grey water systems

  • live with different refrigeration options

  • build a wood fired hot tub

  • play 3 songs on the ukulele (optional, b.y.o.u.)

 

We will be using these systems to teach you the very basics of

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  • plumbing: different style piping, connections, use of tools

  • electricity: AC versus DC, wire sizes, connections, tools, use of a voltmeter, wiring, lights

  • carpentry: how to connect wood together, screws vs. nails, the use of cordless power tools, different woods, measuring and sawing, structure and shear, how to make a box

 

Whenever possible, you will get hands-on experience and clear guidance.

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All systems taught fall under our understanding of appropriate technology. They should be:

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  • simple to use

  • easy to construct and maintain

  • inexpensive

  • safe

  • easy on our ecological footprint

 

Because of these characteristics we often step outside the confines of the building code, combine materials in creative ways and design systems that do require our attention and involvement. Ultimately, we can then move towards a life that requires less money, is more responsible and gives us more time to play the ukulele! (or whatever)

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The daily schedule

 

We are aware that students make a big investment in a workshop such as this. We honor your time and do the best we can to share our knowledge and experience. Expect long days with lots of experimenting, building and learning. We will use our solar ovens to cook our meals. Believe it or not, we also still like to make time for a campfire, some singing and laughing. We always strive to make the workshop itself a memorable and fun experience.

 

7:30 breakfast

8:30 classes and hands-on experiences

1:00 lunch

2:30 classes and hands-on experiences

6;30 Dinner

7:00 free time/campfire/uke lessons

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About the site

 

The workshop will take place at the House Alive homestead and community in Southern Oregon, 15 minutes away from the historic town of Jacksonville (check out the Britt music festival to see if there is something you want to see while you are nearby!) Our site is dotted with cob cottages, and also has a code approved hybrid house (straw bale, cob, conventional). It is located in the Siskiyou mountain range and has a mixed pine/oak/fir forest. Our homestead is peaceful and safe. The weather this time of the year is sunny and warm (sometimes hot) and the evenings/nights are cool. Rain is rare, but possible.

 

You will be provided with a flat, private and shady camping spot. We also have hot showers, composting toilets, and internet. 

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Registration

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It’s easy to register for this workshop, go to our registration page, fill out the simple form and send in a deposit to secure your spot(s). These workshops have often have filled to capacity, so don’t wait too long if you think this workshop is for you!

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