NATURAL PLASTERS
Hands-On Workshop With
John Hutton &
James Henderson
Two Stand-alone sessions:
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August 14-18
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August 26-31
LOCATION:
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UNDERWOOD, WA
Join us in Underwood, Washington for an immersive natural plaster workshop as we continue work on a 1,800 SF hemp-lime residence in the beautiful Columbia Gorge.
We are offering two stand-alone training sessions, each providing a comprehensive introduction to natural plaster. Participants will gain hands-on experience mixing and applying both clay and lime plasters for interior and exterior walls while developing a strong understanding of the complete plastering process.
The first five-day session, led by John Hutton, emphasizes substrate preparation and base coat applications, while also covering finish coats.
The second six-day session, led by James Henderson, emphasizes finish coats, while also covering base coat applications.
Each workshop combines classroom discussion with hands-on instruction covering project logistics, systems detailing, and various application techniques. Attend either session independently, or both for additional practice and the opportunity to learn from two experienced instructors.
DATES & DETAILS
Workshop Dates:
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Session 1: August 14th-18th
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Session 2: August 26th-31st
Location:
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Underwood, WA 98651 (Specific address provided upon approved registration)
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20 minutes to downtown White Salmon, WA
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50 minutes to Portland, OR
Project Features:
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1800 SF single story permitted residence.
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3 bedroom, 2 bathroom, with spacious open floor plan & vaulted ceilings.
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All exterior walls are hemp-lime walls.
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Most interior walls are hemp-lime walls.
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For more information about this build click here.
Also Included:
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Organic Breakfast and Lunch served daily.
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Car/Tent camping available free on site.
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Outdoor Kitchen
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Outdoor Heated Shower
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Power, Potable Water, Portable Sanitation Units
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RV Spots available upon request.
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Off-Site Lodging available at cost.
For more information about Lodging and the area visit:
Breakfast served daily at 8:30am
Workday ends at 5:00pm
Primary Takeaways
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Mixing and installation methods for both clay and lime plaster.
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Hands-on experience with base coat and finish coat applications.
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Best practices and design detailing for integrating natural plasters with hemp-lime construction.
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Refined methods that balance traditional craftsmanship with modern efficiency.
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Materials, tools, tips and troubleshooting.
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Insight into natural building design and hemp-lime systems.
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Networking opportunities with fellow enthusiasts and professionals.
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Collaborative learning in a real project setting, contributing to the creation of a pioneering 1,800 SF hemp-lime home.
MEET YOUR INSTRUCTORS
James Henderson is a builder, licensed contractor, and internationally recognized natural plaster specialist with over two decades of hands-on experience. Originally from Australia, James began in conventional construction before dedicating his career to natural building. Since 2003, he has worked across the U.S. and around the globe, plastering straw bale, light straw clay, cob, Faswall, and hemp-lime homes.
Always seeking better methods, James has trained in natural plasters in Australia, Japan, Portugal, Morocco, New Zealand, England, Estonia, and the U.S. He is the author of Earth Render: The Art of Clay Plaster, Render and Paints, a go-to reference for plaster enthusiasts worldwide, and has contributed articles to The Owner Builder Magazine and The Last Straw Journal.
Today, James is co-owner of NW Natural Homes LLC, a general contracting company based in Port Angeles, WA, specializing in high-performance natural homes, and Gold Hill Clay Plaster LLC, a manufacturer of natural clay plasters. His teaching style blends technical precision with a passion for craftsmanship, making him a sought-after instructor who empowers participants to master both traditional and innovative plastering techniques.
For More information about Jame's work visit:
John Hutton is the founder of Next Genesis Design, a design-build practice specializing in the design and construction of homes using hempcrete and other natural materials. With over two decades of experience in architectural design and hands-on construction, his work bridges technical precision with real-world building.
In 2012, John stepped away from the commercial design world to focus on natural building, learning directly from many experienced practitioners, and contributing to the development of modern hemp-lime construction in the Pacific Northwest through built projects.
His work integrates natural materials into high-performance, vapor-open assemblies designed for moisture control, thermal performance, longevity, resilience, and occupant health.
John emphasizes clarity, technical rigor, and practical application. Through the workshops participants will be equipped with the knowledge and skills needed to design and build healthy living spaces with natural materials.
Cost / COMPENSATIOn
We believe in creating a learning environment that values both education and expertise. To balance teaching opportunities with the contributions of experienced plasterers, we’re offering a tiered cost structure:
Beginner / Limited Experience
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Cost of Session 1 (5-days): $600
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Cost of Session 2 (6-days): $650
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Cost of Both Sessions: $950
Intermediate / Moderate Experience (1+ years)
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Cost: $200
Advanced / Experienced (2+ years)
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Compensated participation w/ daily stipend.
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After a short call to assess your background, compensation will be determined based on your skill level and experience.
This structure allows beginner plasterers to learn in a hands-on environment, while also attracting skilled plasterers who can help raise the level of collective learning and craftsmanship during the workshop.
Workshop Registration
