Applying clay plaster is healthy, fun, aesthetic, ecological, and… (almost) free! Using an easily accessible raw material, you can create surfaces that suit you by experimenting with shapes, textures, and colors. While the theory is relatively simple to grasp, practical application requires experience.
And what better place to learn than Ermitaj? A space dedicated to experimentation and knowledge sharing. We invite you to try, learn from mistakes, receive practical advice, and discover new techniques in a friendly and inspiring atmosphere.
Dates
The workshop will take place from Wednesday, August 6, to Sunday, August 10, 2025.
What You Will Learn
- How to find clay on-site and test its composition
- Ready-made plasters available on the market: advantages and disadvantages
- The role of each ingredient: sand, fibers, binders…
- How to prepare and mix plaster: tips and tricks
- Testing plaster and interpreting the results
- Preparing different types of substrates: when, why, and how to apply a base coat
- Practical application: techniques for strong wall adhesion
- Essential tools: trowels, floats, sponges, hands…
- How to repair cracked plaster
- Adding ingredients (pigments, fibers, oils) for customization
- Maintenance and protection of clay plaster
- Thermal plasters
- Making clay-based paint
- Simple techniques for relief decorations using clay and straw
Bonus
We will also discuss:
- Different earth construction techniques, with a practical demonstration of “torchis Thai“ technique
- Types of lime: properties and uses
About Coline
Coline Vanlaeys is part of Ermitaj’s core team.
She has had the opportunity to train and experiment with clay plasters and other natural building techniques in various projects: in Thailand (Panya Project), in France (Terre-Paille & Compagnie with Pascal Depienne și Chenli), in Belgium (Cense Equi’voc with Guillaume Grawez, l’Éco-centre des Fagnes-Ardennes) and of course, during numerous worksites at Ermitaj.
She has also gained experience working with Nemeth Janos and Lupse brothers (Baza Ulmu).
Passionate about eco-construction, she enjoys experimenting with new, simple, and efficient techniques using locally available resources.
Trowel in hand, she shares her knowledge with generosity, humility, and passion!
Panya Project - Thailand 2012
Who Is This Course For?
This workshop is open to everyone, with no prior requirements.
Whether you are:
- A curious beginner,
- A passionate learner looking for new techniques,
- Someone eager to refine your skills,
You will have the opportunity to learn and experiment.
After all, there are as many ways to apply plaster as there are people applying it!
About Ermitaj
A pioneer in permaculture in Romania since 2010, Ermitaj is located on an 8-hectare site at the foot of the Carpathians.
This off-grid, fully autonomous space offers a complete immersion in nature.
Find out more about the placePractical Information
The course fee covers the costs of organization, infrastructure, meals, and the trainers’ and cooks’ salaries. It is also based on your payment capacity, depending on your household income. We count on your understanding and fair play. If you are fortunate enough to no longer need to work thanks to significant savings or investments, we kindly ask you to pay the highest rate.
The fee includes healthy and balanced meals from the first morning of the course until lunch on the last day. Tea, coffee, juices, and snacks will be available during breaks.
Register at least two months before the course starts and benefit from a 10% discount!
| Household Monthly Income | Standard Price | Early Bird Price |
|---|---|---|
| Under 2,500 RON (500€) | 1000 RON (200 €) | 900 RON (180 €) |
| Between 2,500 and 6,000 RON (500 – 1,500€) | 1200 RON (240 €) | 1080 RON (215 €) |
| Between 6,000 and 12,000 RON (1,500 – 2,400€) | 1400 RON (280 €) | 1260 RON (250 €) |
| Over 12,000 RON (2,400€) | 1600 RON (320 €) | 1440 RON (290 €) |
The workshop requires a minimum of 8 participants to take place.
If this number is not reached one month before the event, the course will be canceled, and all registered participants will be fully refunded (without additional compensation).
Registration
Please carefully read the General Conditions and Internal Regulations before registering!
Spots are limited! Secure your place now.
For more details and registration, contact us directly or fill out the registration form (in romanian language):
Formular de înscriere