This particular part contains six chapters starting with An Introduction to Natural Building. In the following chapters, learn in detail about Mud, Bamboo, Lime, Surkhi and Admixtures. This part is for in-depth learning about natural building materials. The tutorial videos familiarise the learner with different natural building material aspects. One can know about the historical context through ancient textbooks and traditional practices at old buildings. It helps to make the right choice of material, procurement, know the material through on-site tests, treatment of material, making it into a suitable usable form and the different possibilities of using the material. Understanding the material related to Natural Building thoroughly at the beginning will set a strong foundation for learning. The origin of techniques and practices discussed in this series is from an 'Indian' context, which makes this course unique from other Natural Building methods worldwide. 

What you'll learn

1.1 Introduction to Natural Building

• Evolution of Shelters
• Ancient Textbooks
• Age-old Structures
• Traditional Shelter making system
• Where does Thannal's knowledge come from?
• Why did this system change?
• How is it well suited for each place?
• Impact of returning to Natural Building
• Jagrat (awake): When living in a mud house, the five senses will interact with the natural materials in the physical world.

1.2 Mud

• What is Soil?
• Ancient text knowledge
• Components of soil
• How to procure soil to examine the components?
• Mud Tests
• Feeling with Hands
• Cigar Test
• Ball drop test
• Mud biscuits or cookies
• Mud Bottle Test
• Mud Sampling
• Conclusion & Jagrat
• References & What’s Next

1.3 Bamboo

• What is Bamboo?
• Bamboo is not a wood but a variety of grass. 
• Ancient text knowledge
• Traditional examples of Uses of Bamboo
• Types of Bamboo
• How to procure bamboo?
• Harvesting
• Traditional practices in India
• Buying from Market
• Why treat bamboo? 
• Immersing bamboo in water
• Smoking bamboo 
• Baking bamboo in light fire
• Dipping in boric and borax
• Immersing in cow urine
• Preservation
• How to choose a suitable treatment method?
• Different ways to use bamboo
• Conclusion & Jagrat (Awake)
• References & What’s Next

1.4 Lime

• Jagrat (awake): The Versatility and Uses of Lime (Mystic Lime)
• What is Lime?
• Ancient Text Knowledge
• Traditional homes
• Exercise 1
• Lime Cycle
• Burning lime in a kiln
• Benefits of making lime in a kiln
• Transporting and Storing Lime
• Exercise 2 - Visit a lime kiln
• Slaking of lime
• Dry slaking
• Wet slaking
• Different classes of lime
• How do we test the quality of lime?
• Visual Examination
• Field test
• Ball test
• Test to check stabilization of lime
• Where can lime be used in construction?
• What happens with the excess use of lime?
• Why not use cement?
• Explorations by Thannal
• Village story & Jagrat (Awake)
• References & Upcoming Lessons

1.5 Surkhi

• What is Surkhi?
• Ancient Text Knowledge
• Traditional Building Examples
• What is Pozzolanic material?
• What happens when pozzolanic material is added?
• Sources of Surkhi
• How to Make Surkhi (Do-it-yourself)?
• How to make surkhi by in your site
• How to make the mix with Surkhi?
• What is the effect of grinding the mix?
• Benefits of adding Surkhi
• How to test the quality of Surkhi?
• Uses of Surkhi
• Limitations in using Surkhi
• Conclusion & Jagrat (Awake)
• References & Upcoming Lessons

1.6 Admixtures Part-1

• What are admixtures?
• What is present in these admixtures?
• Ancient Text Knowledge
• Why use admixtures?
• Kadukkai – Jaggery Mix
• Neem Turmeric water
• Where has Thannal used it?
• What is starch?
• Cow Dung
• Cow Urine
• Types of Fibers & Uses
• Gums from Varaal Fish
• Conclusion & Jagrat (Awake)
• References

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