New course
49 Students
Last updated on 29 April, 2025
English
Online training, complete and accessible
Certified by 3 international accreditation bodies
Unlimited and lifetime access
You work at your own pace, from your computer, tablet or mobile
Access to a private forum
Interactives quizzes
30-day money-back guarantee
Natural Building Course
Overview
Course description
🏘️ The Global Housing Crisis and Its Environmental Impact
We live in a world of stark contrasts—sprawling mansions in some regions and makeshift shelters in others. In the northern hemisphere, families often occupy vast homes spanning 10,000 square feet, complete with heated pools and private tennis courts, while billions elsewhere reside in overcrowded, unstable settlements. The built environment is responsible for approximately 42% of global CO2 emissions, and according to the UN, 1.6 billion people lack adequate housing. With an estimated need for 2 billion new homes over the next 80 years, the construction industry’s growing demand for raw materials continues to deplete natural resources and drive up energy consumption, accelerating the planet’s ecological decline.
🛖 Indigenous Wisdom and Sustainable Alternatives to Modern Construction
What if we could build dignified, eco-friendly homes using locally sourced materials in a way that respects both people and the planet? For thousands of years, Indigenous cultures have relied on natural and earthen construction methods to create homes that blend seamlessly with their environments. While many modern "green building" initiatives focus on cutting-edge renewable technologies, addressing the global housing crisis requires us to embrace the time-tested techniques still practiced by land-based communities worldwide.
📖 What You'll Learn
This course begins with a comprehensive overview of the challenges within the modern construction industry. We will examine the environmental and energy impact of the built environment and explore how the construction sector contributes to the larger global crisis. Additionally, we will critically assess why many current and emerging "green" building technologies often fail to address the root causes of these issues.
Next, we will introduce a range of natural building methods, techniques, and strategies, empowering you not only to construct your own sustainable home but also to guide others in doing the same. The most suitable natural building approach depends on the unique conditions and characteristics of each location, and this course will provide insights into how different methodologies can be effectively applied. We will also explore case studies highlighting how Indigenous communities around the world have successfully implemented these techniques in their ancestral lands.
The course concludes with a deeper exploration of the values and ethics that underpin Indigenous and vernacular building traditions, offering a holistic understanding of sustainable construction rooted in cultural wisdom and environmental stewardship.
🙋 Who Is This Training For?
This course is designed for individuals, families, and communities seeking to create sustainable, eco-friendly homes that align with the natural world. Whether you’re new to natural building or have prior experience in construction or permaculture, this training will equip you with the knowledge and skills to build responsibly and effectively.
Homesteaders and Off-Grid Enthusiasts – Learn to construct resilient, self-sufficient homes using locally sourced materials in rural or off-grid environments.
Urban Dwellers and Tiny Home Builders – Explore ways to integrate natural building techniques into compact living spaces and urban settings.
Eco-Conscious Builders and Architects – Gain hands-on knowledge of low-impact, traditional building methods that prioritize sustainability and environmental stewardship.
Permaculture Practitioners – Incorporate natural construction principles into permaculture design to create regenerative and ecologically sound living spaces.
Community Organizers and Educators – Learn how to preserve and share vernacular building traditions, empowering communities to construct sustainable homes.
Anyone Interested in Sustainable Living – Whether you're looking to downsize, reduce your environmental footprint, or build a healthier home, this course provides essential tools for living in harmony with nature.
This training is ideal for anyone ready to move beyond conventional, resource-intensive construction methods and embrace a more regenerative, community-driven approach to building.
Course benefits
This course includes
Certified & Accredited Course
Study group access
12 videos
10 modules
Interactives quizzes
9 PDFs
Modules
Course syllabus
Module 1: THE HEAVY FOOTPRINT OF THE HOMES WE INHABIT
Module 2: COB CONSTRUCTION
Module 3: BUILDING WITH ADOBE, WATTLE AND DAUB AND RAMMED EARTH
Module 4: TIMBER FRAMING 101
Module 5: BAMBOO CONSTRUCTION
Module 6: STRAW BALE CONSTRUCTION
Module 7: EARTHSHIPS
Module 8: HEMPCRETE AND OTHER CONCRETE ALTERNATIVES
Module 9: DE-COMMODIFYING THE HOME: THE 'INVISIBLE STRUCTURES'
Certification
Our certifications are internationally recognized
Our certificates are accredited by IPHM (International Practitioners of Holistic Medicine), CMA (The Complementary Medical Association), and the CPD (Centre of Excellence), which means that they have been assessed and recognized internationally.
Institution Information
Meet your course creator
Almaoasis
Specialization
Sustainable Living
Courses
Self-Sufficiency Certification
Urban Agriculture Certification
Permaculture Design Course
Wilderness Survival Instructor
Sylvotherapy Practitioner Certification
Alma Oasis was created in 2023, brought to life from the shared vision of two individuals captivated by the beauty and mystery of daily life but also by the climate problems and unmet solutions in our society. Our vision is to inspire the environmentally curious and encourage change in individual behaviors to have a positive impact on the earth, however large or small. ‘Alma’ means the soul, reflecting the essence of our being and ‘Oasis’ signifies a flourishing ecosystem in an otherwise arid world. Together, Alma Oasis represents the harmonious coexistence of the human spirit and nature, a place where individuals learn to thrive on a constantly evolving planet.
Reviews
Reviews
445 reviews
Read more
Slyvotherapy
This course was enlightening and informative. I would hightly reccomend it.
30 April, 2025
kate n.
Student
Great!
I’m loving the content!
30 April, 2025
Karianne S.
Student
Far Exceeds Expectations
I'm currently on module 3 and am impressed with the knowledge, expertise, and this course offers. I love the explanation of how indigenous people used permaculture and appreciate the quality of the narration as well as the pdf format to print. I also like the quizzes as it helps me determine what I have learned and what I need to go back and study more. I'm brand new to permaculture and am excited to use these tips to use on our land. I feel like anyone who lives on earth would benefit from this course and that if everyone practiced these principles, or at least understood them, then our land could heal, and we could reverse some of the damage we have done.
29 April, 2025
Adrienne B.
Student
Wilderness Survival Instructor
Good
28 April, 2025
Marion W.
Student
Finished module five and moving on
I am loving this course. As an LCSW and nature lover I am eager to bring the addition of forest therapy to my practice.
28 April, 2025
Kim C.
Student
fun
I am enjoying everything that I am learning.
28 April, 2025
Jeremy C.
Student
Just starting the course
Interesting but I have So much to learn still
28 April, 2025
Dee C.
Student
review
so far so good
27 April, 2025
Stevie R.
Student
Sylvotherapy
Course is interesting. Unit 3 was especially useful and provides much insight.
27 April, 2025
Susan S.
Student
Sylvotherapy Practitioner
I really enjoyed the course and can't wait to get out in the woods. I also look forward to sharing this information with my clients and after more practice, be able to lead others in forest bathing. This was a good introduction to the concept.
27 April, 2025
Erica M.
Student
Bonuses
Enjoy exclusive bonuses with this course
Bonus 1
Facebook Client Attraction Certification
Ready to grow your holistic practice? Join our Facebook Client Attraction Certification course!
Holistic-Focused Strategies
Proven Techniques
Get Certified
Bonus 2
Student map
Calling all students! Explore our Student Map platform designed to help you connect, chat, and collaborate with fellow students worldwide.
Easy Student-to-Student Connections
Global Networking Opportunities
Chat and meet others to practice your craft
Bonus 3
Holistico professional CRM business suite
Receive 30 day trial to test all the features from the premium Holistico Professional+ tools bundle
Take payments
Manage your appointments
Have your services discovered
Bonus 4
Every Purchase Plants 3 Trees!
With every order, we're teaming up with One Tree Planted to plant 3 trees, creating a greener planet. 🌱
Improved Air Quality
Support sustainable communities
Restore wildlife habitats
Benefits
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I sign up for a course?
Just pick the course you’re interested in and click “Add to cart.” When you’re ready, head to the checkout and complete your payment. You’ll get a confirmation email right away. If you want a printed certificate, you can choose that during checkout too!
How long does it take to complete a course?
That really depends on how many pages you go through per day or week, and of course, on your previous experience. The course is completely online and self-paced, so there are no deadlines. Once you’ve purchased the course, you’ll have lifetime access to all the material. It’s made up of several modules, some are lighter, while others a bit heavier. For most students, completing the entire course takes around 40 hours.
If I need help with the course, can I ask a question?
Yes, absolutely. The student forum is available for this purpose, you can post your questions and either a mentor or another student will get back to you, usually within 48 hours (excluding weekends and holidays). And feel free to share your wins too!
I can’t log in or forgot my password, what should I do?
Start by checking your inbox and spam folder for your login email, especially if it’s your first time logging in. Make sure you're using the same email address you used when signing up and that you're on the correct website. If needed, click “Forgot Password?” on the login page and follow the steps to reset it. If the email doesn't arrive, double-check your spam folder and try again. Still having trouble? Just reach out to our support team at [email protected], we're happy to help and usually respond within 48 hours (excluding weekends and holidays). We recommend saving your login details when you receive your registration email to avoid any issues later on.
Do I need to attend anything live, or can I study whenever it suits me?
The entire course takes place online and is fully self-paced, so you can study whenever it suits you best. There are no trips, workshops, or live classes required. You’ll get access to course modules as downloadable PDFs, audio files, and in some cases, videos. You study independently in your own time, and if you have any questions, you’re always welcome to ask them in the forum.
How am I assessed during the course?
You’ll find short quizzes at the end of each module to help you reflect on what you’ve learned, they’re NOT graded and are just for your own understanding. At the end of the course, there’s a final multiple-choice exam that is graded. You’ll need to score at least 80% to pass. Don’t worry, if you do not achieve 80% your first time, you can retake the exam at any time.
Are there any prerequisites?
There are no prerequisites or minimum educational requirements. All our courses are carefully designed to be accessible to as many people as possible. You can study from a computer, tablet, or smartphone. If your internet connection is unstable, we recommend downloading the PDF modules and audio files so you can access them offline whenever it suits you. Just keep in mind that you’ll need an internet connection to complete the quizzes and take the final exam.
Do I receive a certificate at the end of the course?
You will receive a printed certificate if you selected that option during registration. Otherwise, you can order it later at any time from your student portal under the "Certificates" section – OR download it for free as a PDF.
Are your certificates officially accredited, or are they just for personal development?
The professions for which our courses prepare you are part of the unregulated occupations in most countries. This means there is no official recognition. However, local regulations may vary. We recommend that you inquire with the relevant authorities. Our courses are designed to provide essential foundational knowledge, making them an excellent starting point for anyone looking to enter a new field or expand their expertise. They equip you with practical skills and a deep understanding of the subject matter, enabling you to either begin your career or enhance your existing expertise in a cost-effective way. Our courses are accredited by respected international organisations. That said, the fields we train for aren’t regulated in most countries, so recognition can vary depending on where you live. It’s always a good idea to double-check with local authorities if you're unsure.
Why are the courses sometimes discounted so much?
We believe that quality education should be accessible to everyone, not just a privilege for a few. From time to time, we offer significant discounts to open the door for more people to learn, grow, and discover new opportunities. It’s part of our mission to make personal and professional development more inclusive, regardless of budget.
Natural Building Course
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