Bernhard Masterson
Natural Building
October 1, 2007 | by Noah on the writeup.. Jay on the Video | Permalink
Bernhard’s house is made of mud, and he is very proud of that fact. As a natural builder, in Portland, Oregon, Bernhard is working to inspire more people to realize the possibilities of the natural world around them, or in this case, under their feet. Bernhard says the empowerment he felt, from building his own home, is what has led him to educate others in the ways of natural building. He has learned entirely from experience, and books read on the subject. Bernhard does not tout natural building as a way to make a fortune, but as he says, “That’s not the way I want to be.”
Speaking from a public bench, the construction of which he oversaw, Bernhard speaks of the wonderful relationships that can be formed while working with a natural medium. Mud, he says, is a very natural thing. There is very little training that makes one person more of a mud expert than another person. This particular Oregon bench was built as a school project, and Bernhard says it was rewarding to see the kids come together, across social strata, and build a space for the community. And that is truly Bernhard’s passion: community building. The construction creates places that inspire public congregation, bringing people together around places they can proud of.
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kelly G Says:
October 1st, 2007
Art and building tend to bring people together. The mud would “naturally” create a bond (so to speak)! Sounds like a fun and interesting medium to work with. Bernhard’s life seems to be full with passion on what he holds true. It must be wonderful to drive past the bench, and other projects he has done, and to know it was his vision along with other passionate individuals that made it happen!
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