PAST WORKSHOP

Spanish Trabadillo – Traditional Gypsum & Lime Plaster Workshop

Aug 02, 2023 - Aug 05, 2023

₹25000.00

Upcoming Workshop

Rajasthani Lime Plaster Workshop

Mar 27, 2024 - Mar 31, 2024

Lime plasters are natural, breathable and beautiful to look at and touch. Cooling and permeable in nature they allow buildings to breathe, passively regulating internal air quality, resulting in healthier living spaces.

Lime as a construction material has withstood the test of time with the oldest examples being traced back to the ancient temple of Gobeklitepe dated to 9000BC.

In this intensive workshop you will learn three traditional Rajasthani lime plastering techniques from the Shekawati region; Thappi, Lohi & Araish.

WORKSHOP CONTENT

Practical Sessions

In this four day workshop you will learn practically how to :

How to identify appropriate materials.
How to prepare & mix mortars
Preparation and use of herbal admixtures
How to apply Thappi, Lohi & Araish plaster.

Introduction

Trabadillo Lime Plaster Workshop Showcasing Spanish Master Artisan Oscar Urruela Sacristán.

Trabadillo is a traditional Spanish plastering technique that combines pure lime and gypsum to create a plaster combining the benefits of both materials not present in either alone. Specifically the addition of gypsum lends a softness to the plaster and a reduction in the cracking that would be seen in thicker applications of pure lime plasters. Allowing the creation of bulkier sculpted or moulded works.

This is an experiential and experimental workshop wherein traditional Trabadillo techniques will be combined with local materials to create a variety of unique plaster finishes.

Introduction from the Master Artisan

Oscar Urruela Sacristán

The experience of centuries of Master Artisans of using traditional and artisan construction techniques is still alive today, yet fading fast. We are restoring their value in a world that has evolved, demanding a necessary transformation and modernisation.

In this practical training course we will work with different formulations of gypsum and lime stuccos (plasters), elaborating the necessary materials ourselves in an artisanal way with locally available raw materials.

This Trabadillo workshop is intended as a guide with which confidence and creativity are enhanced, avoiding being merely applicators of a product, it is about experimenting and finding.

In order to expand our definition of a lime plaster, we will explore with different aerial paste (quicklime) and semi-hydrated limes, plasters of different hardnesses, natural pigments, oxides and earth, natural glues or bones, aggregates of different types and granularity.

With these ingredients we will create different finishes, both traditional and more modern, applicable in different loads (thicknesses) from 1mm to 3 cm and on different supports such as stone, painted surfaces, earthen walls, wood, lime and cement mortar.
We will see how the Trabadillos can be the perfect natural candidate to replace micro-cements (terrazzo) and other industrial materials.

During this four day architectural workshop we will develop a variety finishes on different supports (wall surfaces) which we will prepare to receive the plasters. By playing with the base materials we will add extra aggregates to suit.
We will further combine the Trabadillos together with clays, various aggregates and fibres creating smooth surfaces or organic curves as we wish.

To finish our Trabadillo we will experiment with protectors, consolidators and treatments (water repellents, soaps, oils, silicates and ceramic nanoparticles).
We will learn the appropriate application techniques, as well as we carry out different finishes applied over various bases for both exterior and interior.

Experimentation with the addition of aggregates such as chamottes / surki (ground brick), clays and fibres, will allow us to expand our creative possibilities.

Meet The Master Artisan

Oscar Urruela belongs to the third generation of stucco masters. He learned the trade from his father in the workshop and on site, developing with him a multitude of new and restoration jobs, especially in the north of Spain.

He has worked in hotels, theatres, institutional buildings, commercial premises and private homes. Using techniques such as scagliola, lime stucco, plaster stucco, stone restoration etc. He has a deep understanding of traditional materials and techniques, which allows him to also experiment with new textures and colours.

After the retirement of his teacher, he has begun a new stage in which he combines his need for experimentation and exploration with different natural and traditional materials in the search for new application techniques. With the continuity of work on site, undergoing a transmutation towards a more contemporary vision of the finishes.

He has also begun a creative phase researching in the fields of art and sculpture using the experience in different techniques and materials acquired over the years. Oscar participates in both collective and solo art exhibitions in different European cities and countries.

Since 2010 and always with the premise of enhancing and transmitting knowledge of our wonderful and forgotten traditional decorative techniques, he has been dedicated to teaching, giving practical theoretical workshops in Spain and also in other countries such as the USA, Argentina, Uruguay, England & Japan.

He offers training programs in different techniques, levels of difficulty, specialisation and duration. Scagliola, fire-ironed stucco, lime stucco, lime and plaster stucco (work), classic scagliola, artistic pieces, continuous natural floors, contemporary murals…

In 2020, and after several years of research and development, he also began to manufacture and market a range of traditional products in an artisanal way, developed with local raw mineral materials with a low ecological footprint and with different applications, both indoors and outdoors, based on lime and plaster (trabadillos ) with the trade name of GeBat System.

Oscar also collaborates in the creation of artistic projects for museums and contemporary artists with international companies such as Factum-arte, Empty and Acciona in museums in Qatar, Dubai, Oman, Algeria.

Architectural Workshop Content

Appropriate supports (wall surfaces) and their preparation (union bridges)
Formulation of Trabadillos mortars with local raw material
Additives – aggregates, brick powder, clays, oxides & fibres
Application method and creative possibilities
Polished & burnished finishes
Treatments and protections – Oils & Waxes etc
We will make various examples in small format on a table
We will then move on to the wall where we will develop medium-sized samples and a large-format artistic mural combining the different techniques acquired.

Inclusions & Cost

₹25000 – Workshop Fees

Includes participation in a small group hands on workshop maximum 16 participants.
Ample opportunity to interact with Master Artisan one on one for personal guidance in technique.
All materials
One frame to practice the technique in, allowing you take the sample home.
Practical & Theory sessions taught by a highly skilled internationally renowned Master Artisan.
All materials
Vegetarian lunch & morning & afternoon tea
Transfer from Kaza to Kwang village and return after workshop completion (according to fixed timings)

₹3600 – Accommodation & Food

Vegetarian Dinner and Breakfast for 5 days
4 nights Accommodation in a dormitory in a traditional Spitian home onsite
Camping – BYO tent discount of Rs 300 per day = ₹2400 Total

Single & Twin Share Accommodation arrangements can be made in Kaza in Hotels or Home stays upon request. Kaza is approximately 12km from Kwang village. Please enquire for further details.

Lime Plaster Workshop Series

This workshop is part of a trilogy of architectural workshops being conducted by Oscar in India. During which Oscar will be guiding us on a path wherein the line between architecture and art becomes blurred. This is a truly unique opportunity to learn from