Rocky Mountain Natural Building Conference in Bozeman Features Bio-Based Building Expertise
3-Day conference helps architects, engineers, tradesfolks and DIY’ers learn about construction using low-carbon, non-toxic natural materials. AIA continuing education credits offered.
Contact: Jean Lotus Executive Director Natural Building Alliance naturalbuildingalliance@gmail.com (720) 310-0341
What: The biennial conference focuses on natural building materials, methods and philosophies including: Strawbale, cob/adobe, hempcrete, straw-clay, timber framing, natural plastering, low-carbon and low-energy construction and more.
When and Where: Thursday September 18-Saturday September 20
Emerson Center for the Arts and Culture
111 South Grand Ave, Bozeman MT
Who: The Colorado-based nonprofit Natural Building Alliance (NaBA) has supported natural building practices and skills and hosting natural building conferences since 2003.
COST: $395 or $50 for students with ID.
Special Events:
- FREE Bozeman Community Night (Open House) Thursday 4- 6 pm with free snacks, cash bar, hands-on natural materials “petting zoo,” peer-to-peer table displays of natural building projects.
- MSU Graduate School of Architecture student natural building presentations
- Tour of Bozeman co-housing residence with goats, solar electricity and permaculture
- AIA Professional Continuing Education credits for select presentations.
More Information at: https://natural-building-alliance.org/events/2025-rocky-mountain-natural-building-conference/
Bozeman, MT – Architects, engineers, tradespeople and owner-builders seeking ways to use natural materials in construction will find a wealth of expertise and collaboration in Bozeman at the 2025 Rocky Mountain Natural Building Conference from Sept. 18-20 at the Emerson Center for Arts and Culture.
This year’s theme, “Resilience,” highlights the critical role of natural building methods in creating durable, healthy and climate resistant sound structures for the future.
Highlight: Bozeman Community Night – A Free Public Event
A featured event of the conference is Bozeman Community Night, a free open house designed to welcome local residents, students, and families to explore the world of natural building. This special event will be held on Thursday, September 18, from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM at the Emerson Center. Attendees can enjoy complimentary snacks, a cash bar, and engage with presentations by natural builders and Montana State University (MSU) architecture students.
Conference Focus: Sustainable Building Methods for a Resilient Future
The 2025 Rocky Mountain Natural Building Conference presents a wide array of bio-based, non-toxic, and low-carbon building methods. Keynotes, presentations and workshops will cover how these methods can reduce ecological footprints, improve indoor air quality and withstand environmental challenges.
Professional Development Opportunities
For building design professionals, the conference offers opportunities for professional growth. Selected presentations will qualify for AIA (American Institute of Architects) Continuing Education Credits. Check back the website in August for complete list of AIA-CEU credits.
Keynotes include:
- Kritika Kharbanda, Henning Larsen Architects Head of Sustainability, NYC – “Scaling Up Material Innovation”
- David Arkin & Anni Tilt, Arkin Tilt Architects, Berkeley CA – “Local and Resilient: Bio-Based Building in High Risk Fire Zones”
- Ace McArleton (New Frameworks, VT) and James Kitchin, (Mass Group, Bozeman) co-founders of the Bio-Based Materials Collective – “Beyond Resilience: Opportunities for Healing and Abundance”
- With a special presentation by Chris Magwood (Peterborough, ONT Canada) – RMI/Builders for Climate Action – “Resilient Humans, Resilient Organizations”
“The 2025 Rocky Mountain Natural Building Conference is more than just a gathering; it’s a pivotal moment for the construction community to embrace ‘Resilience’ through innovative building”, said Fort Collins, CO-based David Kaplan, president of the Natural Building Alliance.
“We believe that by focusing on bio-based, non-toxic, and low-carbon methods, we are not only constructing buildings but also fortifying our future against environmental challenges. The Bozeman Community Night is particularly exciting, as it allows us to open our doors to everyone, from curious neighbors to aspiring students, demonstrating that sustainable building is accessible and beneficial for all.”
For more information and to register, please visit the Natural Building Alliance website.
Media Contacts
Jean Lotus, Executive Director Natural Building Alliance naturalbuildingalliance@gmail.com (720) 310-0341
About the Natural Building Alliance (NaBA)
Starting in 2003 as the Colorado Straw Bale Association, the nonprofit Natural Building Alliance (NaBA) for more than 20 years has been committed to expanding and sharing knowledge, experience, and techniques for sustainable building. NaBA promotes natural building materials, methods and philosophies including: Strawbale, cob/adobe, hempcrete, straw-clay, timber framing, natural plastering, low-carbon and low-energy construction and more.
About the Emerson Center for the Arts and Culture
The Emerson Center for the Arts and Culture is a vibrant community hub located in the heart of Bozeman, Montana. Housed in a beautifully restored historic building, it provides a dynamic space for artistic expression, educational programming, and community events, making it an ideal venue for the 2025 Rocky Mountain Natural Building Conference.
