The work crew was part of a straw bale construction workshop sponsored by Central Oregon Community College and Earth Connections-Oregon.

The workshop participants got an intensive, hands-on education in straw bale construction and Zuelke and Babcock got a tremendous jump-start on the construction of a workshop and greenhouse.

"It's like an old-fashioned barn raising," said Zuelke of the busy work party.

The crew was led by architect Lawrence Schechter, a specialist in sustainable construction.

The project was a happy conjunction of needs -- COCC wanted to offer a class in straw bale construction; Schechter needed a site to run a hands-on workshop; and Zuelke and Babcock needed help to realize their plans for the outbuilding.

"I couldn't have done it without these people," Zuelke said.

The finished product will be a 600-square-foot workshop with a 150-square-foot loft and a 200-square-foot solar greenhouse.

The greenhouse is a promise fulfilled. When Zuelke met Babcock in Portland, she owned a nursery business. She sold the business to move to Sisters with Babcock.

"He promised me if I followed him to Sisters, he'd build me the greenhouse of my dreams and that's what I'm getting," Zuelke said.

According to Schechter, straw bale construction offers many advantages.

"It's much more energy efficient than conventional construction," he said.

Insulation values can be three to four times higher due to the natural insulation of the straw, he said.

Schechter asserts that the permeability of the straw also makes for a healthier, better-ventilated interior environment.

"It also conserves on consumption of wood," he said.

Schechter, who has built straw bale homes and outbuildings from British Columbia to Oregon, has taught numerous workshops on the techniques of construction.

Participants in last weekend's workshop got a three hour classroom overview on design and applications, then headed out to Panoramic View Estates for the hands-on work.

A building contractor will pick up where the class left off to finish the job.