The Women's Natural Building Collective (WNBC) is a group of experienced women natural builders based in the Odemira district of Southern Portugal, founded in 2020 by Lola Byron. They offer immersive workshops, online coaching, and building services using local natural materials and permaculture principles to empower women in construction.
The Women's Natural Building Collective (WNBC) is a collective of women natural builders based in the Odemira district of Southern Portugal, founded in 2020 by natural builder and permaculturist Lola Byron. The organisation was born from a desire to create a platform where women feel empowered, supported, and capable of building the structures they envision.
The collective offers physical training workshops, online coaching and consultations, as well as building design and implementation services. Using only local natural materials and renewable resources, the WNBC applies holistic permaculture design strategies to create energy-efficient, ecologically conscious, and affordable buildings that live in harmony with the natural landscape. The collective draws on both ancient building methods and modern techniques, helping participants reconnect with ancestral building knowledge.
At its core, the WNBC aims to challenge the male-dominated construction industry and move away from environmentally destructive building practices. It seeks to create a safe, nurturing, and fun environment in which women can learn, experiment, share, and grow — both personally and professionally.
The team includes founding director Lola Byron, whose background spans art, sculpting, and permaculture design, alongside core builders Yuly, Tati, and Melody — each bringing unique skills in natural building, off-grid living, carpentry, and regenerative practices. Together they offer immersive residential courses, building blitzes, and hosted workshops across Portugal and beyond, with new dates planned for 2026.
Our Goal
To empower women in the construction sector by teaching the art of natural building using local materials, renewable resources, and holistic permaculture design principles. The collective aims to create a safe, supportive, and educational environment where women can gain the skills and confidence to build structures that live in harmony with the natural landscape.
Our Wishes
The collective welcomes hosts for women's natural building workshops and building blitzes across Portugal and beyond, as well as community members interested in joining immersive courses planned for 2026.
