Dome BUILD
10' Dome with hallway connections
May 17 - 24, 2025
Earthen Dome Workshop
The goal of this workshop is to complete a dome in the SuperAdobe construction style.
This type of building is one example of natural building we teach from the Mojave Center and is utilized in various parts of the world because of the affordability, easy construction technique, and overall strength of the structure. This is a great opportunity if you are interested in gaining a more in-depth understanding of SuperAdobe building techniques to create earthen homes.
Project
10' Dome labeled sitting room & hallway connections to courtyard
This dome will be another link in the large Casa Zata Dome complex.
A kitchen, bathroom, shower, bedroom, office and closet dome will already be built.
DOME CAMP
participation options
Schedule
Dome Build
May17 - 24
Hands on building, Lectures, Soil Mix, Bagging Technique,
Height Compass, Design, Capping the Dome
Volunteer Finish Work
May 25 - May 31
Interior and Exterior Plasters, Doors, Windows, Basic Electrical
Pro - rated Days
We understand that not everyone can take off weeks at a time to attend this workshop. We are open to folks joining for days that fit their schedule. With that, know that joining a workshop mid week after the dome is very tall can be intimidating to learn to bag on. If you choose this participation option, we suggest coming at the beginning of the project so you are able to feel comfortable on the build.
Dome Curriculum
Introductions to Design
Center Compass
Foundations
Superadobe Design & Rules Lecture
Hands on Superadobe Building
Height Compass Navigation
Door & Window Forms
Material mixing
Soil-testing
Material sourcing
Arches
Drafting & Design
Work Day Schedule
7:30 - Breakfast
8:30 - Game / Morning Stretch
9:00 - Morning On Site Build Session
12:00 - Lunch
1:00 - Afternoon On Site Build Session
5:00 - Work Day End
6:00 - Evening Lecture
7:00 - Dinner
Logistics
Location:
Southern Arizona -2 hours southeast of Tucson, AZ
The property is about a 10 minute drive on a dirt road from the main paved road.
2wd vehicles can make it to the property on the dirt roads.
Exact location sent after sign up!
Transportation:
Tucson, Arizona:
Flights must land before 4pm on May 16th in Tucson if you'd like to be picked up from the airport by a staff member.
Private Transport from airport to the property is $80 round trip
You can also get to Tucson with the Groome shuttle from the Phoenix Airport.
Get dropped off at the university location Here
Flight Departure May 25th after 11am or June 1 after 11am
Food:
Lunch is included for the dome workshop only.
These will be group meals provided by our chef.
Breakfast and Dinner are a personal meal.
You will have access to the kitchen.
Bisbee is 20 mins away with great restaurants.
Sierra vista is 20 mins away with groceries and restaurants.
Most meals will include meat with a veggie/vegan option. We will do our best to accommodate for all dietary needs, but it always good to plan ahead & bring additional protein supplements & vitamins as we will be working physically.
Food is only included during the Dome Build portion only from May17-24. If you are attending the apprentice portion or plaster portion, food is on your own. You will have access to the camp kitchen.
Build Site
Join us for an immersive workshop nestled in the serene landscapes of Southern Arizona. 2 hours southeast of Tucson, Arizona. Surrounded by the breathtaking beauty of the Sky Islands section of the Sonoran Desert, participants can expect to embark on a journey of discovery and inspiration.
The workshop site is a raw piece of land. The land will be the first expansion of the Mojave Center's second campus! This campus gets twice as much rain as our Mojave Campus as it will be another example of natural buildings in a different ecosystems.
Our workshop offers the unique opportunity to engage with nature firsthand, as we explore the rugged terrain, lush canyons, and vibrant flora and fauna that define this enchanting region.
The land sits right under 5000ft of elevation.
Exact building location will be sent after rsvp
Air Bnb
Check Sierra Vista for near by rentals
The property is about a 10 minute drive on a dirt road from the main paved road. A 2wd vehicle can make it to the property on the dirt roads.
Camping at Build Site
Use the land as base camp. Plenty of land for camping. Will have access to composting toilet, camp shower and camp kitchen.
Tent Camping, RV & Vans Ok!
Lodging
Pricing
Dome Camp
May 17 - 24, 2025
$900
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Full payment required upon arrival
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Alumni enjoy 25% off
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Bring a friend & enjoy 15% off - (one friend only, discount goes to you!)
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Discounts for returning students & bring a friend discounts are by cash payments only
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Cancellation policy: if you need to cancel we will refund 50% of the payment made if cancellation is made 1 month prior to workshop. If cancellation is after 1 month, we can roll over your payment to a future workshop.
