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Dome BUILD

Jemez springs, New Mexcio

Sept 7 - 14, 2024

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. By building with the Earth in a SuperAdobe format, your energy will directly impact how we demonstrate sustainable living in a desert environment for many years to come. This is a great opportunity if you are interested in gaining a more in-depth understanding of SuperAdobe building techniques to create earthen homes.  

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Jemez Springs

DOME CAMP

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participation options

Dome Build Workshop Only

 Sept 7 - 14th, 2024

15 spots

-Experience the dome build portion from start to finish

-This will be bag work and construction only

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Dome Curriculum

Dome Apprentice

Sept 7 - 22nd, 2024

Full Build

8 Spots available

-Experience the dome build portion from start to finish

-Stay past the building to learn all the finishing work

-Interior & Exterior Plasters

-Basic Electrical

-Doors & Windows install

-Complete a dome from Start to Finish

Plasters &

Finishwork Only

Sept 14 - 22nd, 2024

8 spots

-Interior Plasters

-Exterior Plasters

-Basic Electrical

-Doors and Windows

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Friday Sept 6th

Arrival & Travel Day!

Saturday Sept 7th

Introductions to Design

Center Compass

Foundations

 Superadobe basics

Superadobe Design & Rules Lecture

Hands on Superadobe Building

Sept 8 - 12th

Hands on Superadobe Building

Laying technique

Height compass navigation

Door & Window Forms

Material mixing

Soil-testing

Material sourcing

Arches

Drafting & Design

Friday Sept 13th

Capping of Dome

Workshop Closure 

Saturday Sept 14th

Departure Day for dome builders

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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

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Finishing Curriculum

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Saturday Sept 14th

Break and Rest Day

Sunday Sept 15th

Electrical

Interior Rough Coat Clay Plaster

Sept 16 - 17th

Door Jam Install

Exterior Base Lime/Cement Plaster

1st & 2nd Coat

Wednesday Sept 18th

Interior Clay Base 2nd Coat 

Thursday Sept 19th

Break Day to allow interior dry time

 

Friday Sept 20th

Final coat plaster

Saturday Sept 21st

Exterior Finishes

Sunday Sept 22nd

​Touch ups

Design Lectures

Earthen Floor 

Workshop End

Logistics

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Location:

Near Jemez Springs, New Mexico!

Fly into Albuquerque, New Mexico

1 hour from Jemez Springs

Transportation:

 

Albuquerque, New Mexico: 

Flights must land before 4pm on Sept 6th in Albuquerque if you'd like to be picked up from the airport by a staff member. 

Private Transport from airport to Jemez Springs property is $50 round trip  

Flight Departure Sept 14th after 11am or Sept 24th after 11pm

Food:

Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner is included for the dome workshop portion only. 

This will be group meals provided by our chef.

Most meals will include meat with a veggie 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.  

If you are staying for the apprentice portion or plaster portion, food will be on your own from Sept 14 - 22nd. You will have access to the camp kitchen.

Build Site

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Join us for an enriching natural building workshop nestled near the picturesque town of Jemez Springs, New Mexico.

 

Immerse yourself in the stunning landscape of New Mexico as you learn the art of dome building, all while being in close proximity to the soothing hot springs that characterize the area. Participants will have the unique opportunity to draw inspiration from the rugged beauty of the surrounding mountains, the calming flow of the Jemez River, and the vibrant flora and fauna that call this region home. Engage in hands-on experiences as you discover sustainable building techniques amidst the tranquility of nature, forging connections between architecture and the environment. Come and be part of this  journey where natural building  harmonizes with the breathtaking essence of New Mexico's landscape.

 

Exact building location will be sent after rsvp

 

Jemez Springs

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Lodging

Air Bnb

Check Jemez Springs for nearby Air - Bnbs 

Camping at Build Site 

Use the land as base camp. Plenty of land for camping. Will have access to port - o- potty toilets, camp shower and camp kitchen. 

Tent Camping, RV & Vans Ok!

Limited to 5 RV parking spots

RV's over 40ft will not be able to make it into the property.

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Pricing

Dome Build Only

Sept 7 - 14, 2024

$900

Plasters Only

Sept 14 - 22, 2024

$900

  • Full payment required upon arrival

  • Alumni enjoy 25% off 

  • Bring a friend & enjoy 15% off - (one friend only, discount goes to you!)

  • Discounts for returning students & bring a friend discounts are by cash payments only

  • Cancellation policy: if you need to cancel last minute we will refund 50% of the deposit made

Breakfast Volunteer

Sept 7 -14, 2024

2 discounted spots

Alternate days with other volunteer to get breakfast ready in the morning. Consists of heating water for oatmeal, chopping fruit, etc.

$700

Apprentice Program

Sept 7 -22, 2024

$1800

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