Dome BUILD
Southern Arizona
July 13 -20, 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.
Southern Arizona
DOME CAMP
participation options
Dome Build Workshop Only
July 13 - 20th, 2024
15 spots
-Experience the dome build portion from start to finish
-This will be bag work and construction only
Dome Apprentice
July 13 - 31st, 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
July 20 - 31st, 2024
8 spots
-Interior Plasters
-Exterior Plasters
-Basic Electrical
-Doors and Windows
Dome Curriculum
Friday July 12th
Arrival & Travel Day!
Saturday July 13th
Introductions to Design
Center Compass
Foundations
Superadobe basics
Superadobe Design & Rules Lecture
Hands on Superadobe Building
July 14 - 19th
Hands on Superadobe Building
Laying technique
Height compass navigation
Door & Window Forms
Material mixing
Soil-testing
Material sourcing
Arches
Drafting & Design
Saturday July 20th
Building End
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
Finishing Curriculum
Sunday July 21st
Basic Electrical install
Interior Clay Base 1st Coat Plaster
Monday July 22nd
Break and Rest
July 23 - 24th
Window Install
Door Jam Install
Exterior Base Lime/Cement Plaster
1st & 2nd Coat
Thursday July 25th
Interior Clay Base 2nd Coat
Light Fixture install
Friday July 26 -27th
Paint & Prime Exterior
Sunday July 28th
Break Day to allow interior dry time
Monday July 29th
1st coat fine plaster
Tuesday July 30th
Gravel & Earthen Floor
Wednesday July 31st
Workshop End
Departure Day
Logistics
Location:
Southern Arizona -1 hour 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.
Higher clearance recommended.
Exact location sent after sign up!
Transportation:
Tucson, Arizona:
Flights must land before 4pm on July 12th 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 $50 round trip
Flight Departure July 20th after 11am or July 31st after 11pm
Food:
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner is included for the dome workshop 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 program or plaster portion, food will be on your own from July 20 - 31st. You will have access to the camp kitchen.
Build Site
Join us for an immersive workshop nestled in the serene landscapes of Southern Arizona. 1 hour 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.
Temps: The land sits right under 5000ft of elevation. Temps in July will not exceed 100 degrees.
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 Build Only
July 13- 20, 2024
$900
Plasters & Finishwork
July 20- 31st, 2024
$900
-
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
-
Cancellation policy: if you need to cancel last minute we will refund 50% of the deposit made
Dome Build Breakfast Volunteer
July 13 - 20th
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
Dome Apprentice
July 13- 31st, 2024
$1800