Dome BUILD
Cochise County
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. 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
Project
Superadobe + Hyperadobe Fireplace!
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+ Continue on a 15' Dome with two doorways and 2 windows!
+ The foundation is already done (hard parts over!)
+ This dome will be another link in the large Casa Zata Dome complex.
+ A bathroom, shower and bedroom dome will already be built,
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DOME CAMP
participation options
This dome is one of the largest domes we will build in a workshop format. At some point it becomes redundant during the bagging portion of the dome. To mitigate burn out during the course, we are trying a new method where we open the beginning portion of the build to volunteers to help build the "hardest" and most mass portion of the dome and workshoppers come in after we hit spring line on the dome. The dome will be 1' tall when the workshop begins. All learning outcomes will still be covered during the workshop!
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Schedule
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Dome Build
Sept 7-14
Bagging, Height Compass, Windows, Capping the Dome
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Finish Work (Volunteer)
Sept 14 - 22
Interior and Exterior Plasters, Doors, Windows, Basic Electrical
Dome Apprentice
Sept 5th - 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
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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.
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Prep Days
Sept 4th
Arrival & Travel Day!
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Sept 5-6th
Diggin Foundations
& Building Door Forms​
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Dome Curriculum
Sept 6th
Arrival & Travel Day!
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Sept 7th
Introductions to Design
Center Compass
Foundations
Superadobe basics
Superadobe Design & Rules Lecture
Hands on Superadobe Building
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Sept 8 - 13th
Hands on Superadobe Building
Laying technique
Height compass navigation
Door & Window Forms
Material mixing
Soil-testing
Material sourcing
Arches
Drafting & Design
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Sept 14th
Dome Cap!
Workshop 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
Sept 15-16th
Break and Rest
Sept 17th
Electrical
Interior Base Clay Plaster
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Sept 18th - 19th
Window Install
Door Jam Install
Exterior Base Lime/Cement Plaster
1st & 2nd Coat
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Sept 20th
Interior Clay Base 2nd Coat
Light Fixture install
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Sept 21st
Paint & Prime Exterior
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Sept 22nd
1st coat fine plaster
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Sept 23rd onward
Optional to stay and volunteer to finish the dome
2nd coat fine plaster​​
Exterior Paint
Door install
Gravel and
Earthen Floor
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.
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Exact location sent after sign up!
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Transportation:
Tucson, Arizona:
Flights must land before 4pm in Tucson the day before the workshop begins 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. Please get dropped off before 4pm on in Tucson
Get dropped off at the university location Here
Book your flight Departure for the day after the workshop end after 11am
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Food:
Bring your own food and meals!
You will have access to a camp kitchen with a fridge and stoves!
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Bisbee is 20 mins away with great restaurants.
Sierra vista is 20 mins away with groceries and restaurants.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Temps: The land sits right under 5000ft of elevation. Temps in Oct be perfect!
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Exact building location will be sent after rsvp
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Air Bnb
Check Sierra Vista or Bisbee 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.
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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
Sept 7 - 14, 2024
with optional prep work dates!
$400
Plasters & Finishwork
Sept 14 - 22nd, 2024
Free!
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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 last minute we will refund 50% of the payment made
Dome Apprentice
Sept 5 - Sept 22nd, 2024
$400