Dome BUILD
Cochise County
Oct 22 -31, 2024
Plasters Nov 3 - 17
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
14' Dome labeled Kitchen in images
This dome will be another link in the large Casa Zata Dome complex.
A bathroom, shower and bedroom dome will already be built.
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 3' tall when the workshop begins. All learning outcomes will still be covered during the workshop!
Schedule
Volunteer Prep Work
Oct 16 - 22
Forms, Foundation, Bagging and Double Buttress Ring
Dome Build
Oct 22 - 31
Bagging, Height Compass, Windows, Capping the Dome
Finish Work
Nov 3 - 16
Interior and Exterior Plasters, Doors, Windows, Basic Electrical
Dome Apprentice
Oct 16th - Nov 16th, 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
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.
Prep Days
Tuesday Oct 15th
Arrival & Travel Day!
Wednesaday Oct 16th
Diggin Foundations
& Building Door Forms
Oct 17 - 20th
Hands on Superadobe Building
Set Door Forms
Lay Foundation & Buttress Bags
Monday Oct 21st
Rest Day
Workshoppers Arrival Day
Dome Curriculum
Monday Oct 21st
Arrival & Travel Day!
Tuesday Oct 22nd
Introductions to Design
Center Compass
Foundations
Superadobe basics
Superadobe Design & Rules Lecture
Hands on Superadobe Building
Oct 23-30th
Hands on Superadobe Building
Laying technique
Height compass navigation
Door & Window Forms
Material mixing
Soil-testing
Material sourcing
Arches
Drafting & Design
Thursday Oct 31st
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
Thursday Oct 31st
Dome Cap
Friday Nov 1
Break and Rest
Electrical
Saturday Nov 2nd
Dia De Los Muertos Dance Party!
Sunday Nov 3rd
Interior Base Clay Plaster
Nov 4 - 6th
Window Install
Door Jam Install
Exterior Base Lime/Cement Plaster
1st & 2nd Coat
Thursday Nov 7
Interior Clay Base 2nd Coat
Light Fixture install
Friday Nov 8th
Rest Day
Saturday Nov 9th
Interior Clay Base 2nd Coat Continuation
Nov 10th - 11th
Paint & Prime Exterior
Tuesday Nov 12th
1st coat fine plaster
Wednesday Nov 13th
Break Day to allow interior dry time
Thursday Nov 14th
2nd coat fine plaster
Friday Nov 15th
2nd coat fine plaster touch ups!
Saturday Nov 16th
Gravel and Earthen Floor
Sunday Nov 17th
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 Oct 21st 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. Please get dropped off before 4pm on Oct 21st.
Get dropped off at the university location Here
Flight Departure Nov 1st after 11am or Nov 17th after 11pm
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 camp 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 Oct 22 - Oct 31st. 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. 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 Oct be perfect!
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
Oct 22 - 31st, 2024
with optional prep work dates!
$900
Plasters & Finishwork
Nov 3 - Nov 17, 2024
Volunteer
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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
Oct 16 - Nov 17, 2024
$900