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DOME BUILD

+ Natural Plasters

April 2 - 8, 2023

Earthen Dome Workshop

The goal of this workshop is to complete a 8ft diameter dome in a SuperAdobe construction style. 

This type of building is one example of natural building we teach at 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 domes but are unable to stay for months on end. We will end the course with a morning of base plastering to cover the dome we just built.

7 Day Course Schedule

Full Course with complete experience and practice. Food Included. This curriculum can slightly change due to weather and energy of group

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Schedule 

Day 0 (April 1st): Arrival at 6pm

Day 1 (April 2nd): Introductions to Design, Center Compass and Foundations: site overview, community ethics, foundations & arches, superadobe basics, site safety/setup, laying foundations, 

Day 2 - 5 (April 3rd - 6th):Technique of Build: Laying technique, height compass navigation, forms, material mixing, soil-testing, material sourcing, 

Day 6 (April 7th): Capping of Dome, Recap + Basic Design : Completion of dome, design + drafting lesson

Day 7 (April 8th) : Plaster + Base Coat: Learning & applying mix using clay, sand & straw.

Day 8 (April 9th) Morning : Course Closure and Departure

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Work Day Schedule 

7:30 - 8:30 - BYO Breakfast

8:30 - 9:00 - Game / Morning Stretch

8:30 - 12:00 - Morning Work Party

12:00 - 1:00 - Lunch Provided by the MC

1:00 - 2:00 - Lecture

2:00 - 4:00 - Afternoon Work Party

7:00 - Dinner

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Curriculum:

  • Principles of an Arch

  • Superadobe Basics

  • Superadobe Rules

  • Design & Drafting

  • Foundations & Drains

  • Center Compass & Height Compass

  • Setting a Form

  • Hands on Superadobe Building Experience

  • Pillow Bags & Door Openings

  • Plaster Finishes: Base & Final

  • Capping a Dome

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INFOrmation PACKET

What to expect, what to bring and where to go, listed in the packet below! :)

Location:

  • Our Mojave Center!

  • Charleston, View, CA

  • 1 Hour West of Las Vegas

  • Exact Address will be send upon Sign up!

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Logistics for workshop:

  • Water & power is available

  • Please bring your own camper/shelter - wind resistant tents only*

  • Service is LTE and widely available

  • Bring plenty of work clothes/closed-toed shoes/2x leather gardening gloves/1x working gloves

  • 10 positions available

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Current Structures on site:​

  • 9 domes finished in the structural phase, some can be used for tent shelters

  • 3 Domes completely finished ready for lodging

  • Indoor Classroom

  • Composting Toilet

  • Shower Dome

  • The HUB - shipping container for storage & electricity hub

  •  Community Kitchen

Lodging

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Domes: At this time our domes are reserved for our long term apprentice students. There will not be a dome available to sleep in during your workshop. If a dome were to come available an email will be sent out prior to your arrival.

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BYO Lodging :Please bring your own tent/van/rv for lodging. We can see extreme winds out in the desert, please make sure your tent is wind resistant. No large "family style tents", these will not hold. Ex. no coleman tents. If you need to rent a tent, please let us know in your sign up form.

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Nearby Rentals:

3 Moons Project  - 1/2 Mile away

Use code : 7BGPY1UR for 25% off

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Painted Lady - 2 miles away

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Shift Pod for rent

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Cost

$800

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4/2/23 - 4/8/23

  • $400 deposit to acquire spot

  • Full payment required upon arrival

  • Deposit made via website, remainder can be paid via ; Venmo (mojavecenter), Paypal (mojavecenter@gmail.com) or CASH PREFERRED! :) 

  • 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 will be taken off the remainder payments due

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

Experience Includes:

  • 7 Day Full Experience

  • Complete a Dome from foundation to finish in the structural phase

  • Coat the exterior of dome in a base coat of clay, sand and straw plaster

  • Professional instruction by The Mojave Center staff

  • Optional recreation; date farm tours, hot springs, visit neighboring dome projects & farms and dance parties

  • Healthy meals during course for any dietary restriction

  • Lunch + Dinner is made with love from our chef

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