Dome Build & Natural Plasters - Arizona

Earthen Dome Workshop

The goal of this workshop is to complete a 12ft diameter dome in a SuperAdobe construction style.

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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 homes.

Participation

1 Day - Join Day by Day - hands on learning

19 Day Course - Full Course with lectures, curriculum, design & building instruction

19 Day Course Schedule

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

Schedule

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

Day 1 (Nov 2nd): Introductions to Design, Center Compass and Foundations: site overview, community ethics, Site safety/setup, laying foundations,

Day 2 (Nov 3rd): Foundations & arches, superadobe basics

Day 3-5 (Nov 4th - 6th):Technique of Build: Laying technique, height compass navigation, forms, material mixing, soil-testing, material sourcing, design & drafting lesson

Day 6 (Nov 7th): Day Off

Day 7 - 11 (Nov 8th - 12th): Continuation of Build: Windows, Design Details,

Day 12 (Nov 13th): Plaster + Base Coat: Learning & applying mix using clay, sand & straw

Day 13 (Nov 14th): Day Off

Day 14 - 18 (Nov 15th - 19th): Continuation of Build

Day 19 (Nov 20th)Capping of Dome, Recap + Basic Design, Completion of Build

Day 20 (Nov 21st) Morning : Course Closure and Departure

Instructor: Mojave Center Staff

Ian: Outdoor Educator, Permaculture Designer, Wilderness First Responder, BS Tourism + Outdoor Leadership, AA Cultural Anthropology/Archaeology, Superadobe Natural Builder

Nicolette: Marketing + Photography, Creative Designer, BS in Drafting + Design, Superadobe Natural Builder

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

INFO PACKET

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

Natural Building Informational Packet

Location:

• Near Kingman Arizona
• Exact location will be sent after successful registration

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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:

• Land for camping
• Composting Toilet
• Outdoor Shower
• Outdoor Kitchen

Experience Includes:

• 19 Day Full Experience
• Complete a 12 ft 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; Mohave Lake & Arizona Hot Springs
• Healthy meals during course for any dietary restriction
• Breakfast is provided for but cooked by you
• Lunch + Dinner is made with love from our chef

Dates:

• Nov 2nd, 2022 - Nov 20th, 2022
• Course begins at 8am on the 2nd. Please arrive the night prior!

Cost:

$1500 for Full Course 

or

$125 per day 

• $500 deposit to acquire full course 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

Sponsored Student Program:

We are now able to sponsor one student, per workshop. This looks like a discount on the price of the workshop for one student in exchange for help on our logistics team. Responsiblities primarily include kitchen meal prep and nightly clean up. To apply please click this link.