Dome Build & Natural Plasters - September

Earthen Dome Workshop

The goal of this workshop is to complete a 8ft 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 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 followed by an afternoon of desert exploration.

• 8 Day Natural Building Workshop - Full Course with complete experience and practice. Food Included.

Weekly Curriculum Breakdown:

*This curriculum can slightly change due to weather and energy of group

September Schedule

Day 0 (Sept 18th): Arrival at 6pm

Day 1 (Sept 19th): Introductions to Design, Center Compass and Foundations: site overview, community ethics, foundations & arches, superadobe basics, site safety/setup, laying foundations,

Day 2 - 6 (Sept 20th - 24th):Technique of Build: Laying technique, height compass navigation, forms, material mixing, soil-testing, material sourcing,

Day 7 (Sept 25th): Capping of Dome, Recap + Basic Design : Completion of dome, design + drafting lesson

Day 8 (Sept 26th) : Plaster + Base Coat: Learning & applying mix using clay, sand & straw

Day 8 (Sept 26th) Evening : Dance Celebration + Course Completion

Day 9 (Sept 27th) 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

INFO PACKET

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

Natural Building Informational Packet

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

Current Structures on site:

• Oasis  - Indoor Classroom
• Composting Toilet
• Outdoor Shower
• 7 domes finished in the structural phase that can be used for tent shelters
• The HUB - shipping container for storage & electricity hub
• Tracy - Community Kitchen
• Outdoor Kitchen

This is an amazing experience for individuals to participate in the creation of a self-reliant and off-grid center in the Mojave desert. We encourage you to ask any questions and please RSVP for the event.

COST:

Experience Includes:

• 8 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
• Final day included desert hike & dance celebration
• 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
• Breakfast is provided for but cooked by you
• Lunch + Dinner is made with love from our chef

$800 for Course 

• $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

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. 

Dates:

• Sept 19th, 2022 - Sept 27th, 2022
• Course begins at 8am on the 19th. Please arrive the night prior!

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