Earthbag Casita
Square Earthbag with Roof
Nov 14 - 21, 2026
Earthen Casita Workshop
The goal of this workshop is to complete a straight-wall earthbag structure with interior dimensions of 12 x 16. ft. The structure will be just under 250 sq ft. The build will be a collaboration project between the Mojave Center & Earth Design Studio (Jared Posey). This type of building is one example of natural building we teach at the Mojave Center and is a great opportunity to get hands - on experience with a more complex construction method than a Superadobe Dome while also meeting the demands of modern structures as it is adapted for modern furniture and utilities.
Project
Build a modest earthbag casita with us from floor to roof!
-Foundation Prep & Install
- Soil Testing & Mixing
-Construction of Arched windows & Standard Lintel Door
-Hands-on earthbag construction techninques, tips and tricks
-Rectilinear earthbag construction with emphasis on buttressing
-Roof Design and Construction
-The project will be held down the street of the Mojave Center neighborhood on a neighboring project!
Workshop week
participation options
Schedule
Earthbag Casita Workshop
Nov 14 - 21
Hands on building (foundation will be in place before workshop), Lectures, Soils, Bagging Technique,
Volunteer Days!
Nov 11-13
Because of the size of the project, we will need some help with the foundation prep and install! Food will be on your own for the volunteer days & camping will be over on build site location (bare amenities) Please be prepared to be self sufficient.
Join Day by Day!
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 structure 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.
Workshop Curriculum
Introductions to Planning & Design
Foundations
Earthbag Design & Rules Lecture
Hands on Earthbag Building
Compass Navigation
Door & Window Forms
Material mixing
Soil-testing
Material sourcing
Arches
Drafting & Design
Site Layout & Property Design
Permitting & Design
Rough Plasters at the end of project
Work Day Schedule
7:30 - Breakfast
8:30 - Game / Morning Stretch
9:00 - Morning On Site Build Session
12:00 - Lunch
1:00 - Afternoon Lecture
2- 5 - Afternoon build session
7:00 - Dinner
Tentative Timeline
Volunteer Days
(Nov 11-13)
-Foundation Prep, Layout & Install
-Lay bags up to Row 4 above grade
-Roof Prep
Workshop Days 1-4: Building & Walls
(Nov 14-18)
-Earthbag construction from Row 4 - 22
-Door & Window Form install
-Prep Strapping for roof
Lectures covered during workshop day 1-4:
Foundations, Soils,
Door & Window opening styles,
Roof Diagram,
Touch on Compass for Domes,
Securing framing to earthbags,
plasters
Workshop Day 5 - 7 : Plasters and Roof
(Nov 19-21)
-Bond beam attachment, roof framing, hurricane strap attachment
-Harvest Clay Plaster Materials
-Apply Clay Cob Plaster to project
-Electrical Prep
-Rough Exterior Lime Stucco Mix.
Guest
Instructor
Jared Posey
"Studio Earth Design"
Jared has been building with the Mojave Center since 2021. We've lost track of how many domes Jared's built under his belt - about 35 or so by our estimates and it's finally time for him to build a home of his own!
A note from Jared : "There is something to the shape of these structures, a simplicity in the amount and variety of materials. Many people leave an earthbag workshop feeling that, perhaps for the first time in a long time, they were a part of something much bigger than themselves. It is not so much an innovation in architecture as much as it is a returning to the ways of the past and the rhythm of cultures long forgotten."
He currently resides in Orange county, California, where he’s tending a diverse backyard garden and is passionate about rainwater harvesting in both rural and suburban settings alike. When he’s not building domes, Jared does market sales for Sunny Cal Farms, a third-generation family orchard at OC farmer’s markets.
Logistics
Location:
Southern Arizona -2 hours 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.
Exact location sent after sign up!
Transportation:
Tucson, Arizona:
Flights must land before 4pm on Nov 13th 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.
Get dropped off at the university location Here
Flight Departure Nov 22nd after 11am
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 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.
Build Site
Join us for an immersive workshop nestled in the serene landscapes of Southern Arizona. 2 hours 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 build site is a raw piece of land in our Mojave Center neighborhood on our neighbors property! This will be the first structure on their land!
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.
The land sits right under 5000ft of elevation.
Exact building location will be sent after rsvp
Camping at Casa zata
Base camp will be back at the Mojave Center Campus. Plenty of land for camping. Will have access to toilet, hot shower and kitchen.
Tent Camping, RV & Vans Ok!
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.
Lodging
Pricing
Dome Camp
Nov 14 - 21
$1100
Volunteer Days for foundation (Nov 11-13)
Per Day
$175
Alumni Membership
After you join one FULL building workshop, you are considered an Alumni Student of the Mojave Center. This allows you access to any future earthbag workshop or volunteer week completely free. Day by day attendance does not qualify you for Alumni Student. Must attend full workshop.
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Full payment required upon arrival
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Alumni are free
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Bring a friend & enjoy 15% off - (one friend only, discount goes to you!)
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Cancellation policy: if you need to cancel we will refund 50% of the payment made if cancellation is made 1 month prior to workshop. If cancellation is after 1 month, we can roll over your payment to a future workshop.