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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.  

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Project

-Build a large dome with us! (Exact size TBD 14'-16' range)

- From foundation to cap!

-The project will be held down the street of the Mojave Center neighborhood on a neighboring project! 

-Bagging and structural portion only - no plasters for this workshop.

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DOME CAMP

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participation options

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Schedule​

Dome Build

Nov 14 - 21

Hands on building, Lectures, Soil Mix, Bagging Technique,

Height Compass, Design, Capping the Dome​

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Volunteer Days!

Nov 12-13​​

Because of the size of the dome, we will need some help with the foundation prep! 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.

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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.

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Dome Curriculum

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Introductions to Design

Center Compass

Foundations

Superadobe Design & Rules Lecture

Hands on Superadobe Building​

Height Compass Navigation

Door & Window Forms

Material mixing

Soil-testing

Material sourcing

Arches

Drafting & Design​

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

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Guest

Instructor

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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 dome of his own! 

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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."

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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.

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Logistics

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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.

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Exact location sent after sign up!

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Transportation:

Tucson, Arizona: 

Flights must land before 4pm on Oct 23rd 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 1 after 11am

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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.

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Bisbee is 20 mins away with great restaurants.

Sierra vista is 20 mins away with groceries and restaurants.

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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. 

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Build Site

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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.

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The build site is a raw piece of land in our Mojave Center neighborhood on our neighbors property! This will be the first dome on their land!

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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. 

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The land sits right under 5000ft of elevation. 

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Exact building location will be sent after rsvp

 

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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

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Pricing

Dome Camp

Nov 14 - 21

$1100

Volunteer Days for foundation (Nov 12-13)

Per Day

$175

Alumni Membership

After you join one FULL dome camp, 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.

  • ​Full payment required upon arrival

  • Alumni are free

  • Bring a friend & enjoy 15% off - (one friend only, discount goes to you!)​

  • 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.

©2020 by The Mojave Center

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