Join us for this 5 Saturday series! Learn to build a traditional mud oven and cook in it too!
Learn how to build using Earth’s most eco- friendly building material... Mud!
At ACES' Rock Bottom Ranch
In this Series, participants will learn about different natural building techniques: straw bale, light straw clay, cob, rammed earth, and waddle and daub while actually building a mud structure.
We will be constructing a traditional earthen bread oven (aka "taboon").
After the series, participants will have the skill set to build their own in their back yard; using the MOST local of materials...Talk about green building (or maybe brown building?!).
2010 Curriculum and Dates $125 ACES member / $150 non- member
July 31st: 12-4pm- Basics of Mud
Step in and Get Dirty! In this workshop, we will learn about the various mud building techniques, and when each technique is appropriate. Students will discover how to find ideal mud conditions for building, and make adobe bricks.
August 3rd: 12-4pm- A Muddy Foundation
Literally from the ground up! Join us as we lay out a foundation from the bricks we prepared. We will review mud tests from our previous week and start work on the first coat of our up and coming earthen oven!
August 10th: 12-4pm- Form and Function
Our oven takes form! In this workshop, participants will shape the dome of our oven, discover the value of insulation and thermal mass, and finish a second coat.
August 17th: 12-4pm- Finish it Clean!
Mud becomes beautiful! Students will learn about finishing coats, mud sculpturing, and finishing touches.
August 24th: 12-4pm- Closing and Garden Pizza Party Celebration!
Form follows function… cook out of it! Students of the Natural Building series join students from the Eco garden series and Camp ReGeneration to create a bountiful meal from the garden using our new masterpiece!