Earthship
2010 WORKSHOPS 'HOW TO BUILD AN EARTHSHIP'
Dates yet to be confirmed
Experience first-hand the building and construction on a beautiful building test site at the Convento in Mértola.
After the success of the first workshop in 2009, we would like to inform you about two new workshops 'How to build an Earthship' and experience first- hand the construction and building of an Earthship, the ultimate in sustainable eco-home design and practical application with the environment. The first in Portugal and will be open to the public as an example with educational and artistic purposes.
The workshop will be hosted by the artists collective GLCZ and Tita Aaftink. The GLCZ (artists Geraldine, Louis and Christiaan Zwanikken) are experienced builders in relation to natural conservancy and environmental concerns. For more than three decades they have restored the Convento by transforming the previously bleak and rotten landscape, falling medieval walls, and crumbling chapel into a flourishing place, nature preserve, and artist retreat.
The workshop will consist of max 25 participants. The October 2009 workshop had people coming from the USA, The Netherlands, Spain, Italy, UK, Germany, Norway, Greece and Portugal.
Location
Based at the truly beautiful and spiritual Convento São Francisco de Mértola, it is a place to unite life, art and nature. This is what the owners, artists collective GLCZ, have in mind: a place where the senses are stimulated, meditation is possible and creativity revitalized. The ancient Convento, thus, offers an environment where tranquility is enjoyed in harmony with nature and wildlife. An ideal place for artistic creativity and regeneration of the senses.
What to expect:
Introductory 5 Day Workshop 8 – 12 March 2010 The five day workshop will include a mixture of seminars, open discussions and hands-on experience on the concepts involved in the Earthship. There will also be a presentation on Earthships and the future of the concept in Europe. The hands-on Earthship construction will start from where we ended in 2009 (see pictures). It will involve: - rammed earth tire construction - insulation concepts - ventilation - simple carpentry - glass bottle cutting and making bottle walls - mud pack out - making can walls.
Follow-up 5 day workshop 15 – 19 March 2010 Is available to people who have already participated in an Introductory workshop or course. This will include a more in-depth range of teachings on Earthship building: - Roof construction - Green house construction - Earthship independent power systems - Water systems
In the both five days we will cover as much as possible to give you an overview of the concept and the six Principles that define an Earthship:
1) Thermal/Solar Heating & Cooling 2) Solar & Wind Electricity 3) Contained Sewage Treatment 4) Building with Natural & Recycled Materials 5) Water Harvesting 6) Food Production
Websites:
Location Earthship Portugal: Convento Mertola
Michael Reynolds: The architect and creator of the Earthship Concept
Earthship Portugal: A social network site with many pictures of the 2009 workshop and discussions on Earthship inspired building
For more information:
Please call Tita Aaftink in the Netherlands at +31 (0)6 51299631 or contact us by email info@conventomertola.com or info@tita-art.com
