Profile information
Host rating
65 %
Last replied
23 Dec 2023
Feedback
-
Email verified
Details
Description
This is a field school teaching design, building, and ecology through direct participation and experimentation. Our approach combines ancestral knowledge of natural materials and energy with advancing technology and contemporary building techniques to derive sustainable models of living for our time. We are currently building our campus in the Big Bend region of West Texas. The workshops, residences, and land here allow us to support hands-on educational programs, individual research, and experimentation.
Types of help and learning opportunities
Help with Eco Projects
DIY and building projects
Creating/ Cooking family meals
General Maintenance
UN sustainability goals this host is trying to achieve
Cultural exchange and learning opportunities
Participants will assist with site improvements, construction, and agriculture projects, and be provided food, lodging, education, and experience.
Help
We are recruiting Students interested in regenerative construction, agriculture, ecology, and experiential learning. Participants will assist with site improvements, construction, and agriculture projects, and be provided food, lodging, education, and experience.
Activities:
Last spring we broke ground on two new buildings utilizing compressed earth block (CEB). This fall work will be primarily focused on the completion of these two buildings and may include CEB production, CEB wall construction, framing openings (window and door bucks), bond beam forming and pouring, completion and waterproofing an earthen vault, interior and exterior plaster, and installing windows, doors, millwork, and finish details. In addition Student Volunteers may work on other structures, energy, water systems, garden and planting, and various restoration projects on our campus.
In addition to this hands-on education, presentations will be given on the various aspects of regenerative design and building including:
Natural and Recycled MaterialsSun, Wind, and Water to Power, Heat, and CoolWhole Cycle Waste and Water SystemsAgricultural Integration and Land RepairLand use and Community Structures
Languages spoken
English: Fluent
Spanish: Intermediate
Accommodation
Provided accommodations are simple and rustic as we are in the process of building our campus. Students sleep on cots in large canvas tents and share outdoor showers and basic composting toilet facilities. A well provisioned communal kitchen and living space is set up in another large canvas tent. Tents are equipped with wood-burning stoves for heating. Living in a communal setting, close to the land with simple accommodations is part of the educational experience. That said, we have plenty of space and students are welcome to bring their own tents, campers, trailers, RV’s, or other accommodations to make life more comfortable. If your application is accepted we will contact you directly to discuss specifics and will work to accommodate your specific needs or concerns.
What else ...
The Big Bend region is ecologically and culturally rich. Our campus is located between Big Bend National Park and Big Bend Ranch State Park, in an international biosphere reserve, within the largest dark sky preserve in the world. In the past, we have facilitated field trips to Marfa, the Chinati Foundation, the McDonald Observatory, and to significant earthen buildings in the region. We have led activities such as an adobe-making workshop in Estación, Mexico, and overnight backpacking trips in Big Bend National Park, and Davis Mountains State Park. These outside trips are optional and are chosen on a case by case basis with each group of students. Aside from any group trips we will help facilitate individual exploration of this magnificent place.
A little more information
Internet access
Limited internet access
We have pets
We are smokers
Can host families
Space for parking camper vans
This host can provide space for campervans.
Can possibly accept pets
This host has said they are willing to accept those travelling with a pet.
How many Workawayers can stay?
More than two
Hours expected
Maximum 4-5 hours a day, 5 days a week
