7-Day
Earth Building Immersion
Build from the ground up.
August 4-10, 2025 in Freeport, Trinidad and Tobago
by:
One Regeneration + Wa Samaki Ecosystems
Learn to build with Earth in community. Immerse yourself in hands-on sustainable building!
Explore using materials from your surroundings for construction. Build earthen walls, mould cob bricks, learn the art of tapia and natural plastering. Start building from the very first day!
This 7-Day program is a collaboration between Wa Samaki Ecosystems and OneRegeneration.
No prior experience required!
“There’s no distinction between art, work, meditation and education, in the past everything was done with intention, care and in the best possible way, every action a sacred process.”
What will we learn?
Learn to use every element as a possible building material.
Get to know and connect with clay, sand and straw as building materials
Learn to build Earthen walls from start to finish (Cob)
Make earthen bricks that last (Adobe)
Explore modern & ancient building techniques.
Learn field tests to determine how to use materials
Learn how to use recycled materials in building
Practice preparing mud + testing your own mixes
What is Earth Building?
The art and science of creating structures and building materials using materials available in your ecosystem. It includes the techniques of moulding, sculpting and carving buildings with local resources, taking into account social justice and the wellbeing of the planet.
topics
This 7-day immersion provides foundational Earth building skills combined with lots of practice and repetition to deepen your natural building journey now.
Day 1-2
Earth Building: Fundamentals
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Explore the fascinating techniques and history of Earth building around the world
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Start working with clay as a building material. Make bricks and test mixes.
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Visit Earthen structures, learning different earth building techniques used on-site
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Learn basic plastering techniques and mixes
Day 4
Earthen Walls: First Layer
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Hands-on making of mixes of clay, sand, and grass for construction
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Applying and layering mixes with proper technique
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Completing the first, inner layer
Day 6-7
The Art of Plastering
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Learn how to mix and apply a final plaster for waterproofing, seal, and aesthetics
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Learn how to apply art to walls from design to finish
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Create beautiful earthen art and apply final plasters for structures at Wa Samaki.
Day 3
Earthen Walls: The Frame
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Explore key techniques for constructing stable, safe, and durable walls
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Hands-on installation of the “skeleton” for an earthen wall
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Harvest, dry and prepare vetiver grass for construction mixes
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Learn to integrate recycled glass bottles into a wall’s frame
Day 5
Earthen Walls: Second Layer
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Hands-on production of the mixes for the second layer/thick paste plaster that gives strength and durability
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Application of the second layer with proper technique
venue
Wa Samaki Ecosystems
Freeport, Trinidad
The Course will be hosted at Wa Samaki Ecosystems in Freeport, Trinidad and Tobago. Wa Samaki Ecosystems, created in 1997, offers a working example of a Permaculture operation producing cut flowers for the local market, organic food for household consumption, wildlife conservation, watershed rehabilitation, Permaculture Design Courses, workshops and volunteer and internship opportunities.
Wa Samaki has several earthen structures across the property plus an abundant supply of heavy clay soil and vetiver grass that we will be using to make cob mixes.
We shape our buildings. Thereafter, they shape us.
lead instructor
Celine Ramjit
@red_jepp
Celine is a multi faceted artist whose work embodies the practice of Natural Building. Working primarily with clay and lime, she draws inspiration from the rich and diverse scapes of the natural world and the spiritual and mythical realms that exist within it, harnessing the earth's own materials to create sustainable structures.
Celine's conscious use of natural resources highlights the delicate balance between human existence and the preservation of nature. Through her work, she hopes to evoke a deeper sense of consciousness and connection to the environment, as well as a return to traditional building methods that honor the earth and its resources.
She hopes this serves as a reminder of the beauty and importance of sustainability within our modern world.
cost
Course: new prices coming soon
Course + Accommodation: new prices coming soon
Intro Workshop (2-Days): new prices coming soon
We have three options to participate. Compare them below. All options include lunch on-site, hands-on activities, and a great time.
*Payment plans and funding available on request.
Course
$TBA
($TBA TTD)
• 7 days of learning & immersion
• Lunch provided on-site
• Build relationships with others
• Manage your own transportation
Course + Accommodation
$TBA
($TBA TTD)
Everything in 'Course' plus:
• 7 nights in a local residence nearby
• morning and evening shuttle transportation
• Cater your own breakfast & dinner at residence
Intro. Workshop (2-days only)
$TBA
($TBA TTD)
• 2-day introduction to basic techniques of Earth Building and Plastering (days 1 & 2 only)
• Lunch provided on-site
• Manage your own transportation
accommodation
We have arranged with a nearby residence to provide basic and comfortable housing for participants who need accommodation. The residence is offsite, within 15-minutes of Wa Samaki by car.
We will provide transportation to-and-from the residence each morning and evening for those who need. The residence includes accommodation in a shared or private room (with AC or fans), a private bathroom, and shared kitchen. Private rooms are limited - contact us early if you need one.
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Location & Getting ThereThe location, Artvark Centre, is about 20 minutes away from Ocho Rios, St. Ann in the Colgate community. Getting there via vehicle or public transportation is fairly straightforward. Parking is available. You can view and navigate to the location via Google Maps. Via public transportation: There are taxis that run from Ocho Rios to Orange Hill. You'll need to take one up the hill and walk about 15 minutes from the main road to the location.
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ScheduleYou may access the full schedule here. We'll release more details closer to the start'of the Course.
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Clothing & EnvironmentWe will spend time outside each day at different times of day. Please bring clothing suitable for enjoying light-to-moderate activity outdoors. The environment is generally warm, sunny, and humid. Bring shoes suitable for walking over different terrain and clothes that you can sweat in. For a few activities, you may get a little dirty. If you want, you may also bring swimwear for the pool.
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DeadlinesFull Retreat: Registration closes May 14, 2024. The last day to pay for the Full Retreat is May 14, 2024. Course Only: Registration for the Course-Only closes on May 20, 2024 and is subject to availability. The last day to pay is May 20, 2024.
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EspañolEl programa se impartirá tanto en inglés como en español. Habrá traducción disponible e instructores que hablan español. Para determinadas sesiones, el grupo se dividirá en secciones de español e inglés. Aunque el programa es principalmente en inglés, los participantes de habla hispana serán bienvenidos. Recomendamos que los participantes de habla hispana se comuniquen con nosotros directamente para discutir sus necesidades. Nuestro equipo incluye personas bilingües que están listas para ayudar. English: The program will be delivered in both English and Spanish. There will be translation available and instructors who speak Spanish. For certain sessions, the group will be divided into Spanish and English sections. Even though the programme is mainly in English, Spanish-speaking participants will be accomodated fully. We recommend that Spanish-speaking participants contact us directly to discuss their needs. Our team includes bilingual persons who are ready to assist.
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FoodThe food will feature mostly local foods! We will offer three meals daily. They will be mostly vegetarian with other options available. There are also local food services available who can deliver meals. Participants will have access to a small fridge and kitchen space. If you have special dietary needs, please speak with us or bring some personal food. The nearest shopping locations are in Ocho Rios, which is only 20 minutes away via car.
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Online Coure MaterialBy registering, you have access to all the course materials and additional learning resources via our online platform. Once the course begins, you'll receive credentials to login to the platform. You'll have access for at least 3-years through your OneRegeneration account.
details & FAQs
