This 4-week online course is an expanded introduction to building with adobe (earthen blocks) in California. The best way to learn the basics of adobe is to grab some local soil and make some blocks yourself. This course takes you through that process step by step – from locating and sourcing soil and aggregates to storing your dried adobe blocks for use in a future project.
Who is it for?
This introduction is suitable for DIYers, natural building enthusiasts, adobe homeowners, aspiring builders, and the adobe curious, and a great foundation for more advanced study in earthen construction.
Prerequisites:
None
Workload:
4 weeks, 6-8 hours per week
Instruction Type:
This is a virtual class held using an online classroom platform hosting reading materials, assignments, podcasts, videos and a discussion board. Instruction is asynchronous with new material introduced on Mondays, and students can participate whenever their schedule allows.
Course Topics:
Topics Include:
Course Objectives:
Module 1:
Module 2:
Module 3:
Module 4:
Evaluation Methods:
Location:
Online
Instructors:
Kurt Gardella
Kurt holds a Certificate in Adobe Construction from Northern New Mexico College. He is also certified as a Specialist for Building with Earth by the Dachverband Lehm (German Association for Building with Earth) and the Handwerkskammer Ulm (Ulm Chamber of Trades and Crafts).
K. Ben Loescher, AIA
Ben Loescher is a licensed architect, founder of adobeisnotsoftware and principal of Loescher Meachem Architects.
Registration:
The cost for the class is $350/person.
Questions:
Please do not hesitate to reach out to us mud@adobeisnotsoftware.org
Dates: August 7–September 3, 2023
Workload: 6-8 hours/week
Fee: $350
Construction is inherently dangerous, and participants are expected to be partners in ensuring their own safety. You may be asked to sign an acknowledgement of this in advance of class participation.
Classes may not be held in the event of sufficient registrations to cover operating costs – adobeisnotsoftware reserves the right to cancel undersubscribed classes and events with at least 7 days prior notice.
For individuals who find they may not be able to participate in a class or event for which they are registered, adobeisnotsoftware will offer a full refund if notified at least one week in advance. Cancellations within 7 days of the event are non-refundable.