Credits: 2
Format: Live-Instruction Workshop in and around Mesilla, NM
Dates: April 6 & 7, 2024
Workload: 8 hours per day (9am to 5pm)
Instructor: Pat Taylor
Fee: $250
REGISTER

Description: Adobe in Action's next "Live-Instruction Adobe Preservation Workshop" is being offered on April 6 & 7, 2024 (Saturday & Sunday) in conjunction with various ongoing adobe preservation field projects that instructor Pat Taylor is working on in the Mesilla, NM area. The exact topics covered in this workshop will depend on how far along the projects are when the workshop commences but plan on the following essential adobe preservation topics being covered:

• adobe home assessments

• soil testing & adobe blockmaking

• basal wall stabilization & repair techniques

• stucco removal & replacement with natural plasters

More details about the projects will be shared as they become available.

PLEASE NOTE: Due to site safety protocols this workshop will be limited to a maximum of 8 participants.

Credits: 3
Format: Online (6 Weeks)
Workload: 6-8 hours/week
Fee: $420
REGISTER

Description: This course focuses on the fundamentals of making your own adobe blocks - a great way to learn the basics of adobe construction. We begin with a historical overview of adobe architecture in the Southwest of the USA. We cover soil selection & testing, block production, transport and storage. We also look at alternative earthen building traditions and techniques used around the world and why adobe makes sense for the owner builder.

Topic Overview: history of adobe architecture and construction in the Southwest of the USA and worldwide, overview of alternative earthen wall building techniques past and present, overview of earthen home characteristics and why earth makes sense as a building material, overview of the main building components of an adobe house from foundation to roof, overview of the main adobe architectural styles found in New Mexico - their pros and cons, overview of basic tools needed for adobe construction, locating soil and aggregates for adobe construction, performing and evaluating soil tests to determine soil suitability, making a 2-brick adobe form, making a soil screen, mixing soil for adobe blocks and mortar, producing and curing adobe blocks, transporting and storing adobe blocks, testing adobe blocks for strength and water resistance - field and lab tests, calculating adobe blocks and mortar needed for a project

Credits: 3
Format: Online (6 Weeks)
Workload: 6-8 hours/week
Fee: $420
REGISTER

Description: This course covers the process of applying for a permit to build with adobe in New Mexico. We use the New Mexico Earthen Materials Building Code as a guide to correct design and building procedures. The New Mexico Earthen Building Materials Code is respected around the world. The NM code can often be used as a guide to ensure that quality adobe construction practices are followed regardless of your location.

Topic Overview:  general overview of all code-related vocabulary and definitions for adobe construction, allowable wall heights for adobe construction and other wall-specific topics,
classes of adobe, soil and block testing in the code, foundations and bond beams, lintel sizing for window and door openings, plastering and wall insulation, detailed overview of the New Mexico adobe permitting process, detailed overview of adobe building plan requirements and drawing process, detailed overview of adobe building plan submission process, detailed overview of adobe building inspection process
 

Credits: 3
Format: Online (6 Weeks)
Workload: 6-8 hours/week
Fee: $420
REGISTER

Description: This course covers the fundamentals of designing and building a passive solar adobe home. We combine the natural power of the sun with the thermal storage capacity of adobe to create a comfortable living space. Reduced heating and cooling costs are the result.

Topic Overview: history of passive solar design worldwide with a special focus on the Southwest USA, intro to the 3 major passive solar adobe systems (direct gain, Trombe wall and greenhouse), site planning and building layout for best solar gain, floor plan design and modeling, collection system sizing and glazing requirements, calculating heat gain and heat loss, thermal storage of heat and cool using adobe, calculating window shading and passive cooling, backup heating design, passive solar insulation techniques

Register for and join all four winter/spring 2024 online classes at once for a savings of $240 ($60 per class) compared to registering for the classes individually.

Workload: 6-8 hours/week
Fee: $1440
REGISTER

This registration includes the following classes:

Passive Solar Adobe Design
Dates: January 8 to February 18, 2024

New Mexico Adobe Building Permit Process
Dates: February 19 to March 31, 2024

History & Basics of Adobe Construction
Dates: April 1 to May 12, 2024

Foundations for Adobe Structures
Dates: May 13 to June 23, 2024

Credits: 3
Format: Online (6 Weeks)
Workload: 6-8 hours/week
Fee: $350
REGISTER

Description: This course covers the fundamentals of installing common floor types used in adobe structures in New Mexico. We focus on high-mass floors which work well in passive solar adobe structures. We place a special emphasis on earthen floors.

Topic Overview: historical overview of floor types found in New Mexican adobe structures, helpful tools for floor installation, poured earth, adobe block and rammed earth floors - installation techniques and finishes, brick on sand floors - installation techniques and finishes, suspended wood floors - installation techniques and finishes, radiant heat in floors - advantages and disadvantages, importance of mass floors for passive solar performance

Credits: 2
Format: Live-Instruction Workshop in Santa Fe, NM
Dates: October 28 & 29, 2023
Workload: 8 hours per day (9am to 5pm)
Instructor: Carole Crews
Fee: $250
REGISTER

Description: Adobe in Action's next "Owner Builder Support Workshop" is being held on October 28 & 29, 2023 (Saturday & Sunday) in conjunction with an ongoing project in Santa Fe, NM. The owners of the project have plastered all adobe walls with earthen plaster and would now like to add clay paint to select walls as a final finish. This workshop will teach you alíz finishing techniques (a traditional clay slip paint used on the interior of adobe walls) perfected by artist & natural builder, Carole Crews, author of Clay Culture: Plasters, Paints and Preservation.

Topic Overview (tentative): importance of respiratory and eye safety when preparing and mixing plasters & clay paints, helpful tools and materials for clay paints, importance of work site and material organization for finishing work, locating and testing soil for clay paints, fiber (straw) preparation and chopping techniques, basic clay paint ingredients and recipes, application and finishing of clay paints, calculating surface area and materials needed for finishing work, troubleshooting earthen plasters & paints (cracking, adhesion problems, etc.)

PLEASE NOTE: Due to site safety protocols this workshop will be limited to a maximum of 8 participants.

Credits: 2
Format: Live-Instruction Workshop in and around Mesilla, NM
Dates: October 21 & 22, 2023
Workload: 8 hours per day (9am to 5pm)
Instructor: Pat Taylor
Fee: $250
REGISTER

Description: Adobe in Action's next "Live-Instruction Adobe Preservation Workshop" is being offered on October 21 & 22, 2023 (Saturday & Sunday) in conjunction with various ongoing adobe preservation field projects that instructor Pat Taylor is working on in the Mesilla, NM area. The exact topics covered in this workshop will depend on how far along the projects are when the workshop commences but plan on the following essential adobe preservation topics being covered:

• adobe home assessments

• soil testing & adobe blockmaking

• basal wall stabilization & repair techniques

• stucco removal & replacement with natural plasters

More details about the projects will be shared as they become available.

PLEASE NOTE: Due to site safety protocols this workshop will be limited to a maximum of 8 participants.

Credits: 3
Format: Online (6 Weeks)
Workload: 6-8 hours/week
Fee: $350
REGISTER

Description: This course covers the fundamentals of finishing interior and exterior adobe block walls with natural plasters and paints. We focus on mixing and applying earthen plasters, lime plasters and clay or lime/casein paints.

Topic Overview: historical overview of interior and exterior finishes for adobe structures in New Mexico, importance of respiratory and eye safety when preparing and mixing plasters and paints, overview of earthen plaster characteristics, helpful tools and materials for plastering, importance of work site and material organization for plaster work, window and door opening reinforcement, adobe wall preparation to facilitate maximum earthen plaster adhesion, locating and testing clay soil for earthen plasters, locating and testing aggregates for earthen and lime plasters, preparing lime putty, fiber (straw) preparation and chopping techniques, sifting and mixing soil and aggregates for earthen plasters, wheat paste production for strengthening earthen plasters, casein production for lime paints, natural exterior earthen plaster stabilization techniques (dung), hand application, techniques of earthen plasters (base coats, patching), hawk & trowel application of earthen and lime plasters (leveling and finish coats), basic earthen plaster ingredients and recipes, basic lime plaster ingredients and recipes, calculating surface area and materials needed, troubleshooting earthen and lime plasters (cracking, adhesion problems, etc.)

Credits: 3
Format: Online (6 Weeks)
Workload: 6-8 hours/week
Fee: $350
REGISTER

Description: This course covers the fundamentals of designing and installing roofs on adobe structures. We focus on owner builder shed and gable roofs with extended eaves. These roof types offer excellent protection to the adobe wall below and enable the use of exterior natural plasters.

Topic Overview: historical overview of roof types found on New Mexican adobe structures, helpful tools for roof installation, wall to bond beam attachment systems, ordering, sizing and installing vigas, roof beams and other roofing lumber, ceiling board installation and finishing, flat roofs - installation techniques and finishing, shed roofs - installation techniques and finishing, gable roofs – installation techniques and finishing, roof insulation techniques and installation, selecting and installing roof decking and metal roofing, importance of extended eaves for use of natural plasters, earthen roof alternatives (domes and vaults)

Credits: 3
Format: Online (6 Weeks)
Workload: 6-8 hours/week
Fee: $350
REGISTER

Description: This course covers the fundamentals of building earthen walls using adobe blocks. We begin the wallbuilding process by laying a first course of adobes onto the foundation wall. We continue course by course to the top of the wall ending with the installation of a wood bond beam. We work through all wall-related sections of the current New Mexico Earthen Building Materials Code. We define key concepts and correct building procedures of a typical load-bearing adobe block wall. We also examine different methods of installing window and door openings into the wall.

Topic Overview: historical overview of different earthen wall construction techniques used worldwide, why adobe blocks make sense for owner builder earthen walls, overview of common adobe wall thicknesses, thermal storage and heat transmission properties of adobe walls - R-values and U-values, basic seismic considerations when building with adobe, constructing and setting up speed leads, mixing earthen mortar, applying mortar to the wall, correct block coursing, leveling and plumbing, cutting adobe blocks, constructing and installing anchor blocks and rough bucks, constructing and installing lintels, constructing and installing wood bond beams, scaffolding and high wall strategies, insulation techniques for adobe walls, basic overview of plumbing and electrical installation

Register for and join all four summer/fall 2023 online classes at once for a savings of $200 compared to registering for the classes individually.

Workload: 6-8 hours/week
Fee: $1200
REGISTER

This registration includes the following classes:

Adobe Wall Construction
Dates: July 3 to August 13, 2023

Roofs for Adobe Structures
Dates: August 14 to September 24, 2023

Interior and Exterior Plastering
Dates: September 25 to November 5, 2023

Floors for Adobe Structures
Dates: November 6 to December 17, 2023

Credits: 2
Format: Live-Instruction Workshop in Santa Fe/Tesuque, NM area
Dates: June 24 & 25, 2023
Workload: 8 hours per day (9am to 5pm)
Instructor: Issac Logsdon
Fee: $250
REGISTER

Description: Adobe in Action's next "Owner Builder Support Workshop" is being offered on June 24 & 25, 2023 (Saturday & Sunday) in conjunction with an ongoing Owner Builder Support Project in the Santa Fe/Tesuque, NM area. The exact topics covered in this workshop will depend on how far along the owner builder is with her project when the workshop commences. Most likely we will be focusing on applying exterior earthen plaster coats to adobe walls but most general natural plaster topics will be covered. More details will be shared as they become available.

Topic Overview (tentative): importance of respiratory and eye safety when preparing and mixing plasters & clay paints, helpful tools and materials for plastering, importance of work site and material organization for plaster work, window and door opening reinforcement, adobe wall preparation to facilitate maximum earthen plaster adhesion, locating and testing clay soil for earthen plasters, fiber (straw) preparation and chopping techniques, sifting and mixing soil and aggregates for earthen plasters, natural exterior earthen plaster stabilization techniques (cactus juice/wheat paste), hand application techniques of earthen plasters (base coats, patching), hawk & trowel application of earthen plasters (leveling and finish coats), basic earthen plaster ingredients and recipes, basic clay paint ingredients and recipes, application of clay paints, calculating surface area and materials needed for plaster work, troubleshooting earthen plasters & paints (cracking, adhesion problems, etc.)

PLEASE NOTE: Due to site safety protocols this workshop will be limited to a maximum of 8 participants. All participants are requested to wear masks while indoors. Please contact us if you have any questions or concerns about these protocols.

Credits: 3
Format: Online (6 Weeks)
Workload: 6-8 hours/week
Fee: $350
REGISTER

Description: This course covers the fundamentals of designing and installing foundations for adobe structures. We define key design and building procedures of a conventional foundation that passes code in New Mexico. We also look at a lower-cost alternative foundation design that can be used when an engineer's approval is obtained.

Topic Overview: historical foundation types found in New Mexican adobe structures - their pros & cons, definition and importance of foundations in the context of earthen and adobe construction, overview of tools for foundation layout and installation, analysis of key foundation rules and regulations in the NM Earthen Building Materials Code, site selection recommendations, detailing recommendations for foundations for adobe structures - stem wall heights, moisture barriers, etc., building and foundation layout process - setting batter boards, finding corners, marking dig lines, low-impact foundation dig methods, design and installation of 'concrete spread footing/CMU stem wall' foundation type, design and installation of 'gravel/trench foundation with concrete grade beam' foundation type, insulation techniques for foundations, calculating materials for foundations, demonstration of the process of obtaining an alternative foundation permit in New Mexico

Credits: 2
Format: Live-Instruction Workshop in and around Mesilla, NM
Dates: April 15 & 16, 2023
Workload: 8 hours per day (9am to 5pm)
Instructor: Pat Taylor
Fee: $250
REGISTER

Description: Adobe in Action's next "Live-Instruction Adobe Preservation Workshop" is being offered on April 15 & 16, 2023 (Saturday & Sunday) in conjunction with various ongoing adobe preservation field projects that instructor Pat Taylor is working on in the Mesilla, NM area. The exact topics covered in this workshop will depend on how far along the projects are when the workshop commences but plan on the following essential adobe preservation topics being covered:

• adobe home assessments

• soil testing & adobe blockmaking

• basal wall stabilization & repair techniques

• stucco removal & replacement with natural plasters

More details about the projects will be shared as they become available.

PLEASE NOTE: Due to site safety protocols this workshop will be limited to a maximum of 8 participants. All participants are requested to wear masks while indoors. Please contact us if you have any questions or concerns about these protocols.

Credits: 3
Format: Online (6 Weeks)
Workload: 6-8 hours/week
Fee: $350
REGISTER

Description: This course focuses on the fundamentals of making your own adobe blocks - a great way to learn the basics of adobe construction. We begin with a historical overview of adobe architecture in the Southwest of the USA. We cover soil selection & testing, block production, transport and storage. We also look at alternative earthen building traditions and techniques used around the world and why adobe makes sense for the owner builder.

Topic Overview: history of adobe architecture and construction in the Southwest of the USA and worldwide, overview of alternative earthen wall building techniques past and present, overview of earthen home characteristics and why earth makes sense as a building material, overview of the main building components of an adobe house from foundation to roof, overview of the main adobe architectural styles found in New Mexico - their pros and cons, overview of basic tools needed for adobe construction, locating soil and aggregates for adobe construction, performing and evaluating soil tests to determine soil suitability, making a 2-brick adobe form, making a soil screen, mixing soil for adobe blocks and mortar, producing and curing adobe blocks, transporting and storing adobe blocks, testing adobe blocks for strength and water resistance - field and lab tests, calculating adobe blocks and mortar needed for a project

Credits: 3
Format: Online (6 Weeks)
Workload: 6-8 hours/week
Fee: $350
REGISTER

Description: This course covers the process of applying for a permit to build with adobe in New Mexico. We use the New Mexico Earthen Materials Building Code as a guide to correct design and building procedures. The New Mexico Earthen Building Materials Code is respected around the world. The NM code can often be used as a guide to ensure that quality adobe construction practices are followed regardless of your location.

Topic Overview:  general overview of all code-related vocabulary and definitions for adobe construction, allowable wall heights for adobe construction and other wall-specific topics,
classes of adobe, soil and block testing in the code, foundations and bond beams, lintel sizing for window and door openings, plastering and wall insulation, detailed overview of the New Mexico adobe permitting process, detailed overview of adobe building plan requirements and drawing process, detailed overview of adobe building plan submission process, detailed overview of adobe building inspection process
 

Credits: 3
Format: Online (6 Weeks)
Workload: 6-8 hours/week
Fee: $350
REGISTER

Description: This course covers the fundamentals of designing and building a passive solar adobe home. We combine the natural power of the sun with the thermal storage capacity of adobe to create a comfortable living space. Reduced heating and cooling costs are the result.

Topic Overview: history of passive solar design worldwide with a special focus on the Southwest USA, intro to the 3 major passive solar adobe systems (direct gain, Trombe wall and greenhouse), site planning and building layout for best solar gain, floor plan design and modeling, collection system sizing and glazing requirements, calculating heat gain and heat loss, thermal storage of heat and cool using adobe, calculating window shading and passive cooling, backup heating design, passive solar insulation techniques

Register for and join all four spring 2023 online classes at once for a savings of $200 compared to registering for the classes individually.

Workload: 6-8 hours/week
Fee: $1200
REGISTER

This registration includes the following classes:

Passive Solar Adobe Design
Dates: January 2 to February 12, 2023

New Mexico Adobe Building Permit Process
Dates: February 13 to March 26, 2023

History & Basics of Adobe Construction
Dates: March 27 to May 7, 2023

Foundations for Adobe Structures
Dates: May 8 to June 18, 2023

Credits: 2
Format: Live-Instruction Workshop in Santa Fe, NM
Dates: September 27 & 28, 2022
Workload: 8 hours per day (9am to 5pm)
Instructor: Issac Logsdon
Fee: $225
REGISTER

Description: Adobe in Action's next "Owner Builder Support Workshop" is being offered on September 27 & 28, 2022 (Tuesday & Wednesday) in conjunction with the Earth USA 2022 Conference and an ongoing Owner Builder Support Project in Santa Fe, NM. The exact topics covered in this workshop will depend on how far along the owner builder is with his project when the workshop commences. Most likely we will be focusing on adobe wall finishing techniques using earthen plasters and clay paints. More details will be shared as they become available.

Topic Overview (tentative): importance of respiratory and eye safety when preparing and mixing plasters & clay paints, helpful tools and materials for plastering, importance of work site and material organization for plaster work, window and door opening reinforcement, adobe wall preparation to facilitate maximum earthen plaster adhesion, locating and testing clay soil for earthen plasters, fiber (straw) preparation and chopping techniques, sifting and mixing soil and aggregates for earthen plasters, natural exterior earthen plaster stabilization techniques (dung/wheat paste), hand application techniques of earthen plasters (base coats, patching), hawk & trowel application of earthen plasters (leveling and finish coats), basic earthen plaster ingredients and recipes, basic clay paint ingredients and recipes, application of clay paints, calculating surface area and materials needed for plaster work, troubleshooting earthen plasters & paints (cracking, adhesion problems, etc.)

PLEASE NOTE: Due to site safety protocols this workshop will be limited to a maximum of 6 participants. All participants are requested to wear masks while indoors. Please contact us if you have any questions of concerns about these protocols.

Credits: 3-5
Format: Adobe Building Site Workshop in Santa Fe, NM
Dates: Fri, October 5 to Tue, October 9, 2018 (3-day or 5-day options available)
Workload: 8 hours per day (9am to 5pm)
Fee: $300 (3 days) or $425 (all 5 days)
REGISTER

Description: Adobe in Action's next "Adobe Building Site Workshop" is being offered from October 5 to 9, 2018 (Friday to Tuesday) in conjunction with an ongoing Owner Builder Support Project in Santa Fe, NM. The exact topics covered in this workshop will depend on how far along the owner builder is with his project when the workshop commences. Most likely we will be focusing on adobe wall construction with the possibility of interior and exterior earthen plaster. More details will be shared as they become available.

Topic Overview (tentative): constructing and setting up speed leads, mixing earthen mortar, applying mortar to the wall, correct block coursing, leveling and plumbing, cutting adobe blocks, constructing and installing anchor blocks and rough bucks, constructing and installing lintels, constructing and installing wood bond beams, scaffolding and high wall strategies, historical overview of interior and exterior finishes for adobe structures in New Mexico, importance of respiratory and eye safety when preparing and mixing plasters, helpful tools and materials for plastering, importance of work site and material organization for plaster work, window and door opening reinforcement, adobe wall preparation to facilitate maximum earthen plaster adhesion, locating and testing clay soil for earthen plasters, fiber (straw) preparation and chopping techniques, sifting and mixing soil and aggregates for earthen plasters, natural exterior earthen plaster stabilization techniques (dung), hand application techniques of earthen plasters (base coats, patching), hawk & trowel application of earthen and lime plasters (leveling and finish coats), basic earthen plaster ingredients and recipes, making lime putty for use in lime/sand plasters, basic lime plaster ingredients and recipes, calculating surface area and materials needed, troubleshooting earthen and lime plasters (cracking, adhesion problems, etc.)

Credits: 3
Format: Building Site Workshop in Santa Fe, NM
Dates: October 6 to 8, 2017
Workload: 8 hours per day (9am to 5pm)
Fee: $225
REGISTER

Description: One of the best ways to learn the basics of adobe construction is to build an horno (earth oven). All of the basic steps of adobe house construction are covered in the oven build:

• We install a small foundation for the oven using recycled concrete materials.
• We perform soil tests and make adobe bricks.
• Adobe bricks and mortar are used to build the walls of the oven base.
• When the base is finished we install a brick on sand floor which serves as the baking surface of the oven.
• An earthen roof technique is used to build the oven dome.
• The oven is finished with a natural earthen plaster.

This workshop is being offered from October 6 to 8, 2017 (Friday to Sunday) in conjunction with the upcoming Earth USA 2017 Earthbuilding Conference (taking place from Friday, September 29 to Monday, October 1). The workshop is being held at a very special property on the south side of Santa Fe, New Mexico.