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10 Day Aircrete
Dome Building
Workshop
San Sebastian, Puerto Rico
January 19-28, 2024
Workshop Learning Objectives
Learn our methods of building a dome home that is fire and rot resistant, insulative, sustainable, strong and durable against the forces of earthquakes, hurricanes, tornadoes, etc.
Work in a friendly and respectful team setting to co-create under the guidance of our instructors
Build archway forms and a round window form
Mix Aircrete with Domegaia's unique tools - Aircrete is an amazing, material that you can make yourself at home - almost as easily as making pancake batter!
Stack bricks with our mortar recipe to construct a dome using a compass arm
Apply reinforcement fabric-mesh with stucco
"Classroom" exercises and discussions
Topics: Foundation pouring, compass arm assembly, skylight ideas, window installation, door and door jam construction & installation
We will offer an inspirational and informative slideshow presentation and dedicated Q&A time!
*Please Note: During this 10-day (hands-on) workshop, we will build a basic dome structure. Instruction includes the fundamentals of pouring, stacking and structural reinforcement of the dome but does not include plumbing, electrical or finishing installations.
Bonus Material
Architectural Drawings of Steve Areen's Thailand Dome Home (a 16-page digital download) as well as additional pdf resources and material.
A 20% discount on Tools and Equipment valid for 3 months after the conclusion of the workshop.
Workshop Schedule
DOME BUILDING SCHEDULE:
January 18th - 5:30 - 7pm: Check-in (for those staying on site)
January 19-28th (with one or half day off)
9am: Opening Circle
9am - 1pm: Workshop
1pm - 2pm: Lunch break
2pm - 6pm*: Workshop
January 29th - Departure
*We will plan one afternoon off or full day off (depending on our rate of progress) for students to rest and enjoy local attractions!
*Some days may run later than 6pm depending on work flow
Lodging Options
Carlos and Bethany will be providing a few different options for their on-site accommodations including:
Community Apartment
Private Dome
Glamping
Space for tent camping
Workshop dome completed in January 2023
For those prefer to arrange their own lodging and meals, check out these local suggestions from Carlos:
San Sabastian Bed and Breakfast
Hotel Hacienda Juanita
Local Airbnb / Vrbo
Meal Plan Options
Carlos and Bethany will also be providing a nourishing, high-quality meal plan prepared in the traditional Puerto Rico
way, Abuela Style! Vegan options can be provided with prior request. Please contact our host to express your interests in participating in the meal plan and to communicate any dietary restrictions. You do not have to stay on-site to take advantage of this meal plan, any and all are welcome!
For all 10 workshop days:
3 meals per day - $400.00
2 meal per day - $270.00
1 meal per day - $135.00
Nearby Restaurants
Hacienda La Fe
Restaurants in San Sebastian
Transportation Options
- Rental cars (parking will be available on property)
- Carlos and Bethany will kindly be providing a round-trip shuttle service from and to the San Juan Airport (approx. 2 hours one way) for $40 each way on January 18th and January 29th. Please reach out to them first before you book your flight to confirm a time.
A word from our hosts: Carlos and Bethany Cortes
"Hi, I’m Carlos and my wife, Bethany, would like to welcome you to Puerto Rico. We would like to tell you a little bit about ourselves. We both retired from the US military after more than 20
years of service. After the military we started a scuba diving business in Puerto Rico. After
hurricane Maria we were forced to close our business. Since that time, we bought a property in San Sebastian, PR and Carlos became a wood artisan. He has a new appreciation for wood art, simple life, and sustainable living. Carlos studied carving in PR and South Korea combining culture from Taino Indian, African, European, and Asian styles.
Bethany is an Ayurveda Yoga instructor and currently studying advanced level teacher-training in South Korea to share in our Ayurveda Yoga Academy in Puerto Rico. Our goal is to create a destination to explore harmony within yourself and the environment. We accomplish this by offering a relaxing inclusive space in an eco-friendly environment with the opportunity to become an Ayurveda Yoga Instructor, experience yoga classes, meditation, therapies, retreats and woodworking with small group accommodations, tours and more.
Our property is located in the west-side mountains of Puerto Rico in the town of San Sebastian.
The property is 1 acre with an ever-evolving fruit forest, bamboo, and an underground cave. The property backs up to a 400-foot cliff with forested views of the entire town of San Sebastian below. We have beautiful waterfalls, rivers, hiking, Camuy cave system, zip lines, historic sites, and Crash boat Beach (located just 30 minutes away) and much more."
Location Details: San Sebastian, Puerto Rico
No passport requires for US Residents. San Sebastián is a town and municipality of Puerto Rico located in the northwestern region of the island, south of Isabela, Quebradillas and Camuy; north of Las Marías.
Adventurous travelers find much to do in San Sebastián, because you can easily surround yourself with nature and several sites of interest are dedicated to preserving the area’s past and celebrating the local culture.
What you can expect, here from past students:
Cancellation Policy
- Those cancelling more than 4 weeks prior to the first day of the workshop will receive a full tuition refund, minus a 7% processing and administration fee.
- Those cancelling 2 - 4 weeks prior to the first day of the workshop will receive a half tuition refund, minus a 7% processing and administration fee.
- No refunds for cancellation requests made less than 2 weeks prior to the first day of the workshop
- If the workshop has to be cancelled for any reason, you will receive an immediate full refund.
Contact Us
If you have questions about the workshop, please contact us!
workshops@domegaia.com
We look forward to building with you!