Earth Architecture (seminar)

Centre for Sustainable Living Apprenticeship Retreat, Itali, April 2009  Taught by Iliona Khalili, Cal-Earth director and Claire Blanchemanche, ceramic artist. 

In the tradition of architect and humanitarian Nader Khalili.

1. Introduction 
2. The principle of Arch, Gravity, Friction, Buttress
3. Foundation principles and techniques for sustainable earth architecture 
4. Earth Architecture Design
5. Superadobe-sandbag and barbed wire system. How to create forms. Compass design and use. Plan layout, orientation, proportion, geometry
6. Dome construction for Emergency Shelters and Eco-Domes. Principles of coils and corbellings. Types of arches 
7. Model clay dome 
8. Earth Architecture Materials Ceramic and clay materials and techniques. 
9. Model clay dome firing.
10. Stabilized earth for wall mass and vaulted roofs. Superadobe techniques and reinforcement for lintels, doorways and bag vaults 
11. Detailing of finishes and waterproofing. Form making principles
12. Design development and study of blueprints. In depth study of design variations for different climates and building programs. Passive heating and cooling (windscoops, radiant heating, solar oven)
13. Conclusions

Links: http://www.calearth.org/