Earthbag Construction in Uganda

Volunteer Opportunity for hands on experience and training

Hungry Minds Educational Society provides vocational training to Ugandan adults. We are building an adult education centre in Kisowera, Mukono, about 30 km from Kampala.

Construction is set to begin in January 2011 on our first building - a starter home, designed by community members. This will be an earthbag building, incorporating a root cellar, rainwater collection, composting toilet, solar cooker and adobe built-ins. We hope to finish by April 2011.

We welcome all volunteers to join us for any length of time during construction and anticipate living costs to be approximately US$500 per week. This is an opportunity for those with no experience to get first-hand knowledge of constructing using earthbags. We are also looking for volunteers who have skills in earthbag building to help with the training of our Ugandan learners.

For full details, email: hungry.mindsATymail.com.

Read more about us at: http://humes.110mb.com

Here is the latest photo of the 20 footer dome. The building is a little slow, we only have a crew of 4 right now. We are looking for a few volunteers to get this structure higher and higher. We have a Cal Earth instructor and long term apprentice.  It would be a great opportunity for people interested in Earthbag building to get some hands on experience and learn a lot. We have lots of free camping space on a large river front private property and lots fresh food from the organic garden for those who can help. The contact is Shari ( spidar1919ATgmail.com )

7/10

My name's Matt Gunn and I'm looking for experienced earthbag builders to help supervise the construction of our first building for an orphanage in Leogane, Haiti. We will be starting with two simple, 1,200 sq. foot vertical wall structures.  We hope to begin around the first week of August.  We will provide experienced earthbag builders with safe transportation to and from the airport, a safe place to stay, and all meals.  We will have all tools, materials and laborers on site and ready to go.  I'm on the ground here now if you have any questions.  My email is  mattAThaitianydc.org

7/10

We have recently been considering teaching the thatching craft – either in a workshop format or one-on-one.   Thatching is something you've really got to experience and we're currently building a whole village of homes with home-grown rye straw thatched roofs.  They are gorgeous. If anyone has questions or is interested in the thatching, you can email us: sealedATgrm.net or call our message phone 641-784-8874 and I will call you back ASAP.  Thanks, Jordan Hale in Iowa

1/10

We are looking to build using the type of materials that you use in your building. But My husband has suffered three strokes and we are raising four grandchildren with three of them with learning disabilities. We are currently living in a 2 bedroom 1 bath mobile home in Knoxville, Tn. And we were turned down by Habitat for three more bedrooms and a bath. We don't like taking charity but we are on a very fixed income and are asking anyone that could donate building materials so we could have the room that we really need. Anyone with information on where we could get free materials or information please contact me at (865) 300-2403. Katrina Spurlock   Email: Krazynanny49ATaol.com        Please help us and God Bless

4/10

I'm a developer by talent, eco-architecturally directed by nature, looking to work with a like-minded green builder to build/remodel beautiful homes in South Florida and save the planet. Drew L. Frank: droobie1ATmac.com

12/09

I am presently doing my under graduate dissertation in Risk Assessment of Green Constructions. The objective of this research is to develop a comprehensive methodology for risk identification and assessment in green construction projects and develop a tool to predict the effect of risk and the interaction with other risk factors The study undertaken deals with

• 1.Identification of various risk factors and its influence in green construction projects
• 2.Classify the risks quantitatively and qualitatively
• 3.Analyze the influence and interaction of various risks
• 4.Comparison of risk between green construction and non green construction
• 5.Develop a model using network techniques to predict the interaction and effect of risk on the project

This study requires data regarding various factors that affected the smooth progress of the green construction projects and the impact of these factors on the cost and duration of the project. In this regard I would appreciate your goodness in spending your valuable time in filling in the questionnaire at: www.surveymonkey.com I assure you that the details laid down by you will be used only for academic purpose and will not be divulged to any external party at any cost. Regards -- Neethu Krishna M Final Year Undergraduate Civil Engineering NIT Calicut.

12/09

I am working in Guatemala with the local Episcopal church. We have a large piece of land, and are looking to build a beautiful, integrated center for peace and healing . . . I am looking for some volunteers who might like to come and visit us (we can offer room and board) and do some consulting, and even help design and implement. We live in Chichicastenango, a very mystical and special place. We have an enormous piece of land, a lot of love, a little bit of money, big dreams and NO experience. Thank you. Matiox. emilietsmithAThotmail.com

11/09

Design Opportunities

We're looking for hard working folks who can think and design on their feet to participate in design fellowships for 6 months to one year. Not a trained designer or engineer? Can't make it to rural Namibia? Not to worry, we are hiring folks in our office in San Francisco as well!

Hyderabad
Design Fellow: Architect - Healthcare design
Architecture for Humanity is seeking a design professional preferably with experience in health care to lead the research and development of the design manual to guide clinic redevelopment in underserved communities in Hyderabad, India

San Francisco
Design Fellow: Architect - Primary/Secondary School design
Architecture for Humanity is seeking a mid-career design professional with extensive experience in sustainable consulting and design for Primary and Secondary School projects to lead the research and development of sustainable school design guidelines.

Haiti
Design Fellow
We are looking for a design fellow for a program with Yele Haiti in Port au Prince. Fluency in English, French and Creole desired!

Brazil
Design Fellow
We are looking for a design fellow or local architecture firm to develop the design and construction of a temporary demountable sports facility in Rio for the 2010 Homeless World Cup. Fluency in Portuguese required.

South Africa
Design Fellow
We are looking for a design fellow to help staff our new regional office in Cape Town.

San Francisco
We are looking for a few good-natured and flexible volunteers to help out with everything from data entry to materials research to hauling furniture. We're looking for individuals able to commit to at least 3 days per week for a minimum of 6 hours per day. Please send an email to volunteer (at) architectureforhumanity.org telling us a bit about yourself and your resume, if you're interested.

See www.architectureforhumanity.org for more information.

10/09

My family and I will be building our own self-sufficient community and any knowledge about such would be helpful. We are currently in the midwest and would like to set up shop there. We are looking for someone to come out and do a demonstration and hopefully give us the ups and downs. Thank you and look forward to hearing from someone soon. peace and love. Empress Azalee  Email: akwariussolAThotmail.com

10/09

We wish to invite you to come to do a workshop as a part of our International Development Partner (IDP) Program. The project consists of designing and building a Skills Development Center on a portion of an 800 acre campus of FOTA Artist Village in Maabang in the Ashanti Region of Ghana to prepare in-school and school dropouts for life. It is to create and sustain a "safe haven", where rural children and young adults can access expanded learning opportunities and integrated education, cross-cultural, arts and craft programs in the out-of-school hours. The center will also provide unemployed rural young adults with opportunities for skill-building and mastery in diverse areas of arts and craft. The Skills Development Complex consists of the following facilities: Fine Arts Studios, Performing Arts Spaces, Graphics Shop, Wood Shop, Classrooms, Offices, and Storage/Gallery Areas.

Thus, we think one means to accomplishing this is to work in teams. One Design-Build Team may work of one facility; another team may work on another. We also think 1 to 3 months will be possible, depending on the workshop process and structure. Residential cottages and earth art/ land art/ earthworks will therefore be added and will connect with existing roadways. All work need be completed within 3 ½ years; hence, other workshop teams are solicited.

-- Barthosa Nkurumeh, AfriCOAE General Secretary (Artist and Educator, ILAC- College of Education, University of Oklahoma) Project Website: http://www.focusonthearts.org                               7/09

We need help from volunteers who know about sustainable, low cost projects that are using local resources to build a holistic health and education center in Honduras. La Esperanza/Intibuca is in western Honduras and the people are of indigenous Lenca and Maya descent and also Mestisos. The area is beautiful, the way Creator made it and the climate is delightful, a gift to nourish the spirit, body and soul, but the community is poor due to limited economic resources and opportunities. As a Maya-Lenca from this area, I am starting this project to help with these problems. The project will consist of the following:

•We are developing a holistic health center, which will offer visitors a restaurant that will serve a nutritious, local food and an international menu. And an education center where people can participate in discussions on Maya cultural and spiritual practices and learn how to prevent disease and promote mental, body and soul health. We will offer an Indigenous design sweat lodge and a hot tub and a meditation area to help people feel cleanse and centered. The  restaurant and cabins are Maya style and constructed with recycled and local products. The whole community is involved and see this project as an opportunity for economic development that protects mother earth. 

• The project will be run as a cooperative where everyone has a voice in the decisions and eventually local employees will earn a percentage of the social responsible project, and it will provide resources and training for young, women and men of the community. We need help from volunteers who know about sustainable, low cost projects that are using local resources.We also need donations at any level to support this community project. We plan a trip to start building at the end of the first week in September, 2009 

Donation checks can be made out to Amethyst Luna Cooperative and sent to Martha Dominguez, 10805 Ralph Ave. NE Albuquerque, NM 87112 and for Questions: 505-275-0597 and volunteers can call or send me an email to: marthacdATearthlink.net

4/09

Earthbag building on Koh Phangan, Thailand

Basic infrastructure (road, water) on our hillside (and seaview) jungle property has been set up and we are now beginning construction of several earthbag domes. We are looking for enthusiasts to come, work and learn with us on this beautiful tropical island. Freshmen welcome, earthbag experience not required. At this point we can offer free accommodation in tents, besides the great opportunity to learn how to build your own dome... short stays also welcome. please email julienATagamayogaDOTcom for further information. kind regards, we look forward to hearing from you! www.phanganearthworks.com

4/09

I want to create an environmentally friendly community comprised of uniquely built, beautifully designed green homes,
each using a different type of sustainable architecture from straw bale and modular to lightweight concrete. Architectural styles will range from rustic to modern, something for everyone. The homes will be built to enhance the natural surroundings of the landscape. Also included is a community center and shared garden plots for vegetables and flowers. The homeowners will open their doors twice a year (maybe around Earth Day and Arbor Day) for tours of their homes in the hope of educating the public. The top architects specializing in each style of building will be used. State-of-the-art high performance equipment and materials will be used to lower the impact on the environment and reduce the homeowner's energy bills. The benefit to architects, builders and the equipment and service manufacturers is the ongoing advertising and continued business as a result. I don't have the land nor do I have financing, what I do have is passion and an idea. How do I take it to the next level? I welcome your comments, suggestions and ideas or partnerships. Thank you so much. Janice Lloyd, jan.lloydATcomcast.net

4/09

Building Dome Village Katrina

I am looking for four young people, minimum age 21, who want to join me for a one-year apprenticeship project for the establishing of a new entrepreneur career as a certified "New Community Builder". We five apprentices will build a cluster of five self-sufficient dome homes, plus a community dome. Our goal is to snowball small intentional dome villages in rural areas that are easy, cheap, and fast to build. The motto for "Dome Village Katrina" is the Buckminster Fuller vision statement: "To make the world work for 100% of humanity in the shortest possible time through spontaneous cooperation without ecological offense or the disadvantage of anyone."

For more info please email: karinlacyATgmail.com   For my credentials please visit my website at www.KarinLLightworker.com   2/09

A group of California Polytechnic State University seniors is spearheading a 3000 sf., two story, 'green' dental clinic in the developing nation of Belize.  Organized by Global Outreach Mission, the dental facility will provide radically needed dental healthcare to the region of Mango Creek.  The team also plans to create two mobile dental units to serve the surrounding region.  Once completed with the project, Daniel Wiens (Construction Engineering Manager) and Steve Shimmin (Architect) hope to create a humanitarian non-profit organization that will encourage green building fundamentals in developing nations, through dental and other medical facilities.  The team needs your help!  Inspiration, financial support, dental equipment 
(new or used) for the facility, suggestions, and assistance in any fashion.  Feel free to contact Daniel Wiens via telephone at 541.633.9928 or via email at  dpwincATgmail.com                                                                    1/09

We are now looking for people with experience in green building and green energy and sanitation technology who would be interested in sharing their knowledge with us in a venture to build an inspiring model building in rural Bangladesh. My name is Jonas Forsberg. I'm a Swedish entrepreneur trying to make a difference for people in Bangladesh. redQ, runs ecological and ethical production in Bangladesh. Our goal is to be a good example for other factory owners in the textile industry, showing that it's profitable to be responsible. We are planning a new industrial building that will hold 250 workers + machinery (approximately 10 000 sq ft). We want the building process to be as environmentally friendly as possible, and the building to be self sufficient regarding energy. We want the building to be a model that will inspire villagers as well as factory owners to implement environmental innovations such as compost toilets and solar panels. Please contact me: jonasATredq.se +46 70 302 47 17

12/08

If ever someone wants to build an earthship community in Africa, I would like to be a part of that. I imagined a community of pods with a center community pod for meeting or even a communal kitchen. It seems if we could show the world how to live successfully there with so little water, this idea just might catch on and save many lives. I believe an entire village can raise small gardens and goats to care for themselves. Thank you, Marty McAdams 816-456-6195 (USA)      m3568111ATyahoo.com    

9/08

We are planning a sustainable community in Costa Rica and are exploring all kinds of green building. We are TIERRAMADA, and our blog is under construction. If you would know of people who might like to retire to this 12 month growing climate..and wonderful country, contact me here. thanks! Alexandra y Richard

e-mail: ALEXIREALESTATEATYAHOO.COM

5/08

Display of Natural Homes

If you have a home you like to feature at naturalhomes.org, or would just like to browse through the selection of homes on display, go to naturalhomes.org

If you would like to review some of the old issues of greenhomebuilding.com's E-zine, just click on the appropriate link: E-zine #1, E-zine #2, E-zine #3, E-zine #4, E-zine #5, E-zine #6, E-zine #7, E-Zine #8, E-zine #9, E-zine #10, E-zine #11, E-zine #12, E-zine #13, E-zine #14, E-zine #15, E-Zine #16, E-Zine#17, E-Zine #18 , E-Zine #19, E-zine #20, E-zine #21 . This E-zine is no longer published; to follow topical news check out Kelly's blog.

I've been working with papercrete here in northern NM for about 4 years now. 
I am offering workshops this summer. You can come and work with me for a day or more.
Please email or call me to make arrangements. I am working full time on my project so there will always be something to do.
I will focus on whatever it is you want to learn and you can help me finish my house. I am very excited about slip forming my new wall.
I will also be making roof panels using my old block form and a special mix.

If you just want to come for the day and live locally the fee is $75 a day. If you are coming from a distance you are welcome to stay here at my house, room and meals provided for $125.

I hope to see you this summer!

Email me at williams_judithAThotmail.com (505) 685-0804  judith-l-williams.com

5/09

Natural Building, Earthbag Dome Work Exchange
Get hands-on experience building an earthbag dome at Dancing Rabbit ecovillage. This small house will have a living roof, earthen floor and cob walls.
Learn more about Jeffs Earthbag Building Work Exchange                                                              3/09

Strawbale House Construction & Natural Building Internship

Interested in straw bale house construction? Want some hands-on experience with natural building? Want to experience community life on an off-grid homestead? If your answer is “yes” to these questions, then this internship opportunity may be for you.

Red Earth Farms is an intentional community of homesteaders located on 76 acres of pastoral rolling hills in northeastern Missouri. We have in common a commitment to developing sustainable lifestyle skills such as local food production, permaculture and natural building. We're looking to host interns during the 2009 building season (April-September) to help with our strawbale house.

See mazzo-strawbale.blogspot.coml for more information.                             2/09

Strawbale House Construction & Natural Building Internship

Interested in straw bale house construction? Want some hands-on experience with natural building? Want to experience community life on an off-grid homestead? If your answer is “yes” to these questions, then this internship opportunity may be for you.

Red Earth Farms is an intentional community of homesteaders located on 76 acres of pastoral rolling hills in northeastern Missouri. We have in common a commitment to developing sustainable lifestyle skills such as local food production, permaculture and natural building. We're looking to host interns during the 2009 building season (April-September) to help with our strawbale house.

See mazzo-strawbale.blogspot.com  for more information.                                                                                     2/09

My name is Shahar Ouannou. I am 23year old and I'm looking to keep working in Earth construction as I did before. I have experience in: Building mud houses from mud brick and/or other materials, Eco-farm work such as grey and black water systems and some other field work on my family farm in Israel, such as relocating irrigation pipes, weed control, fencing, and many other little maintenance jobs on the farm. I served in the Israeli army in a special unit and I'm highly motivated and ready for any job. Im not looking for high salary, just want to keep learning and doing what I love. I have a working holiday visa for unlimited hours per week, and a Tax file number. My phone number is: 0424 884300 mail: souannouATgmail.com Reference: Michael Maher 0433546476 Earthworks Construction Brisbane

4/10

One of our (my fiance and I) primary goals in life is to build our own earth bag home once we acquire our own parcel of land. We would very much like to learn at least SOME green-building skills relevant to us if we could... but so far I cannot seem to find many such opportunities offered in the US that are either as comprehensive as I'd hope or don't cost a fortune just to participate. We'd love to just have the opportunity to be someone's apprentice or work hands on helping someone else build their house so long as we could thus freely gain the experience by such acts of volunteering. We will be available late in 2011.

Ellen Selm
Email: thesolitudeofheartATyahoo.com                          3/10

I am an Israeli guy and a citizen of the USA who has experience of building with mud. I am serching for a job as a simple worker in a green building company, or on a project with mud houses.

Shaul Smilansky shaul.smilanskyATyahoo.com

3/10

I am currently a full time student at the University of Wisconsin-Stout. I am majoring in Construction, with a minor in Business, with my anticipated graduation date in December 2010. I am currently looking for internship positions for the upcoming summer, May through August of 2010, as well as job opportunities in the future, ideally in sustainable building construction. I am interested in working as an intern in Green home building, because it embraces the importance of sustainable construction. I would like to become involved and work with the people and a firm that shares similar values. I attended a LEED core concepts and strategies workshop in the beginning of December 2009 and will be pursuing further education to become a LEED Green Associate and eventually, a LEED AP in Design and Construction. I would be willing to send you my resume upon your request. My name is Justin Dall'Osto and my email is dallostojATuwstout.edu

2/10

Looking for work building Earthbag Structures. I am a physically fit female, Cal Earth trained. Spent time at the institute last spring, learned a lot, helped teach a couple of workshops. I would like to continue building with this amazing technique, gaining experience, spreading awareness and helping others. I am currently situated in southern BC, but I have my own accommodation and mobility with a 30ft RV and Motorbike. Willing to travel to worksite. Please contact Shari at: spidar1919ATgmail.com

1/10

I seek an intensive internship - or, ideally, an apprenticeship - in ecological design/architecture. I can go anywhere in the world to follow the right apprenticeship/internship and can work full time and am not so worried about the pay... just looking for the right opportunity! I've studied many aspects of the field for the past couple of years, and am now ready and excited to begin practicing what I've learned. I'd like to get involved with any green design project focusing on bioclimatic architecture, innovative sustainable systems, bioremediation or biomimicry. I can't wait to jump in! Please email me if you have an opportunity in mind and would like to hear more about me and my qualifications. You can email me at karlyzimmermanATyahoo.com

12/09

I am a remodeler in MN and I am seeking to learn green home building and want to find anyplace that needs or wants help or where villages might be planned for the future. I dont care about money...just enough for food to eat. Tom Michaud 763-516-6333 tjworks4uATcomcast.net 

7/09

My names Zac Alexander. I'm 18 yeas old and taking a gap year before college. I'm looking for things to do and I am really interested in sustainable/natural home building and would love to learn more about. If you are starting a new project and need someone to work next to you I'd love to help out. I don't have much experience, but I'm strong, hardworking, and cheap! I live in the Minneapolis/St. Paul, Minnesota area, but know people all over the county, and would be willing to travel and stay somewhere for a month or so. I can start sometime towards the end of August. Let me know what you're thinking, it can't hurt. You can send me an email at zalexander333ATgmail.com or give me a call at 612-385-4513.

5/09

Job Opportunities

Program Manager
What: Help us manage our ever increasing dashboard of projects.
You: Licensed Architect with graphics, web, and people skills.
Where: San Francisco

Design Director
What: Help us manage the design and development of our project list.
You: Designer with a solid amount of experience, expertise, and serious leadership skills.
Where: San Francisco

Regional Program Manager
What: Help us grow into an internationally viable organization.
You: Designer with a proven track record of management and leadership abilities.
Where: Cape Town

Chief Financial Officer
What: Help us grow into a financially smart organization. Much like our design.
You: Math whiz with a knack for management.
Where: San Francisco

Development Director
What: Help us grow into a strong sustainable organization. Much like our buildings.
You: Renegade with a Rolodex.
Where: San Francisco

If you are interested in these positions please email jobs (at) architectureforhumanity.org with your resume, cover letter, and work samples if applicable (Don't forget the work samples, no more than 3MB please!). If you don't see a job you like but are a cross-breed between Glen Murcutt, McGuyver and Yasmine Lari please send us a resume anyway.

If you are interested in volunteering, providing design services, sharing your expertise, or supporting better design, please visit our website .

10/09

I am looking to contact anyone interested in pre 1900 antique glass window panes
please respond with and email address or a phone number

Deb Maubach
Peoria, IL
dmaubach7ATyahoo.com
5/08

I live in Baltic, Ohio. We have 1000s of used tires to get rid of and I would like to see them put to good use. Anyone can have them for free if they come and get them. My name is John Grove: trsjwgATlive.com

3/08