The workshop

You build it by hand

EarthLab is a four-day rammed-earth workshop. We are raising the first studio walls for El Valle's retreat village, and opening the build to 15 people. Terra Crua leads it: first the theory of how an earth wall actually works, then the real work on site. You mix the earth, set the formwork, and tamp the courses until a wall stands. No experience needed. There is enough depth in it for architects, engineers and builders too.

You go home knowing how to build an earth wall, with a certificate of participation, and a wall that is still standing behind you.

Theory

History and evolution of building with earth
Structural principles of rammed earth
Soil selection and analysis
Dosing and stabilization
Bioclimatic architecture
Structural design
Quality control
International case studies

Hands-on

Preparing the mixes
Assembling the formwork
Compaction techniques
Moisture control
Surface finishes
Working clean and fast on site
Spotting and fixing common mistakes

The programme is taught by Terra Crua, with a certificate of participation.

Who it's for

Who comes to this

Architects, engineers and builders.

Real method: soil analysis, structural design, quality control, and a certificate. Not a demo.

Curious makers and students.

No experience needed. You learn the recipe and the technique on site.

Anyone who likes working with their hands.

Earth, mixing, lifting, and a wall going up.

It is hands on and physical. You will get muddy.

Led by

Terra Crua

The workshop is taught by Terra Crua, an earth-building practice. They wrote the programme, teach the theory, run the build on site, and give every participant a certificate of participation.

[Lead instructor name, a short bio, a real photo, and the Terra Crua logo go here.]

The material

What you will be working with

Placeholder images for now. We will swap in real photos from El Valle and Terra Crua.

Tickets

Reserve your place

Only 15 places. You help build a real studio wall.

EarthLab

4-day workshop

27 to 30 August 2026, Thursday to Sunday

[[PRICE]]

The full workshop: theory and hands-on
Certificate of participation from Terra Crua
Meals during the workshop
Welcome gathering on site

Reserve a place

Add a room

Optional, subject to availability

Ask us

A room at El Valle or Leisy's Garden
For the nights of the workshop

Ask about a room

Group size: 15 people. Small and hands-on.
Included: The workshop, the certificate, and meals during the workshop.
Not included: Travel, lodging (optional add-on), insurance.
Certificate: Certificate of participation from Terra Crua.
Deposit: [[DEPOSITO]] holds your place. The balance is due before the workshop.
After WhatsApp: We confirm your place and send payment details. The page does not take payment.

The four days

The plan

This is the shape of it. Final times come from the team.

Day 1, Thu 27

Afternoon Arrive in El Valle and settle in
Evening Welcome gathering. The story of earth building, choosing the soil, and the mix recipe

Day 2, Fri 28

Morning How an earth wall carries load. Dosing and stabilizing the mix
Afternoon Setting the formwork. The first rammed courses go down

Day 3, Sat 29

Morning Compaction and moisture control
Midday Lunch from Leisy's Garden
Afternoon The wall rises. Everyone takes a turn

Day 4, Sun 30

Morning Surface finishes. Strip the formwork and see the wall. What goes wrong and how to fix it
Midday Certificates and a closing circle, then home

Good to know

Questions, answered

Do I need building experience?

No. Terra Crua teaches and directs, and we work as a group. You learn the recipe and the technique on site. There is also enough depth for architects, engineers and builders.

Is there a certificate?

Yes. Every participant gets a certificate of participation from Terra Crua.

How physical is it?

It is hands on and physical, in the heat. You will be mixing, lifting and tamping earth across four days. Tell us about any limitations and we will advise.

What should I bring?

Closed shoes, clothes you do not mind getting muddy, sun protection, and a water bottle.

How do I get to El Valle?

Fly into Samaná (AZS) or Santo Domingo, then take a road transfer to El Valle. We will help you plan the last leg over WhatsApp.

Where do I stay, and what about food?

A room is an optional add-on at El Valle or Leisy's Garden. Just ask. Meals during the workshop are included, and we cater to dietary needs.

What language is it in?

English and Spanish.

Deposit, payment, and cancellation?

A deposit ([[DEPOSITO]]) holds your place, and the balance is due before the workshop. We send payment details after you reach out on WhatsApp, and we share the cancellation terms before you pay.

Build a wall that lasts