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Background to our Rammed Earth Project>

At Quinta Arco-Iris, a new eco-neighbourhood project, we have 3 taipa ruins for rebuilding plus a new house and donkey shelter for construction.  As a group of neighbours we want to share in the building work and learning the necessary skills.  We know that Taipa is regaining respect in Portugal and many people are wanting to learn the skills, often people seeking to live "low-impact lifestyles like us.

The best teachers have learned their skills handed-on generation to generation.  Our neighbourhood is exceptional for we can involve local people in sharing with us the benefit of their experience.  Our practical activities will be demonstrated for us and led by local Portuguese expertise.  This way we will gain an awareness of "extended community" self-reliance, the social neighbourhood context and the opportunity for learning and working together for the best outcomes for our future.

Learning ?

During this two week course we will visit local rammed-earth projects.  Our Itinerary will also cover theory and practical, including the following topics:

• Concepts of Rammed-Earth construction, planning and site location,

• Design content, plus structural and limiting factors

• Appropriate use of natural materials - taipa, adobe, barro, cal or lime, slate, straw

• Tools and Machines - taipais shuttering, tamping, block press, mixer

• Arranging materials for preparation and work site environment

• Constructional team work

Itinerary>

Our Itinerary depends on the weather and so will be adapted as needed!

Outcomes>

You will learn basic skills to undertake your own rammed-earth build, from concept to completion.

You will be helping us to integrate traditional techniques adapted with modern technology

You will observe and participate in cooperative living, and appreciate some of the challenges to achieve self-reliance and sustainable community.

We will be able to progress our practical sustainability together and create opportunities for our futures.

Be prepared>

Please make your own breakfast. Good vegetarian lunches + dinners are provided. Accommodation is basic camping with simple cooking and solar washing/shower facilities. First aid is on site with some herbal and homeopathic medicine. Often days are warm. Please bring working clothes + practical kit, i.e. what you need.

See also our social guidelines, contact + travel info: www.rainbowcommunities.org/About_Arco.htm

What Next?

You are warmly welcome to stay after this course on a working holiday basis – to integrate skills and knowledge and to help finish some of the practical work on the rammed earth projects.

Join us on this our first eco-neighbourhood self-build project!

Ex. "Before rebuilding" - friend's house

Ex.  "After rebuilding"

A modern Taipa House

first level done + Taipa kit

<Arco "Taipais">
Taipa construction