Hands-On Foundations

Cost: $400

Additional Discount: 10% for family and friends participating together

The foundation is arguably the most important part of a structure, as it determines how that structure interfaces with the earth (it’s also very difficult to change a foundation later, after a building sits on top of it!). There are many different types of foundations, and we want to focus on some systems that are simple, time-tested, and effective. We will be constructing a foundation for the building that the April Immersion class will be building. Expect to learn:

• how to layout a building on the earth
• basic excavation
• installing a rubble-trench footing (an ingenious hybrid combining a footing and french drain)
• the transition from footing to stem-wall
• poured concrete stem-wall
• mortared stone stem wall (and/or “stone slip-form”)
• concrete block stem-wall, with lime-based mortar
• transitioning from foundation to natural wall
• grading around a foundation
• discussion about the other types of footings and foundations that we don’t cover on site

Three healthful, home-cooked meals are provided each day! You are encouraged to stay on campus throughout, either tenting or renting a cottage. Sharing time in this community of people is a wonderful part of the workshop experience.