Build your Own Cabin: Greenwood construction with Eucalyptus
In an exciting collaboration, Jardim de Mira, a pioneering reforestation project in Odemira, and Common Knowledge have joined forces to offer a special Build School Edition. The partnership was created to explore and develop green-wood construction techniques using Eucalyptus timber from Southwest Alentejo and Vicentine Coast Natural Park
This collaborative course is designed to equip you with the skills and confidence needed to tackle a wide range of structures. Whether you're planning a new build, renovating your current home, creating a tiny house, dreaming of restoring a stone cottage, aiming to enhance your DIY skills, or simply excited about learning outdoors alongside like-minded individuals, this introductory course is perfect for you.
The on-site learning experience, led by the Common Knowledge team, ensures that all skills acquired will be relevant and transferable to your individual projects. Our instructor team will be very happy to chat with you about approaching any project using the same skills taught on all Build School courses.
Why Eucalyptus? Why Portugal?
Removing Eucalyptus trees aims to restore native habitats, mitigate fire risks, and foster ecological balance by addressing their invasive nature, rapid growth, water absorption, and impact on local ecosystems and biodiversity.
Explore the versatility of eucalyptus in construction through our bilingual course - designed for all skill levels and offers sliding scale pricing options.
Jardim do Mira is an ecological conservation project dedicated to revitalising a former eucalyptus plantation and fostering community engagement. It serves as a beacon of hope amidst agricultural shifts offering activities to inspire and empower while promoting integrated conservation in the protected Mira region.
Learn more about Jardim do Mira here
What will you learn?
The course is designed for you to leave feeling equipped with the skills and confidence you will need to apply to any structure. Together, we’ll be exploring:
Structures: Force distribution + foundations
Roofing: Materials + rainwater collection
Insulation: The what, why + how of insulation
Finishes: Cladding +waterproofing
Energy: Harvesting energy + electricity basics
Our Sliding Scale Fees
Recognising Portugal's unique circumstances, we're offering this transformative opportunity through Jardim do Mira's participation in the Erasmus+ Small Partnerships Programme with Common Knowledge. Using a discounted, sliding scale pricing model, we aim to make this week-long building course accessible to all. Each price bracket reflects a substantial discount compared to similar courses abroad. We encourage you to select the bracket that best fits your circumstances and join us for this invaluable experience.
Group 1: Supported/Volunteer
(You join Build School for free; however, you will contribute to various tasks throughout the week)
TO APPLY FOR THIS TICKET TYPE PLEASE FILL IN THE FORM HERE
Group 2: Local Wage Earners (€150)
(This option is for residents who earn income locally)
TO APPLY FOR THIS TICKET TYPE PLEASE FILL IN THE FORM HERE
Group 3: Non-Local Earner Option (€300)
(Designed for participants with income generated from outside Portugal)
Group 4: Supporter/Pay it forward (€400)
(For those who can afford dining out, driving a higher-value car, or taking vacations abroad, and who earn enough to support someone in Group 1)
More information
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For more information about booking a course, accommodation options, and preparing for your course in Portugal please email:
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Course Instructors
