Build School visits Portugal
7 Day Course
10-17 October 2024
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
Location
Jardim do Mira: Near Algoceira, Odemira
Want to gift this skill to someone? Vouchers available here
What does the course cover?
Each day starts with a wholesome breakfast followed by a theory session covering one of the fundamentals of construction below. After lunch, we get on-site for practical application of the morning’s learning.
What you’ll be learning :
Timber Milling: Techniques and methodology
Green Wood Joinery: Unique techniques for working with fresh timber
Construction Fundamentals: The what, why + how of timber frame construction
Roofing: Explore roofing options
Responsible Reforestation Practices: Alternative forest management systems
Fire Prevention: Explore and develop wild fire prevention strategies.
What’s included in the fee?
All of our sliding scale fee’s include seven days of mixed practical and theoretical tuition with our Common Knowledge Instructors as well as local experts. Lunch is provided daily.
The fee does not cover breakfast, dinner or accommodation. You will need to organise those things independently. Please email the team at eucaliptocurso2024@proton.me for a list of local accommodation options.
CURRENT TIMETABLE FOR THE WEEK
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)
Additional Information
-
We will provide you with a loan of a hi-visibility vest and safety helmet when on-site. For your own safety, no loose-fitting clothing or shorts are permitted.
The following safety gear is required and mandatory to participate in the course:
Steel-capped boots (If you don’t have or can borrow a pair, they are widely available in workwear shops including O’Sullivan Safety, where a pair starts at €43)
At least one carpenter’s pencil*
An 8M measuring tape*
Two sets of working gloves (waterproof & carpentry)*
Safety glasses*
Ear protection*
An FFP2 mask*
*These items are available in our optional Site & Safety Kit which is available to purchase as an add on to your course ticket.
You may already have many of these items or want to pick them up yourself. These items are available in our optional Site & Safety Kit which also includes a high quality measuring tape and comes in a Common Knowledge tote bag. This is available to purchase as an add on to your course ticket.
-
Our Build School courses are designed to equip you with the skills and knowledge to start any building project. On this particular project we will be exploring the possibilities of building with with Euculyptus wood, in a plantation and simultaneously turn this hazardous fire-prone timber into a resource for the people working on the reforesting the site.
-
For more information about booking a course, accommodation options, and preparing for your course at Common Knowledge, see our FAQs page.
What do people say about this course?
“This course was one of those life changing events you only experience every once in a while. There was more than just building, it was a communal experience, sharing meals and wonderful, enriching conversation as well as skills”
— Past participant
“A profoundly interesting and rewarding course”
— Past participant
“I learnt more in one week than I might in months through traditional education. After the course I feel confident that my dream of self building is that bit more attainable.”
— Past participant
“It really de-mystified construction - highly recommended for anyone who has ever thought of putting a roof over their head.’’
— Past participant
Bookings
Course Instructors
-
Martin Doyle
Martin has worked with his hands from a young age. Inspired by his grandfather and fathers trades, and having access to lathes, machines and tools while growing up he found wood turning and wood working very interesting. He started his own woodworking projects, and eventually worked alongside his father making musical instruments. Working with carpenters and joiners he incorporated woodturning for film props, restoration, architectural and interior projects whilst always finding time for his own craftwork. Martin is looking forward to sharing these skills with you.
-
Zack Halliday
Zack has been residing in Ireland since 2018. He purchased a 7-acre holding and embarked on an agricultural journey focusing on regenerative principles to improve soil health and increase biodiversity. With a small homestead in Co Clare, Zack and his family are dedicated to regenerating heavy clay soils using diverse animal inputs and perennial food systems. Zack has hands-on experience in building and designing structures, and he has actively supported reforestation initiatives by planting 4000 native trees in Ireland. His passion for sustainable agriculture and love for nature have been the driving forces behind his journey.
-
Elaine McFerran
A self proclaimed eternal student, Elaine has been making and fixing things since a young age. Many varied experiences studying and working in the worlds of woodwork, architecture, cooking and organic growing have taught her much about sustainability. Teaching DIY and building skills, both at Common Knowledge and elsewhere, Elaine has found a real purpose in empowering others to learn new skills.
-
Harrison Gardner
Harrison is a builder with 15 years broad range experience, who focuses on teaching people to build their own homes.