Meet the trainees

Our first cohort of earth build trainees has completed their programme. They have learned on the job, while working on our sustainable natural build construction project to create our first permanent community garden, at the #TriangleSite. This blog features their own voices as they talk about what they learned and who they are and have become. You can meet them and see their incredible work at the Earth Builders Showcase on Thursday 26 September 2-5pm

Flow

What was your connection to natural/sustainable building before this?

I love spoil - lumps of earth from urban excavations but i don’t like ney shiny buildings which eventually grow from these sites and feel hostile. I didn’t really know that natural building was a thing that could happen in cities or modern times. Which is a relief, because i want to be a natural builder, but i’m never leaving the city.

What have you learned so far?

About states of clay eg. powder, humid, plastic,viscous, liquid, different earth building methods, fibre for cohesion or insulation and that we need to stop displacing clay by using what we have beneath us.

Tell us about yourself

Flo is a very outgoing and friendly person who is always there if you have a question or need some help. She never shys away from getting messy

Karari

What was your connection to natural/sustainable building before this?

I’d say my connection to natural/sustainable building was very absent as I didn't think much of or about it. I always liked building stuff but I wouldn't care much about what it was made of and definitely not how sustainable it was.

What have you learned so far?

I learned a lot like for example: 

• The benefits and negatives of the different materials/combination of materials depending on the project. For example while working on the insulator section of our practice wall, that the hemp didn’t stick very well and the straw needed a bit more slip to get the right texture we wanted so in the end the combination was a better choice. 

• The difference between an impact driver and a standard drill plus their uses. So i now know which one to use depending on the task.

• Identifying my own weakness but not letting it get me down.

• Facilitating what I need to improve on

• How to make chair legs/chairs

• Slit, a mix of clay, sand and water, used for plastering on mixing with light earth in natural building consistency and how to get the right percentage 

Tell us about yourself

Karari is a funny, kind and sensitive person. He loves naps and is good at carrying heavy objects.

Connie

What was your connection to natural/sustainable building before this?

I went to one of GGs clay brick workshops last autumn and i think that was my first memorable introduction to sustainable building practices.

What have you learned so far?

I have learnt so many skills its hard to list, if i was to pick 3: team work, initiative and patience.

Tell us about yourself

Connie is grounded in new found communities and is so motivated to work hard & learn. She has got really muscly arms now and with a fine art background has imagination and a mad brain too. She raver chic tho.

Lillie

What was your connection to natural/sustainable building before this?

I’m Tunisian and our Amazigh communities have a rich history of earth building. I’m inspired by this and how we can bring ancestral practices into our cities and communities. I was interested in learning practical skills to help rebuilding Gaza ( where over 80% of buildings have been destroyed by the occupation)

What have you learned so far?

• Greenwoodworking

• Earthbuilding from around the world

• Teamwork through community building

Tell us about yourself

I’m Lillie a sensitive person with activism, community and care at the heart of my practice.

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Notes from the Garden