This ground-breaking seven-day intensive course is designed especially to show you how to take the plunge into the more natural sustainable life you dream of—but don’t know how to begin. Get the whole picture of how to turn a faraway dream into reality from two regular people who did it themselves every step of the way. Juan and Kristen quit their jobs, moved from the States, found their land without a realtor, and began building their dream on a little savings, a shoestring budget, and a whole lot of tenacity. From finding land, to what and how to build, to putting the finishes touches on your home, this all-content-no-filler course combines information-packed sessions, hands-on skill-building activities, and plenty of Q&A time to give you the real deal on exactly what you need to know to create the life you want. Tuition includes sessions, instruction manual, meals, housing, use of all amenities, and an excursion to the stunning Cascada Verde waterfalls.
Course is limited to 5 participants to ensure everyone receives individual attention and instruction. We will focus on the key concepts and most practical applications of natural building, permaculture, and off-grid living. Each participant will also receive an instruction manual outlining and re-capping each daily session.
Decide the project scope. Homestead, school, eco-lodge, farm…what do you want to make?
Raise money if you don’t have it.
Look for land. Make a deal.
Decide your infrastructure. To grid or not to grid?
Make a natural drainage or water conservation system.
Determine your building method. Advantages and disadvantages of several natural and conventional building methods discussed.
*Hands-on session: Grab a machete and let's clear some land, jungle style!
Direct, catch, and store rainwater.
Pump and store well, spring or river water.
Make and manage a compost pile.
Determine what crops to grow.
Choose animals (chickens, geese, goats, cows, etc).
*Hands-on session: Learn how to prepare the soil, dig a hole the right way for a tree to thrive, and how to care for different types of fruit, nut, and timber trees.
DAY 4: FIELD TRIP and FREE DAY. We’ll take an excursion to the stunning Cascada Verde forest trails, waterfalls, and swimming lagoons. Enjoy a glass of fresh-pressed sugar cane juice afterwards, and stop off in Pedro Vicente Maldonado for lunch, ice cream, and internet time.
Decide between a frame or no-frame structure.
*Hands-on session: Try each technique!
Decide on your wall plaster. Clay, lime, and cement-based plasters explained and demonstrated.* Appropriate uses, climate considerations, advantages and disadvantages of each.
*Hands on session: Try each technique!
Plan and budget your project.
If you really want to quit the hamster wheel...we did it, and we can show you how.