A W.I.S.H. Sierra Leone

A meeting of cultures both of people and buildings will be at the core of the experience of this workshop. Indigenous peoples have always built dwellings from the land and into the land. The village of Kykotsmovi is located high on the mesa. We will visit traditional villages to view the architecture, which is based on ancient cliff dwellings, and hear from builders and farmers about their knowledge, culture and history.
We are planning this natural sandstone/ cob hybrid house blending traditional knowledge with modern innovation. It will be a home for Serena Dewakuku and her family, next to a cob house that was built in recent years. Participants work alongside local traditional builders and volunteers.
The cob walls will be built on a traditional stone foundation. Participants learn all aspects of cob building: from material mixing to arch building, window and door installation, and an introduction to plasters.
Evenings will give opportunity for story telling, music and conversation. This is a chance to connect and discover the ways of the Hopi, to see beyond the surface and practice respect and listening.
All participants will live in camp: bring your own tent, sleeping mat and sleeping bag. Toilets and washing/ showers are provided.
The lead facilitator elkecole has 15 years of workshop experience in different cultures, teaching natural building and design. Bruce Thauburn will be joining her; he brings many years of building experience and project management to the table and his drum to the fire circle.