Hands-On Weekend Build | Kanab, Utah

This free weekend workshop offers hands-on experience building a functional culvert and retaining wall system using continuous-tube Superadobe (earthbag) construction.

This is a real infrastructure project: a driveway culvert with curvilinear headwalls and wingwalls designed for long-term durability, water management, and erosion control. Participants will work directly with the same techniques used in Superadobe dome construction, applied here in a civil and landscape context.

What We’re Building

• A driveway culvert crossing a drainage swale

• Curvilinear headwalls and wingwalls built with continuous Superadobe tube

• Walls designed to be flood and impact-resistant

• Final surfaces intended for lime/cement render, which can later be sculpted to resemble stone, raw earth, stucco, or polished plaster finishes

The structural core consists of stabilized rammed earth, placed in solid courses using continuous Superadobe tubing—an efficient, repeatable method that dramatically speeds construction while providing strength and cohesion.

This is the same building system used in Superadobe domes, translated to practical infrastructure.

What You’ll Learn

Participants will gain transferable skills, including:

• Earthen-building fundamentals: material sourcing, soil composition, and stabilization options

• Working with adobe earthbag (layout, filling, tamping, and sequencing)

• Building curves and transitions in earthbag walls

• Common mistakes and how to avoid them

The focus is on hands-on learning and sound building principles.

Experience Level

• No prior construction or earthen-building experience is required

• This will be physically active outdoor work. Expect lifting, tamping, and time on your feet

If you’ve been curious about Superadobe but haven’t had a chance to work on a real project, this is an ideal entry point.

Schedule & Logistics

• Dates: Saturday March 28th & Sunday March 29th

• Location: Kanab, Utah (exact address provided after RSVP)

• Food: Lunch will be provided. Please bring your own snacks

• Water: Potable water will be available

• Weather: Workshop will proceed rain or shine; dress accordingly

8:30 AM – Morning introductions / stretching, movement

9:00 AM – On-site build session

12:00 PM – Lunch provided (vegan)

1:00 PM – Afternoon build session

4:00 PM – Q&A

5:00 PM – End of scheduled events

What to Bring

• Work clothes you don’t mind getting dirty

• Sturdy footwear

• Nitrile-dipped Gloves

• Sun protection (hat, sunscreen)

• Personal water bottle

• Snacks

• Notebook if you like to take notes

All building materials and tools necessary will be provided.

Why This Workshop Exists

This culvert can be built faster with a small crew of experienced earthbag builders, but opening it up to the public creates a valuable opportunity to share real-world Superadobe experience in a context that is accessible, practical and applicable to my friends and neighbors.

If you’re new to earthen building and are interested in learning Superadobe as a practical building system, this workshop is designed for you.

If you’re interested in attending, please RSVP here. Space may be limited to keep the experience hands-on.