SuperAdobe Level 4 Apprenticeship
NEW 6 Month Hybrid Apprenticeship Program
The NEW 6 month hybrid CalEarth apprenticeship program offers a cohesive, in-depth, and transformative experience for the full integration of earth arts and architecture.
The program includes 4.5 months of remote instruction through live zoom lectures with CalEarth instructors and alumni builders from around the world, plus a 6 week hands-on residential practicum in Hesperia, CA at the CalEarth headquarters involving substantial SuperAdobe bag techniques and applications and a complete dome build from foundation to close as well as plasters and finishes.
Program Philosophy
Providing opportunities for exploration and education both conceptually and at the granular level, our intention is to educate and elevate the student to work in harmony with the natural environment. This is done through designing, developing, and building within the conscious, sustainable and regenerative paradigm of earth architecture.
Created and refined through the works of Nader Khalili and thousands of students over many decades. The apprenticeship program will empower the individual to unlock their natural potential and the tools to manifest their vision by using the earth under their feet.
~ Earth Turns to gold in the hands of the wise~ Rumi
Program Overview
Weeks 1-4 (Remote)
Welcome and Introduction
CalEarth’s mission & vision, history of SuperAdobe and Nader Khalili
What to expect-Overview of program, living in community
In the first four weeks, you'll dive into the heart of CalEarth. Get to know our team, understand our mission and vision, and explore the history behind SuperAdobe and its founder, Nader Khalili. We'll also set the stage for what you can expect from the program and what we'll expect from you as a participant and community member.
Weeks 5-8 (Remote)
Dome Theory
SuperAdobe Education Pathways
Project Development and Management
Before you join us on-site, spend three weeks completing our online Dome Course. You'll also have Zoom meetings with CalEarth instructors and alumni. By the end, you should have a good grasp of basic dome construction, as well as project management essentials and examples of previous apprentices' work.
Weeks 9-15 (On Campus)
Level 3 Workshop at CalEarth
Hands-on Advanced Dome building
Hands-on stabilized and natural plasters
Your time on campus kicks off with a Level 3 hands-on Superadobe workshop. Together with other participants, you'll build a simple dome, learn about plastering, and explore the unique features of our Mojave Desert campus. Afterward, you'll tackle a more complex dome with an apse and gain further experience with plasters.
Weeks 16-25 (Remote)
Advanced Design
Geometry, Orientation, Structural, Rendering, Engineering
Complimentary systems
Final Projects
Following your on-site experience, you'll delve deeper into design and related topics. Through ongoing Zoom sessions with CalEarth team members, you'll work on your final projects. The program concludes with presentations of your projects to peers and CalEarth staff.
Tuition & Deadlines
Applications due by June 15, 2024
Program Start: July 21, 2024
Program End: Jan 12, 2025
On Campus Residential:
Sept 18- Nov 3, 2024
Total Program Cost: $9000
50% Due June 1, 2024
50% Due Sept, 1, 2024
Scholarships available in the amounts of: $1,000-$4000
Cal-Earth’s full immersion apprenticeship program has been one of the best investments of my time. Learning the versatility of superadobe from top to bottom thoroughly really gave me the confidence that I can build and that it is possible.
Apprentice
Attending the Cal-Earth Apprenticeship program was one of the best decisions I've ever made in life. Not only did it provide me with the opportunity to learn, but I was able to connect with other like minded individuals wanting to make a difference. I am so grateful for this new skill set and how this experience has encouraged me make steps towards the life I really want to be living!
Caitlin Deane, Apprentice
