Earthen Architecture Preservation and Repair Workshop

Brick, Earth, Stone, and Timber (BEST) Preservation Workshops with the National Park Service

Location: Fort Davis National Historic Site

Dates: October 20 – 24, 2025

Description:

Construction of architecture using earthen building materials is one of the oldest surviving building
traditions in the world for many reasons. Adaptable, sustainable, and sophisticated, earthen
architectural traditions have a long history in the arid Southwest that endures today. Caring for and
preserving these resources can be challenging, as many of them do not conform to our contemporary
expectations of what makes a material suitable for building and what its maintenance looks like. In this
workshop, students will learn about the materials science and construction of earthen architecture, as
well as experiment with building materials derived from soil such as adobes and earthen plasters and
mortars. Participants will examine what deterioration looks like in earthen structures, determine root
causes of condition, and think through stabilization measures. Lastly, students will practice small-scale
repairs in the field, such as replacing adobes and applying earth plaster.

Instructors:

Rachel Adler Conservator, Vanishing Treasures
Joey Benton Designer,SILLA
David W. Keller Owner & Manager, Keller Consulting

Tuition:
$750 General participant
$50 Student (at least half-time in an accredited institution)

Click here for more information and registration!

This posting will expire October 20, 2025.