Summer School 2025
SOCIAL AND SUSTAINABLE CONSTRUCTION Summer school 2025
Geodesic structure | Rammed earth | Wood working Workshop at an Animal Sanctuary in Portugal
Lacking building skills and experience?
Wanting to apply sustainable construction method in a real project?
Feeling you could do that while contributing to a great cause?
Join us for a 2-week practical sustainable construction workshop where you’ll learn how to build geodesic structures, stabilised rammed earth techniques and contemporary wood working, while contributing to a small animal sanctuary in Portugal. Guided by experienced mentors, you’ll learn to work with wood and machinery, create durable foundations using reclaimed materials, and explore agroforestry techniques to improve the land. This is a unique opportunity to develop practical skills, connect with like-minded people from around the world, and take part in a meaningful project.
TARGET GROUP: Architects, builders, engineers, self-builders, students, folks planning to build using ecological principles as well as anyone with an interest in natural building materials.
DATES:
August 4th – August 15th On-site
+ Early July – 2 online co-design sessions
Programme: design and build shelters for the animals at the Meco Sanctuary, including a geodesic structure. You will work with stabilised rammed earth and contemporary carpentry on the other structures. You will also participate in the landscaping following agroforestry principles.
Location: Perafita, Porto
Language: English
2 ECTS Course certificate by ESAP
Contact: mail@criticalconcrete.com
What will you learn?
During this practical and theoretical workshop, you’ll develop essential skills in sustainable construction while working alongside experienced mentors.
- Woodworking – Learn to safely use power tools and woodworking machines to craft durable structures.
- Sustainable Building Methods – Explore eco-conscious construction techniques.
- Upcycling & Material Innovation – Transform reclaimed materials into functional, long-lasting shelter components.
- Agroforestry & Land Regeneration – Discover how to integrate natural systems to improve soil quality and create resilient landscapes.
- Guest lectures – In addition of our mentors practical input, we’ll explore project development strategies adapted to sustainable projects. You’ll also be invited to a critical tour of the city by The Worst Tour, as well as attending project presentations by local architects.
Prior knowledge or construction skills are welcome but not required.
Costs
Early Birds | €1000 Until April 15th
Birds | €1250 Until June 1st June 16th (deadline extension)
Late birds | €1350 After June 16th
What is included:
- all tools and materials (personal protective equipment will be required by the participants)
- detailed instruction and guidance from mentors
- delicious nutritious daily vegan lunch on site
- voucher for 1 criti.co course
What is not included:
- transportation to and from the site
Accommodation:
- we offer a free rudimentary camping on site (10-15 first applicants) or 10 min walk from the site for an extra 100€.
- we can also assist you in finding something more comfortable if you would prefer!
Booking is essential. Most of our courses/events are fully booked weeks in advance. Your place is not secured until we have received the requested payment.
REGISTRATION
Please fill the form, including a motivational letter, as well as an explanation of your background (how you relate to the field) and your current occupation. After your registration and motivational letter is accepted, you will receive our payment information. After your payment is confirmed, your place in the workshop is reserved. Don’t be shy, if your background is not related to construction and architecture, there’s a place for everyone in our workshops, as soon as the motivation is here.
Upon successful registration, you will receive an email in which will be included a folder of relevant literature to be studied before the workshop. This will serve as a preparation for all participants.
ANY QUESTIONS?
Please find the detailed programme for the workshop here. If you have any questions regarding the workshop write us to: mail@criticalconcrete.com
the meco animal sanctuary
Meco Animal Sanctuary was founded by Xana and Filipe, who are deeply committed to animal welfare and environmental education. Filipe, a musician, visits schools to teach children about sustainability practices such as recycling and water conservation, fostering early environmental consciousness.
Driven by encounters with neglected animals, Xana and Filipe created a sanctuary on their property to rescue animals in distress. Meco Animal Sanctuary is a refuge for animals from various backgrounds—elderly horses saved from the meat industry, abandoned pets, and wild animals like injured doves and ducks, which are rehabilitated and returned to nature.
The sanctuary’s mission is to offer a “golden retirement” to its residents, providing a safe and comfortable environment for them to live out their lives. However, with growing needs and family health challenges, the sanctuary is seeking support to continue and expand its vital work.
As Meco Animal Sanctuary hosts this summer’s school session, it welcomes participants to contribute to and learn from its compassionate endeavors, enhancing the well-being of its animal residents.
Expected schedule
Your EDUCATIONAL team
Laurane Coornaert, founder of Degré47 is an architect, builder, teacher and consults sustainable construction in Belgium since 2019.
Samuel Kalika, founder of Critical Concrete, is a builder and designer, teaching sustainable construction since 2016.
Gianluca Stasi, founder of CTRL+Z, PhD Architecture, builder and teacher, expert in vertiginous mathematical structures (over 25 built) and sustainable construction.
Laurane, Samuel and Luca build and teach together since 2019.