3-day hands-on bioconstruction workshop · El Valle Retreats
The Art of Building with Earth
EarthLab returns for a second edition: a three-day, hands-on bioconstruction workshop in El Valle, Samaná. Learn by working directly on a real natural-building project, led this edition by Oconuco, focused on quincha, earth mixes, plasters and natural finishes. No experience needed.
Hosted by
Oconuco
Oconuco is a Dominican bioconstruction school led by Babi and Rodrigo. They teach natural building and advise, accompany and supervise earth projects across the country — sowing more earth homes, one hands-on workshop at a time. This edition is theirs to lead, from soil and mixes to quincha, plasters and natural finishes.
The workshop
EarthLab is a practical natural-building experience where you learn by working directly on a real bioconstruction project in El Valle, a tropical community surrounded by jungle and just minutes from the beach.
This second edition is technically led by Oconuco and focuses on quincha, natural earth mixes, plasters and natural finishes, combining theory with hands-on practice across the three days.
It's for anyone interested in self-construction and natural building, techniques you can apply to your own projects, as well as curious, creative people who simply want to work with their hands and explore natural materials. No previous construction experience is required.
This is a hands-on workshop on a real construction site, not only theoretical training.
Inside the process
You'll learn the principles first, then apply them in the field.
Theory
- Introduction to bioconstruction
- Foundations and types of structures
- Soil testing
Hands-on
- Natural earth mixes
- Frameworks and quincha
- Coarse plaster
- Fine plaster and natural finishes
- Natural earth paints
- Natural waterproofing
The full experience
More than the work.
The Full Experience weaves wellness and ceremony through the three days, between sessions on site.
Breathwork + ice bath
A guided session to unwind and recover after a full day of physical work.
Yin yoga
A slow, restorative evening practice for the body.
Body mud therapy + closing circle
On the last day: body mud therapy, a free dance to Mother Earth, and a closing circle.
Come as you are
This workshop is for
Self-builders and natural-building fans
Learn techniques you can take home and apply to your own projects.
Curious, creative hands
No experience needed. You'll learn everything on site by doing, working with real natural materials.
Architects, engineers and makers
Go deeper into quincha, mixes, plasters and finishes on a real build.
The three days
Itinerary.
Friday 20 November
Introduction + practical training
Saturday 21 November
Hands-on practice
Sunday 22 November
Finishes + closing
Tickets
Choose your experience.
Reserve with a 50% deposit over WhatsApp with Patricia; the balance is paid before the workshop.
How to reserve
Early Bird — only 5 spots. The full hands-on workshop with lunches and essentials.
Reserve with a 50% deposit — $149.50
Payment methods
- Bank transfer
- PayPal
- Revolut
Where to stay
Accommodation, if you need it.
Rooms are separate and optional. A few options nearby, from a shared hostel bed to a private villa. Availability is confirmed directly over WhatsApp.
Hostel bed
Per person
Private room
Up to 2 people
Private villa
Small group
Larger house
Up to 8 people
Subject to availability · confirmed over WhatsApp.
Good to know
Questions, answered.
Do I need building experience?+
No. No previous construction experience is required — you'll learn everything on site by doing.
How do I reserve?+
Reserve your spot with a 50% deposit over WhatsApp with Patricia. The balance is paid before the workshop.
Is accommodation included?+
No. Accommodation is booked separately, with special rates for EarthLab participants. Message us to check availability.
Who leads the workshop?+
This second edition is led technically by Oconuco, a natural-building practice.
Early Bird — only 5 spots
EarthLab Second Edition · November 20–22 · US$299 · Reserve with 50% (US$149.50).
Limited spots · 20–22 November 2026
The Art of Building with Earth.
Led by Oconuco · Hosted at Leisy's Garden, El Valle. Reservations over WhatsApp with Patricia, +34 697 565 126.