Summer School ‘Social and Sustainable Construction’
In this summer school you will design and build shelters for the animals at the Meco Animal Sanctuary, in Porto, (Portugal), 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.
- Summer School ‘Social and Sustainable Construction’
- Critical Concrete, location: the Meco Animal Sanctuary, Perafita, Porto
- August 4th up until August 15th, 2025
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 this 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.
This course is for architects, builders, engineers, self-builders, students, folks planning to build using ecological principles as well as anyone with an interest in natural building materials. 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 to receiving practical input from the mentors, you will explore project development strategies adapted to sustainable projects. You will also be invited to a critical tour of the city by The Worst Tour, as well as attending project presentations by local architects.