One week residential workshop to provide introductory hands-on training in some of the foundational skills of earthen building in the neo-traditional Kangra style of esteemed eco-architect, Didi Contractor as practiced at Dharmalaya Institute. Learn to work with earth in an adobe bricks, including the process of making and laying adobe bricks, plastering as well as other interior work.
Overview
Program Type : Training workshop (residential)
Topic : Construction of Kangra-style earthen buildings
Dates : 18th-23rd August 2025
Language : English (with Hindi translation if requested)
Facilitator : Dharmalaya faculty Ar.Parul Sharma and local village artisans
Description
Description: Residential service-learning programme at the Dharmalaya Institute providing hands-on training in earthen construction. Learn about eco-friendly structures in the neo-traditional Kangra style of esteemed eco-architect Didi Contractor, while contemplating our relationship with nature and the values of sustainable and compassionate living.
This will be an intensive training programme featuring a balance between hands-on workshops and theory/discussions sessions.
The work will include natural building construction, adobe (mud brick) and may also include stone, bamboo and slate and stone masonry. We will also have theory classes and other presentations, discussions, and explorations.
Activities
What to Expect
Activities might include the following (depending on weather and circumstances):
Hands-on training in Kangra-style neo-traditional earthen architecture, which may include (depending on circumstances):
Making proper earthen mixes using local best practices
Making adobe bricks
Soil testing
Wall Masonry
Earthen bricklaying
Earthen renders (mud plasters)
Lipai (cow dung layer for wall protection)
Water management (possibly drainage and gutter work, rainwater harvesting, etc.)
Learning and understanding vernacular and natural construction techniques.
Exploring nearby village and understanding the local culture and construction methods.
Note this workshop is taking place during the monsoon season and so the schedule will be in harmony with the weather.
Rustic forested setting with a clean and simple ashram lifestyle in which everyone contributes to taking care of the place by cleaning, washing dishes etc.
The days will be completely full: You’ll wake up early and hands-on work will be combined with presentations and learning sessions. Evenings will be occupied with sharing circles and other activities.
You’ll spend the whole six days at the dharmalaya Institute without leaving, in order to make the most of our short time together, and you might not have much personal time. So, prepare yourself mentally for being focused and squeezing the maximum learning out of every moment.
You will be working with your hands and body (including plenty of honest hard work!) for approximately six or seven hours per day on most days of the programme, so it is strongly recommended to be in reasonably good physical fitness when you arrive, and you should bring work clothes.
Architecture and design students please note: The focus is not on design, but rather on doing real-world work to gain understanding of the materials, methods, and underlying principles of vernacular eco-architecture.
Please note: This is a very short introductory workshop, and only a few elements of earthen building practice can be covered in such a short span of time. For those who are serious about learning and practicing the techniques of earthen building, we strongly recommend staying after the end of the programme to volunteer during the extended practicum period (until as late as 1st June) so that you can deepen your understanding and improve your skills by doing real-world, hands-on work alongside our local village artisans here on the Dharmalaya campus. An even more comprehensive option for those with serious interest is to take multiple workshops and consider applying for our Internship in Vernacular Eco-Architecture and/or our Earthen Masonry Training Course.
Cost
Dharmalaya Institute is a not-for-profit charitable and educational organisation, and as such seeks to make its programmes accessible everyone. Recognizing that our participants come from diverse backgrounds, we are providing a sliding scale with three tiers, to make it possible for each participant to give according to their means.
Subsidized rate
(For low-income participants who can’t afford the standard rate)
Rs 9,650 total
For transparency: This subsidized rate is approximately 33% below our break-even rate, which means it is not enough to cover the Institute’s costs in providing the programme, though that shortfall might be covered by participants who choose to pay the ‘Supporter rate’ to the right.
Standard rate
(For most participants)
Rs 14,400 total
For transparency: This standard rate is essentially a break-even rate, just enough to cover the Institute’s total average monthly costs in providing this service-learning opportunity.
Supporter rate
(For those who can afford to help subsidize lower-income participants)
Rs 19,200 total
For transparency: This supporter rate is approximately 33% above the break-even rate, and 100% of that surplus will be used to support lower-income applicants to participate at the subsidized rate. We thank you sincerely for your generosity in choosing this rate if you can.
Important Information
Before you pack for your trip to Dharmalaya Institute, please read the very important information on our Visitor Info page and our FAQ.
NOTE FOR STUDENTS SEEKING CERTIFICATES: This is not a certificate course. No certificate or letter will be provided (no exceptions).
About the instructors and facilitators
Application process
The application process is designed to help identify applicants who are best matched with the programme.
STEP 1 — APPLY: Submit the application form below and wait for our reply. We may email you to ask follow-up questions if necessary.
STEP 2 — INTERVIEW: If your application is selected for the shortlist, the next step will be for us to schedule a time for an interview on a video call. During this interview, you’ll have the chance to ask whatever questions you might have, and we’ll have a chance to get to know you a bit better. If necessary, there might be a second video interview for final candidates.
STEP 3 — ACCEPTANCE & DEPOSIT: If you are selected for the programme after your video interview, then at that time we will send you more detailed information about the programme and how to prepare for your time at Dharmalaya Institute. You will then have one week from the date of acceptance to make your nonrefundable deposit to hold your place in the programme. The minimum deposit is 50%, but it is also possible to prepay in full.
If you have any questions after reading all the material here on our website, feel free to contact us and we’ll be happy to address your questions.
We look forward to connecting with you!