Learning
to build
a DOME
of your own
Discover the art of building with the earth beneath your feet in our hands-on Superadobe Earthbag Dome Workshop, or as we call it, Dome School. Superadobe is a sustainable, low-cost construction method that uses continuous polyprethylene sandbags, barbed wire, and a mixture of soil, clay, and lime to create durable, beautiful, and climate-resilient dome buildings. Originally developed by architect Nader Khalili at CalEarth, this technique is ideal for off-grid living, desert climates, and affordable, environmentally conscious architecture.
At Happy Castle, our intensive workshops go beyond theory—you’ll gain practical, real-world experience in every step of the process, from soil testing and bag filling to dome shaping, plastering, and waterproofing, all interspersed with community focused activities to inspire and empower your journey into the world of natural-building and cooperative culture. Whether you're looking to build your own off-grid home, create an artistic retreat, or learn a vital skill for sustainable development, this workshop will equip you with the knowledge confidence to construct your own Superadobe Dome. Plus, you’ll be working alongside a passionate community, forging connections while building something beautiful, functional, and built to last.
FREE
Festival
wristband
WHEN YOU BUILD A DOME
When you join a ten-day Superadobe Dome-Building Workshop, you’re not just gaining the skills to build your own sustainable home—you’re also securing a free ticket to the next Happy Castle Art Festival! Celebrate your hard work by returning for an unforgettable weekend of art, music, and community.
As an extra thank-you, you’ll also receive a voucher for a free five-day stay in one of our Superadobe Dome Cabins, letting you fully experience the unique spaces you helped create. Whether you're here to relax or dive into another workshop, this reward is your invitation to immerse yourself in the Happy Castle experience. Sign up today and help bring Happy Castle Art Camp to life!
DOME SCHOOL
Attend a workshop
and stay for free
FIVE DAYS IN A DOME
When you join one of our ten-day dome-building workshops, you’re not just leaving with the skills to build your own Superadobe Earthbag dome—you’re also taking home a unique thank you for your hard work and dedication; all Dome Schoolers students will receive a voucher for a free five day vacation in one of our Superadobe Dome Cabins. Besides that, Dome School participants will also receive a free ticket to the next Art Festival. This is your chance to immerse yourself in the lifestyle you’ve helped create, enjoying the comfort and charm of a dome while connecting with the Happy Castle community.
Whether you’re returning to cash in your voucher for a relaxing retreat or just want a unique place to stay while attending another workshop, this reward allows you to fully experience the fruits of your labor. So sign-up for a Superadobe Earthbag Dome Workshop and help bring Happy Castle Art Camp to life!
AND ATTEND THE FESTIVAL FOR FREE
EARTHBAG DOMES
Sustainable Building with Superadobe and Hyperadobe
At Happy Castle, our Superadobe Dome Workshops are designed to immerse participants in the art and science of Earthbag construction, a sustainable building method that uses natural materials found onsite to create resilient, eco-friendly structures. These workshops provide a unique hands-on experience, empowering attendees with the skills and knowledge needed to construct their own off-grid dream homes while contributing to the growth and development of our commune. Every workshop is interspersed with a plethora of team-building activities and events so that we don't just show you how to build an earthbag dome, but we also show you how to have a really good time doing it. As a community building project, our ultimate mission is connecting likeminded dreamers, fostering collaboration, and building a better world together. To us, the workshops, even more than the festival, is the place where community grows. However, if you want to doublecheck for yourself, you can. Every workshop attendee receives a free wristband to the next festival as a final thank you for building Happy Castle.
What is Superadobe?
Superadobe is an innovative building technique developed by architect Nader Khalili, which utilizes long, tubular, polyethylene bags that are cut to size, filled with local soil, and layered on top of one another to create strong and insulating structures. The method is not only cost-effective but also environmentally friendly, making it an ideal choice for off-grid living in diverse climates. Superadobe domes are earthquake-resistant, energy-efficient, and naturally blend into the surrounding landscape, promoting a harmonious relationship with the environment. These domes will make up the vast bulk of the initial structures built onsite.
Workshop
Amenities
RUGGED LUXURY
During our early buildout, participants will need to bring their own camping gear, as we’re still in the process of constructing permanent facilities. However, we’ve got the essentials covered to keep you comfortable and focused on the build!
Meals Provided – Portable Composting Toilets & Showers – Water & Shade – This first workshop is a special one—we’ll be building the Camp Kitchen, a vital community space that will serve as the heart of future Build Days. Permanent bathrooms and showers will follow, making each workshop more accommodating as we grow.Join us in laying the foundation for something incredible!
Camping
Enjoy lunch and dinner each day, made with love by our team. Also enjoy access to our basic portable kitchen for preparing your own snacks.
Power: Access to lights and power outlets, supported by solar.
Meals Provided
Enjoy lunch and dinner each day, made with love by our team. Also enjoy access to our basic portable kitchen for preparing your own snacks.
Portable composting toilets & outdoor showers
Simple but effective, keeping things clean and sustainable.
shade & Water
Essential relief from the desert sun.
WORKSHOP STRUCTURE
Our Superadobe Dome Workshops combine theory with practical application, allowing participants to engage in every aspect of the construction process. The main focus is on construction, but workshop lectures also dive into daily life in the commune and the mission behind Happy Casrtle Art Camp. Each workshop is structured to accommodate various skill levels, from beginners to those with prior construction experience and is designed to be an in-depth introduction to dome building. The typical workshop will be led by two to three seasoned builders leading a crew of ten to fifteen students. The core of the workshop involves hands-on building activities where participants will work alongside skilled instructors to construct a superadobe dome.
Workshop lengths will vary depending on the size and complexity of the structure being built, but the typical workshop will focus on a 20ft diameter dome and last ten days from site-prep to capping the dome. Dome-building workshoppers are always welcome to stay for the plastering portion of the dome at no extra charge, but this portion is typically offered as a standalone workshop as well, so plan to stay beyond the initial ten days and expect new friends to arrive to join you.
Duration: 10 Days
Daily Schedule:
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8:30 AM – Morning team-building activity (e.g., stretches, light exercises, or group games). Coffee and light breakfast always provided.
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9:00 AM – Hands-on building session.
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1:00 PM – Group lunch always provided.
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2:00 PM – Hands-on building session.
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5:00 PM – Clock out, rest, shower, free time.
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6:00 PM – Group dinner followed by a lecture or community building exercise.
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7:30 PM – Optional activities, such as campfires, movies, or small social gatherings.
Daily Breakdown
Day 1: Orientation and Preparation
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Morning: Camp orientation, safety protocols, and introductions. This day is mostly about getting to know your crew, exploring the campground and commune, and receiving an in-depth overview of the Happy Castle project, Earthbag Building and the days to come.
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Afternoon: Introductory class on Superadobe Dome principles, materials, and techniques; site preparation basics. The workshop begins with an overview of Superadobe construction principles, materials, and benefits. Participants will learn about the history of Earthbag building and its relevance to sustainable living, as well as the types of soils suitable for the method. Participants will learn how to select and prepare a suitable building site, ensuring proper drainage and stability.
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Evening: Welcoming dinner and campfire.
Day 5: Creative Rest Day
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Morning: Optional light work (such as creating small site art installations) and team-building games.
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Afternoon: Half-day off for participants to explore the desert, relax at camp, or join in a casual group activity. We're a short distance from the Rio Grande and often like to organize a river tubing event for the group. The water feels amazing after five days in the sun and dust.
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Evening: In the evening we'll have an informal discussion on project progress and collective challenges. Attendees will make their own dinner plans this evening, often choosing from the many incredible options in the nearby towns of San Antonio or Socorro.
Days 2-4: Foundation and Lower Dome Layers
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Daily Focus: Earthbag foundation and initial dome layers. We will be digging and preparing the foundation trench, laying our first few rows of bags, setting some doorframes, and possibly window frames. Using locally sourced soil, attendees will fill Earthbags and learn the techniques for stacking and binding them to create strong walls. This part of the process emphasizes the importance of proper compaction and layering to achieve structural integrity.
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Lecture Topics: Soil composition and testing, water-proofing, foundational stability, spring-line, buttresses, compassing.
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Nightly Activities: Social gathering with storytelling, sharing project goals, and getting to know one another.
Days 6-8: Dome Shaping and Structural Elements
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Daily Focus: Building up dome layers, shaping, and adding structural elements like windows or ventilation spaces. Participants will master the techniques for creating arches and domes, exploring the unique structural benefits of curved forms. They will learn about compression and how to design structures that can withstand environmental stresses.
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Lecture Topics: Passive cooling/heating, natural lighting, design flexibility. Attendees will participate in a collaborative design session where they can express their ideas for their future dome homes. This portion of the workshop covers site assessment, space planning, and structural considerations, emphasizing the importance of thoughtful design in sustainable architecture while encouraging creativity and experimentation.
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Nightly Activities: Fun team-building games around the bonfire, art projects, or creative brainstorming sessions.
Day 9: Dome Capping and Finishing Basics
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Daily Focus: Complete final layers and cap the dome, remove door and window frames, and prepare the structure for plastering (to be done by the next workshop).
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Lecture Topics: Finishing techniques overview, maintenance, and plastering basics for future reference. As the domes take shape, participants will explore various finishing techniques, including plastering, cabinetry, and electrical options. Workshops may include discussions on sustainable materials for interior finishes and how to integrate natural elements into the living space as well as various alternatives that prioritize cost, time, or durability.
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Evening: Group dinner celebrating the dome’s capping, with time for personal project reflection and group appreciation.
Day 10: Celebration and Reflection Day
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Morning: Rest day with no work. Optional morning activity such as a group hike, meditation, or art creation.
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Afternoon: Wrap-up with a workshop debrief, graduation ceremony and certificate presentation, and group photos.
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Evening: Closing celebration with a camp-wide party, music, storytelling, and a toast to the completed dome. Our plastering workshop attendees typically arrive on the day of the party along with Dome Schoolers from workshops past, so expect to see some new faces and welcome them to the campground over food and drinks.
workshop
community
building
exercises
We've designed these workshops, not just to be an introduction to natural building, but also an invitation into the community behind this movement. Building a Superadobe Dome is hard, labor intensive, skilled work, requiring many people, and the reality is that even for those of us with years of experience building, natural builders often struggle to build their projects due to a lack of community support. When you imagine building your own home, you'll realizer that, more importantly than what you know, is who you know.
It's our aim to establish a place here at Happy Castle that serves as one home for a wider, more connected, natural-building community. When you learn how to build with us, you're not just accessing the knowledge and expertise you'll need to build, but also making critical connections to the likeminded dreamers and builders doing the same thing. Our workshop community building exercises are designed to deepen these connections and empower these relationships to continue offsite.
Morning & Physical Connection
Yoga & Breathwork – Start the day with instructor-led yoga and desert breathwork to awaken the body and ground the mind.
Group Warm-Up Exercises – Loosen up with light physical games like mirror movement and partner balance exercises that build trust and connection. Plus, join in on silly, energetic dances like the Desert Chicken or Earthbag Shuffle to break the ice and get moving before work begins.
Food & Nourishment Rituals
Group Cooking & Communal Meals
Each workday begins with fresh coffee, tea, and juice—and ends with a shared feast prepared by rotating kitchen teams. Cooking and eating together deepens connection and gives everyone a chance to contribute in a nurturing way.
Emotional & Spiritual Bonding
Sharing Circle
Every few days, participants are invited to come together in a structured group setting to reflect, express feelings or concerns, share what brought them here, and articulate what they hope to create. These circles foster authenticity, integration, and meaningful connection.
Men’s, Women’s, & Gender-Expansive Circles
Intentionally held spaces for emotional check-ins, reflection, and support in gender-centered groups.
Journaling Sessions
End the evening with short, guided writing prompts designed for self-reflection and insight.
Guided Group Meditation
Gather in a finished dome or other quiet space for a candle-lit group sit led by a meditation facilitator.
Sound Bath & Healing
Unwind in our sensory-deprivation dome while bathing in the soothing tones of selected sound healers, creating deep physical and emotional relaxation.
Rest, Care & Rejuvenation
Massage Train / “Touch & Consent” Workshop
Enjoy safe, consensual, and platonic physical connection through guided touch exercises after a long day’s work.
Spa & Sauna
Rejuvenate with access to our dry and steam sauna, cold plunge, and desert herb spa treatments, including clay face masks, foot soaks, and salt scrubs.
Peaceful Lounges
Decompress in shaded lounges or cozy domes designed for quiet reading, journaling, or small-group reflection.
Creative Collaboration
Art Wall & Flag-Making
Help decorate a communal canvas or sew a flag representing your group’s project. These creations become part of a lasting festival installation and a visual memory of your contribution. Leave a message for future visitors on our evolving Art Wall.
Clothing Customization Table
Mark the experience by customizing a commemorative piece of clothing using dyes, patches, and embroidery.
Nighttime Connection
Campfire & Music Jam
Wind down by the fire with live music, storytelling, jokes, poetry, and spontaneous jam sessions. Bring an instrument—or borrow one of ours.
“Burn Your Doubts” Fire Ritual
Write down your fears or blocks and offer them to the fire. This symbolic ceremony marks your journey toward the life you deserve and the world you want to help build. Welcome home.
The Wrap-Up Party
Each workshop culminates in a celebration with music, dancing, and drinks—honoring the hard work, deep bonds, and unforgettable experiences forged together.
Educational Outcomes
By the end of the Superadobe Dome Workshop, participants will have gained valuable knowledge and practical skills, including:
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Understanding the principles of Earthbag construction and its benefits for sustainable living.
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Practical experience in building techniques, from site preparation to dome construction. By the end of the workshop, you should feel comfortable embarking on your own build. However, if you're welcome to refresh your memory anytime. We hope to encourage many of our workshoppers to join the commune, become master builders, and even future Dome School instructors for Happy Castle.
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Insight into design considerations and how to create functional, eco-friendly, and beautiful living spaces. The best thing about superadobe is it's versatility. The types of structures that can be built with these techniques are incredibly diverse and imaginative
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The ability to apply their new skills in their own future projects, whether for personal use or within their communities. We want to keep in touch with you as you plan your next project, so keep us in the loop. You showed up for us and we'd like to do the same.
Long-Term Vision
Our Superadobe Dome Workshops align with our broader vision of creating a self-sufficient, eco-friendly, and enriching community at Happy Castle. By teaching individuals how to construct their own homes using sustainable methods, we empower them to embrace a lifestyle that respects the environment and promotes resilience. We aim to inspire a movement towards sustainable building practices, encouraging participants to share their knowledge with others and contribute to a growing network of Earthbag builders and teachers. Ultimately, our goal is to cultivate a community that thrives on collaboration, creativity, and ecological stewardship, serving as a model for the future. Join us at Happy Castle for an unforgettable experience in Superadobe construction, and take the first step towards realizing your off-grid dream home!
STUDENT AMENITIES
As the campground grows, so will the various comforts offered to our students and residents, including access to a communal kitchen, bathrooms and showers, EV charging, and even student housing, but the very first workshops will be pretty off-grid with students bringing their own tents, using a temporary camp kitchen, pit-toilets, and showering less frequently.
Throughout the workshop, participants will have the opportunity to connect with fellow attendees at various community-building events organized on and offsite. In the community-building spirit of Happy Castle, participants are encouraged to get to know one another, share ideas, participate in activities, and collaborate on projects. Whether you're simply here to learn or plan to start your own project right away, these workshop are an incredibly unique place to get to know likeminded builders working alongside you, each with their own skills, experiences, and dreams. So network, make friends, and build your community.
SUPERADOBE EARTHBAG DOME CABINS
During workshops, attendees are encouraged to stay in one of our unique Superadobe Earthbag Dome Cabins during their education and experience the charm of sustainable architecture for themselves. We hope to eventually be able to offer cabins for free to every student during their stay, and with each workshop we host, this aspiration moves closer to reality. For now, students are invited to rent available cabins separately.
THE STANDALONE DOME CABIN
Our standard Superadobe dome cabin is a single 15-foot diameter structure, perfect for individuals, couples, or small groups seeking a cozy and eco-friendly stay. Each dome comes equipped with:
Built-in Lighting and Power: Solar-powered lights and outlets for basic electrical needs.
Unique Aesthetic: Each dome is a one-of-a-kind artistic invention, embodying the energy and creativity of the unique people who built it.
Desert shelter: A stunning, naturally-insulated earthen design that stays cool in the summer and warm in the winter.
community: Most of our standard Dome Cabins will not include personal kitchens or restrooms. Instead, guests will have access to the same communal campground amenities our Villagers do, including restrooms, showers, and cooking areas.
UPGRADED MULTI-DOME CABINS
For those seeking more space or a multi-room experience, we are planning to offer upgraded cabins. However, these likely won't be built for sometime as we first prioritize housing for our Villagers:
Two-Dome Cabins: Ideal for families or small groups needing separate sleeping and lounging spaces.
Three and Four-Dome Cabins: Designed for larger groups, with options for added privacy and functionality.
These expanded cabins will offer the same sustainable features as our single domes, along with additional comfort and flexibility at a higher price point.
dome cabin options
secluded
or together
FIND YOUR PERFECT STAY AT HAPPY CASTLE
dome cabin options
secluded
or together
FIND YOUR PERFECT STAY AT HAPPY CASTLE
At Happy Castle, our Superadobe dome cabins offer more than just a unique and comfortable camping experience—they give you the flexibility to customize your stay based on your preferences. Whether you’re seeking community vibes or a serene escape, we’ve got you covered.
Stay in a Dome Micro-Village
For those who love the energy of shared spaces and meeting new people, our dome villages are the perfect choice. These small clusters of domes are situated near other campers, creating a vibrant, social atmosphere. They’re ideal for individuals or smaller groups who want to connect with fellow adventurers while enjoying the comforts of a cozy dome cabin.
Opt for a Remote Retreat
If peace and solitude are more your style, choose to stay in a dome cabin located in a more remote area of the campground. These domes are perfect for those who crave quiet evenings under the stars or a space to recharge amidst nature.
Multi-Dome Villages for Larger Groups
Planning a group getaway? Some of our Dome Cabins are arranged closely together to form a small village. These multi-dome villages are an excellent option for family reunions, retreats, or gatherings of friends. With two-dome, three-dome, and even four-dome setups available, your group can enjoy shared proximity while still having the privacy of separate domes. These configurations allow campers and festivalgoers to create intimate mini-communities within the campground, perfect for fostering connection and camaraderie.
Wherever you choose to stay, our dome cabins are ready to offer you an unforgettable experience in the heart of Happy Castle!
Browse
dome cabins
check the selection and book your dome
Explore the variety of Superadobe dome cabins we have available, from cozy single-dome retreats to spacious multi-dome options perfect for groups. Each dome offers a unique way to experience sustainable living in the heart of the desert. Scroll through to find the perfect fit for your visit, and book your dome today to secure your spot at Happy Castle!
Attention:
Construction has not yet begun at Happy Castle Art Camp and these pictures do not show domes available for rent at our campground. These pictures are simply placeholders. See our Phase One construction goals.
Expanding the Commune and Campground
At Happy Castle, progress never stops. While we’re dedicated to growing the Eco-Village and Commune, we’re equally committed to expanding the campground to offer more opportunities for guests to experience life at Happy Castle.
Our goal is to regularly build additional Superadobe dome cabins, increasing capacity for campers and enhancing their experience. Whether it’s a single-dome retreat or several multi-dome structures arranged into a micro-village, each new cabin adds more variety and options for campers seeking a unique stay.
This ongoing expansion ensures that more people can enjoy the magic of Happy Castle, whether they’re attending our Art Festival, taking part in a workshop, or simply camping under the stars. Every new cabin represents a step forward in creating a space where art, sustainability, and community thrive together.
SUPERADOBE EARTHBAG DOME Workshops
Hands-On Skills: Gain practical experience in sustainable construction techniques, from laying the foundation to plastering the walls of an Earthbag dome.
Knowledge for Life: Learn the principles of natural building, passive temperature control, and eco-friendly design to apply to your own projects.
A Community Connection: Work side-by-side with fellow builders and Villagers, becoming part of a growing movement toward sustainable living.
kickstarter Premium Reward-Tier
$500 Dome school
Five-hundred dollars.
dozens of Workshops.
exclusive merchandise.
two vip tickets.
early arrival.
afterparty Access.
One of the most exciting and community-driven Reward Tiers in our Kickstarter Campaign is the Dome School experience. Limited to just 500 backers, this $500 Tier is for those who don’t just want to visit Happy Castle Art Camp, but want to help build it. Literally.
By backing at this level, you’ll receive access to dozens of exclusive pre-festival Dome-Building Workshops, where you'll learn how to construct the very Superadobe Earthbag Dome Homes that form the backbone of our desert eco-village. With each workshop culminating in an intimate celebration with your fellow builders, you can work and play as hard as you want over and over. These hands-on workshops are your chance to get your hands dirty mastering valuable skills, meeting other builders, and becoming part of a unique community of natural builders and communitarians. Plus, for every workshop you attend you'll earn Five Free Days in one of our Domes for later. Whether you choose to attend just one workshop or return again and again, this is how you'll leave your fingerprints on the walls of Happy Castle Art Camp forever.
As a proud graduate of Dome School, you’ll earn your diploma in the form of the “I’m Only Weird Because I Was Dome-Schooled” limited-edition t-shirt—a badge of honor that only Dome School backers will receive.
And because we love to spoil our weirdos, this reward tier also comes packed with:
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Two VIP Festival Wristbands
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All Three Happy Castle T-Shirts (including “Let’s Build a Commune,” “It’s Not a Cult,” and “First Day Alive”)
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All the Stickers
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All the Postcards
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All the Pins
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A Custom Happy Castle Poster
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A Special Shout-Out during the festival (your weirdness deserves recognition)
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And Access to the Exclusive Afterparty, alongside our other artists, builders, and VIPs.
Why Back This Reward Tier?
Dome School isn’t just a reward—it’s a rite of passage. It’s for the dreamers, the makers, the ones who see a pile of dirt and think “I could live in that.” It’s an invitation to go beyond spectator status and become part of the myth-making of Happy Castle.
You’ll help shape the space before the gates even open, then return to celebrate your handiwork under the stars with some cold drinks, warm fires, and a community of like-minded legends. Join the crew. Learn the skills. And be forever remembered as one of the original Dome-Schoolers who helped build the dream.