Building the First Dome at Happy Castle Art Camp

The soon to be first piece of communal architecture in the Campground.

This Fall, something big is happening in the desert. And you can be part of it.

From October 21st–31st, we’ll be breaking ground on Happy Castle’s very first Superadobe Earthbag Dome, opening up our land to the public to come learn about natural-building, community, and our cooperative mission. This free workshop culminates in a Halloween Costume Party around the newly built Bonfire Dome. If you're anywhere near Socorro, New Mexico (or willing to go on an adventure), then come check us out.

This is the first step in building a self-sufficient, income-sharing eco-village and cooperative music-festival in Socorro, New Mexico, but represents years of preparation and planning. We officially put out the word on social-media a couple weeks ago to begin collecting RSVPs and the response has been amazing, with over twenty-five responses, but we want even more of you there! Especially for the afterparty.

Bonfire Dome Blueprints

The Bonfire Dome

Our first structure, the Bonfire Dome, will feature three equidistant entrances inviting you inside to explore the glowing interior. Step down into the sunken center and find your seat along the wraparound benches encircling the fire. Breathe in the fresh night air and glow in the moonlight as smoke is fluted out of an open skylight. The bonfire Dome isn't meant to be a livable dome, but rather serve as a permanent gathering space for nightly fires, conversations, and celebrations during future builds and events. It’s also our test run for even bigger and more advanced domes to come: a community kitchen, showers, housing domes, a sauna, and more.

We’ve set aside ten days for The Build, but with the right crew and conditions, we might just finish even sooner. Among those who answered the call to build this October are several friends of ours we've met through previous dome workshops. Ted, Eric, Carrot, Tory, and Brittney, thank you! But I'm just as excited for all the new faces as I am for the old ones.

As a community building project, our ultimate mission is connecting like-minded dreamers, fostering collaboration, and building a better world together. That's what this is all about. For me, the workshops, even more than our future festivals, is the place where the real community-building happens. But just in case you wanted to double check, you can. Every workshop attendee will receive a guaranteed Wristband to the Art Festival as a thank you for building Happy Castle Art Camp.

Why Join?

This is more than a sustainable construction project. It’s about building community.

• Learn hands-on Superadobe building techniques.

• Be part of the very first chapter of Happy Castle’s story.

• Connect with like-minded builders, dreamers, and desert-dwellers.

• Help create the infrastructure for workshops, festivals, and long-term stays.

No experience needed. Just bring your energy, curiosity, and willingness to work together.

How to Join

We’re aiming for a crew of at least ten (including myself and two other instructors), but the more the merrier. Bring a friend, or come solo and meet new ones. Click here to RSVP. We’ll send you details about location, accommodations, daily schedule, and what to expect.

This is the first brick (or earthbag!) in something much larger. Together, we’ll raise domes, plant roots, and build the beginnings of a truly revolutionary new kind of community designed for art, music, cooperative-business, sustainability, and joy. its our aim to establish a place here at happy castle that serves as one of many homes to a wider, more connected, community-building tribe. Let’s build a commune!

With love,

Thomas Loveheart

Happy Castle Art Camp