We are hosting a series of four experimental hands-on workshops with natural materials, as part of the Growing Place project. Participants will be involved in the construction of a demonstrator building at a north London farm site. Each workshop will be delivered over 5-days by the Material Cultures team in collaboration with master builders and material specialists from across the UK.
LOCATION
London Grown, Queensland Avenue, N18 1AT
THE PROJECT
Growing Place is a knowledge exchange programme that brings together land workers, growers, builders, architects and strategic organisers to develop an infrastructural model that can be adapted to urban and rural farm sites. The project aims to develop a typological building or template through participatory workshops that supports various production, distribution and education projects to take place on a growing site. Through your participation in these workshops, you will be taking part in constructing the demonstrator building.
THE SITE
Pasteur Gardens is a seven-acre council-owned urban farm site situated in the borough of Enfield in north London. In the summer, the site is completely shielded from the city – a tranquil haven suggestive of a rural landscape. The land is farmed by a community collective called Black Rootz and individuals from OrganicLea’s Farm Start programme.
THE WORKSHOPS
Over four 5-day workshops, we will cover the theory, practical, and experimental use of various natural materials in construction. Practical experience of assembling a demonstrator building will be our primary vehicle of learning, supported by lectures from Material Cultures. The build would be based on the design developed by Material Cultures in collaboration with the growing organisations at Pasteur Gardens. Growing Place workshops are open to people of all building abilities, beginners as well as experienced practitioners.
- Timber Frame Workshop (15th - 19th July)
- Insulation Workshop (29th July - 2nd August)
- Cladding Workshop (12th - 16th August)
- Plaster Workshop (26th -30th August)
All workshops will run from 09:30 to 17:00.
ACCESS
The site is overgrown and can get muddy at any time of year. The access route to the compost WC is through a dense growth of blackthorn and cherry trees. Reach out to us if you would like more information on access.
No parking is available on site, and we would advise participants to bring packed lunch as there are no cafes or restaurants nearby.
APPLICATION
All workshops are free to attend, however there are limited spaces available and priority will be given to local residents of Haringey & Enfield, growers, and land based practitioners. Deadline for application is 28th of June 2024.
If you have any questions, please email info@materialcultures.org
Timber Frame Workshop
15th - 19th July 2024
Insulation Workshop
29th July - 2nd August 2024
Cladding Workshop
12th - 16th August 2024
Plaster Workshop
26th - 30th August 2024