Finally!  Some images from an earth building workshop I attended a short while ago, facilitated by the renowned New Zealand architect, Graeme North.  Check out the process here in images as we built an experimental structure using cob, mud brick, bamboo, and lightweight concrete. 

It was a fantastic workshop and really inspiring to get hands-on with readily available, natural, local materials.  The building project (complete to the final picture you see at the end) took two teams working over 16 days.  I was involved in the first group that got the foundation layers put in, as well as a good portion of the walls and roof.  The second group took over with the structure and improved on the rest.  Not bad for a bunch of novices. 

The final structure will likely be used as a storage shed on the property, and be monitored over time to see how the combinations of materials have weathered the NZ elements.  We encountered a few difficulties due to rain and wind, but it was amazing to see what a beating the materials took, and how well they cured in spite of the conditions.  In better weather and with a bit of practice, it would seem likely that a larger structure could go up much faster than what we experienced.  Thanks Graeme for your expertise and showing us which end was up!