Ted, Sara, and baby Aurelia, Summer 2006

Are you interested in learning about Natural Building Techniques including Strawbale, Cob, and Earthbag?

Do you want to get some actual hands-on experience building with earth, straw, clay, wood, and sand?

Would you like to experience community life in an off-the-grid, sustainable ecovillage?

If you answer YES! to these questions, then you should be interested in this work exchange opportunity!

We have work exchange openings for 2-3 self-motivated, self-aware individuals looking to be here for several months from May through October.

Ted, Sara, and Aurelia's Home at DR

The House You'll Help Build:

At Dancing Rabbit we are growing our village through expanding our membership, growing as individuals, and building or expanding physical infrastructure.

In 2010, members Ted and Sara will be focusing time and energy on a new building project.

With three people (Ted, Sara and daughter, Aurelia) living in 350 square feet, it is time to expand and renovate. Even with the expansion, the square footage of our house will still max out below 1000.

Interior of Family home.

We're looking for your help!

Please inquire through wexcoord@dancingrabbit.org about this position.

We look forward to hearing from you!

Ted and Aurelia installung solar panels in the roof of the Ironweed kitchen.

Project Details:

Our current home is a two story, two room, blown cellulose-insulated post-and-beam structure with attached greenhouse.

The 600+ square foot addition will wrap the house in earth-bermed, earth bag and strawbale walls.

We will expand on our passive solar design by including direct solar gain features and a trombe wall.

The 2010 building season will focus on completion of the earthbag foundation and wall sections, post and beam framing, roofing and strawbale work.

Electrical, plumbing and earth and lime plaster work will finish out the season.

What to expect as a Work Exchanger:

Tasks will cover all stages of construction, and may also include rotational childcare, gardening, community projects and chores, and helping neighbors with their projects.

In exchange for your work, you will receive:

Food: you will be part of a vegan/vegetarian dining cooperative, with rotational cooking shifts.

Housing: your tent on a tent platform.

Amenities: full access to community buildings, including shower and other facilities; internet and phone access; swimming ponds; 280 acre land trust to roam on.

Experience: hands-on experience with rubble trench and earthbag foundation, post-and-beam framing,  strawbale construction, plasters, and all aspects of community living.

For questions or more information about this work exchange, please contact Ted at tallowgill@gmail.com

To apply for this work exchange, please contact wexcoord@dancingrabbit.org.

Ted and Aurelia work together to move roofing metal around the construction site.

Sara, Aurelia, and Ted will be your work exchange hosts if you apply for this work exchange opportunity!

Ted, Sara, and Aurelia's home, Winter, 2009-2010

Interior of Ironweed Kitchen, a collaborative construction effort of Ted, Sara, and Tamar.