This course offers the opportunity to be involved in the construction of a large circular shelter using round timber poles and simple joints. The structure will have a central fire for gathering around.

The shelter will be made with a wood frame of round timber poles fixed together with simple joints and lashed with cord. The frame design is based on a traditional circular ‘earthlodge’ frame, a building type used by many semi-nomadic peoples in the past, most recently by the indigenous peoples of North America. Conventional ‘earthlodges’ are covered with birch bark and earth ‘sods’ (from which it cleaves its name), however in this instance owing to the nature of the space required we will cover it with a specially made canvas.

The course includes –
- Basic structural principles
- The geometry of laying out circular buildings
- The erection of the frame
- Simple jointing and lashing techniques
- Different types of woods used

Evening meals and teas and coffee are included, but you will need to bring your own breakfasts and lunches. Cooking utensils, big pots and pans will be provided and there is a large campfire, plus a small gas stove for back up. 2-3 person tents or a communal tipi tent are available if required.

Location: The course will take place at a beautiful wild woodland near Bovey Tracey, on the edge of Dartmoor, in Devon.

Course Leader - Jonathan Horning is a tutor on the MA programme of the Prince's School of Traditional Arts. For the last fifteen years he has taught courses on the geometry of structure and architectural ceramics. He is also an experienced carpenter/woodworker with a great interest in the simplicity and ingenuity of indigenous building techniques. He recently published a book called Simple Shelters, which explores the design and construction of yurts, tipis, yarangas, earth lodges, geodesic domes and other timber framed dwellings.