Earth & Lime Artistry Intensive
Earth & Lime Artistry Intensive
Up to 30 in group
January 21 - 25, 2026
About this Retreat
Details of this retreat
Honouring Craft, Creativity & Connection
This 5-day hands-on workshop invites you to immerse yourself in the timeless beauty of natural plasters, combining technical skill with creative artistry. Guided by facilitators Anna Kiesser, Cecilia Coronado, and Becky Gilling, you will learn and practice traditional and contemporary techniques with lime, clay, and natural pigments, while contributing directly to the evolving architecture of Tierramor.
Over the course of the week, we’ll focus on two main areas: Tadelakt, the polished Moroccan lime finish renowned for its durability and water resistance, Relief Sculpture and Natural Paints, exploring sculptural expression and colour as surface design.
Save 15% with EARLY BIRD - Ends November 30th 2025
SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION BELOW
What to Expect
A balance of structured learning and personal exploration
Clear, practical instruction in lime and clay plastering techniques
Opportunities for collaborative creation and hands-on practice on a real building project
A chance to connect with Tierramor’s community, architecture, and natural surroundings
Nutritious food, grounding environment, and inspiration for your future projects
What You’ll Learn
Introduction to Natural Plasters
Tour of Tierramor’s earthen buildings
How to identify suitable clay on-site and test it to find the ideal mix
What’s in a mix? Learn to intuitively create plaster and sculpture mixes from scratch to fit your desired outcome and context
Tadelakt & Polished Plasters
History, properties, and cultural context of lime plaster
Preparing lime mixes, tools, and surfaces
Application techniques for smooth, polished finishes
Polishing and sealing with natural soap solution
Burnished clay plaster mix & sample making
Optional design elements such as sgraffito and subtle patterning
Relief Sculpture & Natural Paints
Sculptural plaster techniques with earth (clay & lime)
Creating organic motifs, flowing forms, and low-relief details
Integrating sculptural expression into architectural surfaces
Demonstration and practice of natural paints with earth pigments & natural binders
Outcomes for Participants
Hands-on experience in a variety of clay and lime plasters, with a focus on Tadelakt: a beautiful, water-resistant lime finish
Skills in sculptural plaster using clay and lime
Introduction to natural pigments and paints for architectural finishes
Contribution to a lasting piece of functional art within Tierramor’s temple
A deeper connection to earth-based building traditions and your own creativity
Program Schedule
This program blends theory and hands-on application, and each day is intentionally structured with a full schedule.
Day 1
Arrival and check-in: 7:00–9:30 AM
Program begins promptly at 10:00 AM
Final Day
Program ends at 4:00 PM
If you would like extra time to settle in or decompress, you may choose to arrive one day early or stay an additional night. This option will be available during the checkout process.
For those who stay the day after the program, we offer a very special opportunity to book a 1:1 mentorship session with one of our facilitators.
SCHOLARSHIPS
As part of our commitment to accessibility and community, we’re offering one full scholarship for every five registrations to the Earth & Lime Artistry Intensive. Each scholarship includes shared accommodation, nourishing meals, and full participation in the immersion.
APPLY HERE
This 5-day hands-on workshop invites you to immerse yourself in the timeless beauty of natural plasters, combining technical skill with creative artistry. Guided by facilitators Anna Kiesser, Cecilia Coronado, and Becky Gilling, you will learn and practice traditional and contemporary techniques with lime, clay, and natural pigments, while contributing directly to the evolving architecture of Tierramor.
Over the course of the week, we’ll focus on two main areas: Tadelakt, the polished Moroccan lime finish renowned for its durability and water resistance, Relief Sculpture and Natural Paints, exploring sculptural expression and colour as surface design.
Save 15% with EARLY BIRD - Ends November 30th 2025
SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION BELOW
What to Expect
A balance of structured learning and personal exploration
Clear, practical instruction in lime and clay plastering techniques
Opportunities for collaborative creation and hands-on practice on a real building project
A chance to connect with Tierramor’s community, architecture, and natural surroundings
Nutritious food, grounding environment, and inspiration for your future projects
What You’ll Learn
Introduction to Natural Plasters
Tour of Tierramor’s earthen buildings
How to identify suitable clay on-site and test it to find the ideal mix
What’s in a mix? Learn to intuitively create plaster and sculpture mixes from scratch to fit your desired outcome and context
Tadelakt & Polished Plasters
History, properties, and cultural context of lime plaster
Preparing lime mixes, tools, and surfaces
Application techniques for smooth, polished finishes
Polishing and sealing with natural soap solution
Burnished clay plaster mix & sample making
Optional design elements such as sgraffito and subtle patterning
Relief Sculpture & Natural Paints
Sculptural plaster techniques with earth (clay & lime)
Creating organic motifs, flowing forms, and low-relief details
Integrating sculptural expression into architectural surfaces
Demonstration and practice of natural paints with earth pigments & natural binders
Outcomes for Participants
Hands-on experience in a variety of clay and lime plasters, with a focus on Tadelakt: a beautiful, water-resistant lime finish
Skills in sculptural plaster using clay and lime
Introduction to natural pigments and paints for architectural finishes
Contribution to a lasting piece of functional art within Tierramor’s temple
A deeper connection to earth-based building traditions and your own creativity
Program Schedule
This program blends theory and hands-on application, and each day is intentionally structured with a full schedule.
Day 1
Arrival and check-in: 7:00–9:30 AM
Program begins promptly at 10:00 AM
Final Day
Program ends at 4:00 PM
If you would like extra time to settle in or decompress, you may choose to arrive one day early or stay an additional night. This option will be available during the checkout process.
For those who stay the day after the program, we offer a very special opportunity to book a 1:1 mentorship session with one of our facilitators.
SCHOLARSHIPS
As part of our commitment to accessibility and community, we’re offering one full scholarship for every five registrations to the Earth & Lime Artistry Intensive. Each scholarship includes shared accommodation, nourishing meals, and full participation in the immersion.
APPLY HERE
Getting Here
Accommodation
Standard Shared
These hillside casitas offer flexible lodging and a grounded, nature-connected stay. Each room features two twin beds, a star-gazing net from the sliding doors and a bamboo-lined outdoor shower. Located near shared eco-facilities and gathering areas, they are well-suited for pairs, friends, or solo travellers seeking simplicity and comfort.
Dorm
Nestled into the mountainside and surrounded by edible landscapes, our shared casitas offer a cozy and grounded experience. Each space accommodates three people and is just a short walk from our communal gathering areas—the ocean-view bamboo maloca, kitchen, temple, lounge, and juice bar. Here, you wake to the sounds of the forest, share in simple rhythms, and enjoy access to sunrise over the mountains and sunset over the Pacific.
Bahareque
Built in the traditional earthen bahareque method, these casitas offer a unique and intimate stay nestled in a more private pocket of the land. With natural finishes and regenerative design, each space is suited for one or two people. Guests have access to their own shared eco-facilities, including hot showers and dry toilets, while remaining within a short walk of the central spaces. Perfect for those seeking both privacy and connection in a natural setting.
Standard
These hillside casitas offer flexible lodging and a grounded, nature-connected stay. Each room includes a king bed, a star-gazing net from the sliding doors and a bamboo-lined outdoor shower. Located near shared eco-facilities and gathering areas, they are well-suited for solo travellers or couples seeking simplicity and comfort.
Suite
Spacious and crafted from wood with earthen wall insulation, the Suites provide a larger and more private stay while remaining close to the land. Each includes a king bed, expanded interior footprint, and mountain or ocean views. A star-gazing net from the sliding doors opens to the night sky. The suite also includes a private bamboo-lined outdoor shower with cool spring water. These are located close to shared eco-facilities and communal spaces and are ideal for guests seeking extra comfort.