Self Building an Earthship

The Earthship Brighton in Stanmer Park is hosting a three-day course from Friday 10th to Sunday 12th July 2026 for anyone interested in learning how to design and build an off-grid, eco-friendly home. This specific project, located just off Lewes Road (BN1 9PZ), was the first of its kind in England and serves as the base for the Self Building an Earthship workshop. Over the weekend, tutors Rebecca Sarll, Jonathan Kalviac, and Mischa Hewitt lead a programme that balances the technical side of sustainable architecture with the actual physical work involved in construction. It is a chance to see how these earth-sheltered structures function in a local climate while picking up skills that are usually hard to find in standard building guides.

The sessions run from 09:30 to 17:00 each day, covering the core principles of bioclimatic design. This includes how to manage solar gain for heating and cooling, as well as the practicalities of off-grid living like rainwater harvesting and greywater recycling. There is also a focus on the administrative side, such as navigating planning permissions, which is often one of the trickier parts of these projects. On the building side, the course involves working with recycled materials, specifically learning how to compact earth into tyres and create walls using glass bottles, which are signature elements of the Earthship method. These practical sessions are designed to give a feel for the labour involved in using non-traditional materials.

For those looking to attend, the cost is based on a sliding scale depending on your income, ranging from £175 to £340, with the standard rate set at £175. Bookings are handled through the Brighton Permaculture Trust website or their partner platforms. It is a straightforward way to get a realistic look at what goes into building a self-sufficient home, whether you are planning your own project or just want to understand the mechanics of sustainable building a bit better. The course is aimed at a mix of people, from those who are seriously considering a self-build to those who just have an interest in sustainability and want to spend a few days learning something practical in the park.