Mud-Clay House Construction`24 with Parent Involvement

by Dorian Schilffarth | EBI Parent 2024

Building a sweat... uh, mud hut at Early Birds Istanbul

I was warned that it would be exhausting and dirty, but not that it would be so hot...

In early June, I noticed a newsletter announcement about rebuilding the clay hut in the garden. After chatting with the school's founder Regina, it was clear I could join the project. Mid-June, right in the midst of a heatwave, the work began.

The new clay hut project was led by the EBI craftsmen, I will call him Mr.D. ,initiated by Regina since the old hut had fallen apart and the kids had dismantled it. It was time for a fresh start. Teachers, the kids, and I helped Mr. D., who apparently wore many hats, including project manager, engineer, and architect.

Communication was difficult as we did not speak a common language, but we managed with gestures and teachers as all-purpose translators.

As expected, clay was the key material. We mixed clay soil with straw and water on a large tarp. Mr. D. instinctively knew the perfect consistency: liquid enough to blend but firm enough to handle. We took turns jumping barefoot into the mix, then pulled the tarp to gather it back up for more stomping. This process gradually moved the mixture towards the foundation.

First, we laid a base layer of the clay mixture on the foundation. We then placed gas concrete blocks, leaving an entrance space. The kids eagerly shoveled and carried the clay, sweating as they filled and covered the block rows. The second row had gaps for windows.

On the second day, we smoothed out all the edges and cracks. To finish, the kids decorated the hut with ceramics and clay. They were thrilled to play in the mud and learned the value of teamwork and careful work to achieve a common goal.

The project ended with a small hut, built by the children and ready for play. Since the hut is exposed to the elements, by next spring, it will be ready to be taken down and rebuilt by the kids.

For future volunteers: prepare to say goodbye to clean clothes and embrace a close relationship with mud! You might become the unofficial "Mud Manager" and find yourself in a wild mud-stomping contest. And don't forget to bring extra energy – the kids won't stop until every bit of mud is perfectly mixed! Get ready for a dirty, but incredibly fun and rewarding experience.