In Progress: The Forever Home - Wattle and Daub - Trinidad

The Forever Home is the future permanent dwelling of Erle and Suz, built at Samaki Ecosystems as a deeply personal and land-based home. The walls are constructed using a hybrid of cob and wattle-and-daub techniques. Recycled wire was used to create the “wattle,” onto which a natural cob mix of clay, sand, and fiber was applied in stages to form the earthen walls (the “daub”). This hybrid approach makes use of materials that were abundant and available on site, reducing the need for imported resources while strengthening the connection between the home and the land.

The walls were built by the hands and dancing feet of volunteers and students from the Natural Building Immersion programs and Open Days hosted on site, making the tiny house a true community-built project. Skill-sharing and hands-on learning were central to the process, helping to spread knowledge of natural building techniques while fostering a deeper relationship with the land.

The structural beams and framework that support the walls were harvested from cedar trees grown on site. These timbers were hand-prepared using drawknives and installed as the primary “bones” of the building. This traditional preparation helps deter insects and protects the structural forms, increasing the longevity and resilience of the home.

The project continued in August 2025 during another Natural Building Immersion, where students completed additional wall infill and plastered the bedroom using a lime-based plaster. A pigmented natural paint will be applied as the final finish, providing color and aesthetic character while maintaining breathability and a healthy indoor environment.

Overall, the structure showcases a commitment to working with the land, living simply and sustainably, and sharing knowledge through community building and hands-on workshops.

The Forever Home is currently in progress.