For Immediate Release:

Kingston, New Mexico

For more information contact:
Catherine Wanek 575-895-5652

Builders Without Borders NM Workshop is Fundraiser for Haiti

On August 14 & 15 in Kingston, New Mexico, architect Alfred von Bachmayr will teach a hands-on workshop on earthen plasters and earthen floor installation. Builders Without Borders (BWB) co-directors Derek Roff & Catherine Wanek will also give presentations on Rainwater Harvesting, Composting Toilets and Straw Bale Building Design Essentials.

Santa Fe, NM architect Alfred von Bachmayr is the founder of World Hands Project (www.worldhandsproject.org). BWB and WHP have both submitted project proposals to the government of Haiti to create prototype building systems that are seismically-resistant, ecological, and empowering to the Haitian people and their economy. All workshop proceeds will go to support rebuilding projects in Haiti.

The January 12, 2010 earthquake in Port-au-Prince was an enormous tragedy for the people of Haiti, causing the deaths of 230,000 and leaving 1.4 million homeless. Yet in its wake there is an enormous opportunity for Haiti to rebuild, restore, and revitalize itself in ways previously not possible.

Since the earthquake, Berkeley architect Martin Hammer has twice visited Haiti on assessment teams from the Earthquake Engineering Research Institute and the World Monuments Fund. He is currently working with Builders Without Borders to contribute to sustainable reconstruction, and Martin is giving a series of presentations about his experiences and vision for Haiti. (for more information visit www.builderswithoutborders.org)

The August natural building workshops in New Mexico will help support both BWB/Martin Hammer’s work , and the World Hands Project proposal in Haiti. The workshops will be held Saturday and Sunday, August 14 & 15 at the Black Range Lodge in Kingston, NM. The cost is $75 per day, or $115 for both days, including lunch. (call for more information 575-895-5652. ) Free camping is available in the nearby Gila National Forest. For overnight accommodations contact the Black Range Lodge. (www.blackrangelodge.com)

For a short introduction to building with straw and earth, and rainwater harvesting, and a tour of a straw-bale house, the general public is welcome to visit the Black Range Lodge on Sunday afternoon, August 15, 2010, from 2 PM – 5 PM. Admission is free. A $5 donation for rebuilding in Haiti is suggested.