Our ancestors built their homes using natural materials such as loam, straw, and lime.

During this interactive workshop, you will explore up close how earthen construction works together with the team from Bokrijk | Craft & Heritage. You will literally roll up your sleeves and learn a few basic techniques. This hands-on session offers a unique opportunity to discover a traditional building craft that is once again highly relevant today in the context of sustainable architecture and the challenges of the modern construction sector.

In addition, staff members will be available to answer questions and to reflect together on the preservation, transmission, and future of earthen building. Do you already work with historical or contemporary clay techniques, or are you curious about the network of earth-builders just across the border? This is the perfect moment to share knowledge, exchange experiences, and find inspiration. Discover how craftsmanship and innovation go hand in hand within the world of earthen construction, where past and present meet in building expertise!

You will also meet Aïcha and Zabi, two skilled artisans who put their expertise into practice daily at the Bokrijk Open-Air Museum. By the end, this craft will hold no more secrets for you!

Bokrijk | Craft & Heritage  has been the Bokrijk expertise centre since 2019, focusing on the contemporary relevance of historic woodworking and building techniques. From its Craftsmanship Campus, the team documents, researches, supports, and communicates about craft heritage throughout Flanders and Brussels. As a service provider, C&H is part of a strong national network and also acts as an international knowledge hub. Jeroen Desaver and Rien Bogaert will be present to share more information.