BallyShip Earthship Build 2026
Sustainable Construction Build Experience
14 Nov - 3 Dec 2026*, Greenock SA
*we may push on to 6 Dec if necessary, so if you are keen these are some extra bonus days
We’re charting course for a new Earthship adventure on the lands of the Ngadjuri and Kaurna peoples — join the eco-construction crew! Join the Build!
Come and experience Earthship construction and community by joining the Build to help Sue and Joseph build a tasting room for the amazing wine they produce at Ballycroft Vineyard and Cellars.
For three weeks, we’ll be crafting a radically sustainable, bushfire resilient, off-grid building from natural and recycled materials — tyres, earth, straw, bottles, cans, and a lot of community spirit. You’ll also get experience with some conventional materials such as concrete and steel. It’s hands-on. It’s brains-on. It’s all hands on deck for this community build. And yes, you're gonna get a bit muddy! Once a week, we will take a day-off, to rest, relax, celebrate community, and to explore the local region - the Barossa which is renown as an amazing wine region.
No building experience? No worries. If you’re keen to learn, up for a challenge, and happy to lend a hand with dishes now and then — you’re perfect. We all take turns cooking, cleaning, and keeping the camp site humming.
Come and experience Earthship construction and community by joining the Build to help Sue and Joseph build a tasting room for the amazing wine they produce at Ballycroft Vineyard and Cellars.
For three weeks, we’ll be crafting a radically sustainable, bushfire resilient, off-grid building from natural and recycled materials — tyres, earth, straw, bottles, cans, and a lot of community spirit. You’ll also get experience with some conventional materials such as concrete and steel. It’s hands-on. It’s brains-on. It’s all hands on deck for this community build. And yes, you're gonna get a bit muddy! Once a week, we will take a day-off, to rest, relax, celebrate community, and to explore the local region - the Barossa which is renown as an amazing wine region.
No building experience? No worries. If you’re keen to learn, up for a challenge, and happy to lend a hand with dishes now and then — you’re perfect. We all take turns cooking, cleaning, and keeping the camp site humming.
What You’ll Get from this Build
What You Need
White Card (safety training)
We need everyone on site to have a valid "White Card". This ensures everyone has a basic level of understanding about safety on a construction site.
If you don't already have one, you need to invest 1 day of your time (6hr course) and about $100 to obtain one. This is a basic qualification required for you to legally be allowed to work on a construction site.
You will be asked to send a photo of your White Card prior to the build so if you don't have one yet, get ahead of the curve and get one ASAP!
Click HERE for info about how to get a White Card or to upload a photo of your current White Card.
- Real skills and knowledge in natural building, passive solar design, bushfire resilient design, off-grid systems, wastewater systems, and earth-friendly construction. And how-to navigate design, engineering and council approval processes.
- Building the tyre wall including the cooling tubes, thermal wrap and earth berm (disaster resilient earthen armour)
- Cob stomping ! Mixing sand, clay and straw - with your feet!
- Making bottle bricks upcycling waste bottles into beautiful eco-bricks!
- Delicious meals – cooked by us, shared by all, all diets catered for. Please note: to give the chef a break, on the weekly rest day you should plan to support a local café, pub, restaurant, supermarket etc. But otherwise, all your meals will be provided and are included in the cost.
- Camping under the stars. Bring your own swag, tent or van. The camp site will be either on the construction site (if the local community and council are supportive) or at a nearby campground.
- Daily rhythms – morning warm-up exercises, community check-in, safety briefing, days of creating with natural and recycled materials, evenings of design theory, food and games, community building activities and campfire fun.
- Certificate of Completion to mark the epic journey and to pave the way for meaningful employment in the sustainable construction industry.
What You Need
White Card (safety training)
We need everyone on site to have a valid "White Card". This ensures everyone has a basic level of understanding about safety on a construction site.
If you don't already have one, you need to invest 1 day of your time (6hr course) and about $100 to obtain one. This is a basic qualification required for you to legally be allowed to work on a construction site.
You will be asked to send a photo of your White Card prior to the build so if you don't have one yet, get ahead of the curve and get one ASAP!
Click HERE for info about how to get a White Card or to upload a photo of your current White Card.
Camping Gear
Bring your tent, swag, or van. A solar shower bag may be a good investment, otherwise it could be a daily rinse at the local swimming spot. Click HERE for a list of suggested items.
PPE (personal protection equipment)
Appropriate footwear, gloves, safety glasses/safety sunnies, ear plugs - please bring your own personal supplies and we will supply any specialised PPE you will need such as hard hats etc. Click HERE for a list of suggested items.
Click HERE for the CHECKLIST DOWNLOAD.
Bring your tent, swag, or van. A solar shower bag may be a good investment, otherwise it could be a daily rinse at the local swimming spot. Click HERE for a list of suggested items.
PPE (personal protection equipment)
Appropriate footwear, gloves, safety glasses/safety sunnies, ear plugs - please bring your own personal supplies and we will supply any specialised PPE you will need such as hard hats etc. Click HERE for a list of suggested items.
Click HERE for the CHECKLIST DOWNLOAD.
TICKET PRICES
🌿 Early Bird
$1,400
For the quick and committed (until 1 Oct 2026)
🐢 Late Bird
$1,600
If you need more time (after 1 Oct 2026)
🎓 Early Student / Concession
$1,200
For the quick and committed, students or unwaged (until 1 Oct 2026)
🎓 Late Student / Concession
$1,400
Students and unwaged not ready to jump yet (after 1 Oct 2026)
💚 Returning Earthshippers
$700
You've done 2+ weeks on a build with Martin? You’re golden. Limited places
🖤 Indigenous Scholarship
$200
scholarships for Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander participants – we respect you. Limited places
We believe learning and building should be accessible. Got a story or circumstance you’d like us to consider? Reach out.
🌿 Early Bird
$1,400
For the quick and committed (until 1 Oct 2026)
🐢 Late Bird
$1,600
If you need more time (after 1 Oct 2026)
🎓 Early Student / Concession
$1,200
For the quick and committed, students or unwaged (until 1 Oct 2026)
🎓 Late Student / Concession
$1,400
Students and unwaged not ready to jump yet (after 1 Oct 2026)
💚 Returning Earthshippers
$700
You've done 2+ weeks on a build with Martin? You’re golden. Limited places
🖤 Indigenous Scholarship
$200
scholarships for Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander participants – we respect you. Limited places
We believe learning and building should be accessible. Got a story or circumstance you’d like us to consider? Reach out.
SCHEDULE
Unofficial early arrival: Friday 13 Nov, early arrival - arrive from 3pm-8pm to setup camp and settle in. Note: catering does not start until Saturday lunch-time.
Official Start, Induction Day: Saturday 14 Nov - arrive by 10am to setup camp, meet the mob, learn about the project, lunch, construction induction.
Week 1: Sat 14 Nov - Thu 19 Nov - tyre walls including french drain, thermal wrap and earthtubes
Week 2: Sat 21 Nov - Thu 26 Nov - cob stompin, bottle brick making, and more tyre pounding
Week 3: Sat 28 Nov - Thu 3 Dec - all of the above plus bond-beam and can-wall formwork
Bonus Days: Sat 5 and Sun 6 Dec (special, extra, optional, bonus days) we may push on if necessary to complete this stage of the project. These days are optional extra days if you feel inclined to stay till the very end!
Fridays are days-off, to rest and explore (and visit the laundromat!)
Typical Daily Activities
7:00-8:00 Breakfast
8:00-8:30 Check-in re safety and community
8:30-12:30 Construction
12:30-1:30 Lunch
1:30-4:30 Construction
4:30-5:00 De-brief and Q&A
5:00-7:00 Free time
7:00-8:00 Dinner
8:00-9:30 Scheduled presentations and activities or free time
Official Start, Induction Day: Saturday 14 Nov - arrive by 10am to setup camp, meet the mob, learn about the project, lunch, construction induction.
Week 1: Sat 14 Nov - Thu 19 Nov - tyre walls including french drain, thermal wrap and earthtubes
Week 2: Sat 21 Nov - Thu 26 Nov - cob stompin, bottle brick making, and more tyre pounding
Week 3: Sat 28 Nov - Thu 3 Dec - all of the above plus bond-beam and can-wall formwork
Bonus Days: Sat 5 and Sun 6 Dec (special, extra, optional, bonus days) we may push on if necessary to complete this stage of the project. These days are optional extra days if you feel inclined to stay till the very end!
Fridays are days-off, to rest and explore (and visit the laundromat!)
Typical Daily Activities
7:00-8:00 Breakfast
8:00-8:30 Check-in re safety and community
8:30-12:30 Construction
12:30-1:30 Lunch
1:30-4:30 Construction
4:30-5:00 De-brief and Q&A
5:00-7:00 Free time
7:00-8:00 Dinner
8:00-9:30 Scheduled presentations and activities or free time
EARTHSHIPS
For more information about Earthships go to:
- Earthships are super energy and water efficient homes that are typically off-grid but can also be grid connected. This means minimal (or zero!) water and electricity bills plus the empowering feeling of self-sufficiency. Due to their energy and water efficiency these buildings require much smaller off-grid systems than comparable off-grid homes. Earthships are ideal for off-grid locations.
- Earthships are made with natural materials such as earth and straw and up-cycled materials such as tyres and bottles. Other conventional materials as used too: steel, timber, glass, concrete etc - you will learn about all of them.
- An array of amazing and beautiful design features (sunroom, berm and earthtubes) are integrated ingeniously to ensure that winter sun gets in and summer sun stays out, resulting in glorious indoor living conditions without the need for an air-conditioner.
- A beautiful indoor food producing garden is also part of the typical (non-tropical) Earthship design.
- Earthship construction methods are easy to learn so you can save money by putting in your own labour and only pay the builder to do the stuff you can't do. It is ideal for owner-builders.
For more information about Earthships go to:
- Earthship Eco Homes official website: www.earthshipecohomes.com.au/
- Earthship Ironbank official website: www.earthshipironbank.com.au/
- Earthship Biotecture USA official website: www.earthshipglobal.com/
Amy's Earthship Goolwa - photo credits Amy Mackenzie and Martin Freney
Photos from Earthship Inman Valley 2020 (photo credits: Luke Marshall, Elliott Clarke, Amy Mackenzie, Kim Kamo
photos from Earthship Ironbank over the years 2013-2017
EDUCATORS
Dr Martin Freney will be leading the build with a group of experienced, Earthship savvy instructors (to be announced soon). Martin is one of world's most enthusiastic and prolific Earthship builders, designers and researchers. Marty is the designer and owner-builder of Earthship Ironbank, Australia’s first council approved Earthship. He has designed numerous Earthships throughout Australia via his sustainable design consultancy Earthship Eco Homes and he has built Earthships with Earthship Biotecture in the USA, Indonesia and Australia. He has visited Taos, New Mexico, USA - home of the Earthship - twice, once as an intern in 2008 and a second time in 2011 as part of his PhD which investigated the thermal performance of Earthships and their eco footprint compared to other types of housing. With a background in academia at the University of South Australia, Marty now channels his love of teaching into sharing what he knows (and loves) about Earthships and sustainable living.
Dr Martin Freney will be leading the build with a group of experienced, Earthship savvy instructors (to be announced soon). Martin is one of world's most enthusiastic and prolific Earthship builders, designers and researchers. Marty is the designer and owner-builder of Earthship Ironbank, Australia’s first council approved Earthship. He has designed numerous Earthships throughout Australia via his sustainable design consultancy Earthship Eco Homes and he has built Earthships with Earthship Biotecture in the USA, Indonesia and Australia. He has visited Taos, New Mexico, USA - home of the Earthship - twice, once as an intern in 2008 and a second time in 2011 as part of his PhD which investigated the thermal performance of Earthships and their eco footprint compared to other types of housing. With a background in academia at the University of South Australia, Marty now channels his love of teaching into sharing what he knows (and loves) about Earthships and sustainable living.
Other educators to be announced soon!...
Caterers
Charlee and Jay delighted our taste buds and nourished our hard-working bodies at the Pomonal Earthship project earlier this year... and they want to do it again!
HOST & OWNER BUILDER
Sue and Joseph Evans are the owner builders embarking on this ambitious project. Inspired by a deep desire for sustainability, this Earthship will serve as a tasting room cellar door to their very sustainable micro-winery which is powered by solar panels, batteries and a love of good food and wine. More info on their website ballycroft.com
DESIGN
The design contains all the wonderful Earthship design features:
Sue and Joseph Evans are the owner builders embarking on this ambitious project. Inspired by a deep desire for sustainability, this Earthship will serve as a tasting room cellar door to their very sustainable micro-winery which is powered by solar panels, batteries and a love of good food and wine. More info on their website ballycroft.com
DESIGN
The design contains all the wonderful Earthship design features:
- Earthberm, earthtubes (ventilation pipes), and sunroom which deliver truley passive, zero-energy heating and cooling - cool and cozy.
- Indoor food producing garden irrigated by greywater.
- Off grid power, water and sewage recycling systems.
- Natural and recycled materials.
- Strawbale walls also form part of the design and will be built during another workshop, down the track.
TERMS AND CONDITIONS - PLEASE READ!
Please read these Terms and Conditions carefully. By selecting "I agree", you acknowledge that you have read, understood and agree to the following Terms and Conditions.
1. Live construction project
This is a live construction project. Participants take part in genuine construction activities under the direction of experienced supervisors while learning through practical involvement. The nature, timing, sequence and scheduling of construction activities may change throughout the build to suit project progress, weather, site conditions, material availability and safety requirements.
2. Applications and payment
Submitting an application does not guarantee a place.
Applications are reviewed to help create a safe, productive and enjoyable build. Successful applicants will be contacted with payment details.
Your place is confirmed only after your application has been accepted and full payment has been received.
3. Participant cancellations
Please ensure you have made any necessary travel, accommodation and personal arrangements before making payment.
Participant fees are generally non-refundable, except where required by Australian Consumer Law or in exceptional circumstances approved by Earthship Eco Homes.
4. Changes beyond our control
Although every effort will be made to proceed as planned, circumstances beyond our reasonable control may require changes to the schedule or, in rare cases, postponement or cancellation.
Examples include (but are not limited to):
- planning or regulatory matters
- bushfire, severe weather or other natural hazards
- site safety issues
- government restrictions
- public health emergencies
- insufficient participant numbers
- other unforeseen circumstances
If participation is postponed, you may either:
- transfer your place to the revised dates; or
- request a refund less a reasonable administration fee to cover costs already incurred.
If Earthship Eco Homes cancels the build entirely, all participant fees paid to Earthship Eco Homes will be refunded in full.
5. Travel and accommodation
Participants are responsible for arranging and paying for their own travel, accommodation, camping and associated expenses.
Earthship Eco Homes cannot reimburse these costs if participation is postponed, cancelled or changed.
6. Safety and conduct
This is an active construction site.
Participants are expected to:
- follow all reasonable safety directions
- hold a current White Card (or obtain one before participating in construction activities)
- wear the required personal protective equipment (PPE)
- work safely and responsibly
- treat others with courtesy and respect
- contribute positively to the project and the wider build experience
Anyone who fails to comply with reasonable safety directions, whose behaviour places themselves or others at risk, or who unreasonably disrupts the project may be required to leave without refund.
Participants must comply with all reasonable directions given by the project team regarding safety, site operations and the orderly running of the project.
7. Health and participation
Participants are responsible for ensuring they are physically capable of undertaking the activities they choose to participate in.
Any medical conditions, allergies, injuries or other circumstances that may affect safe participation should be disclosed during the application process.
8. Acceptance
By selecting "I agree", you confirm that:
- the information you have provided is true and accurate
- you have read and understood these Terms and Conditions
- you agree to comply with them
- you understand that you are applying to participate in a live construction project
If you have any questions please email Martin Freney via the web form here: https://www.earthshipecohomes.com.au/contact.html
Please read these Terms and Conditions carefully. By selecting "I agree", you acknowledge that you have read, understood and agree to the following Terms and Conditions.
1. Live construction project
This is a live construction project. Participants take part in genuine construction activities under the direction of experienced supervisors while learning through practical involvement. The nature, timing, sequence and scheduling of construction activities may change throughout the build to suit project progress, weather, site conditions, material availability and safety requirements.
2. Applications and payment
Submitting an application does not guarantee a place.
Applications are reviewed to help create a safe, productive and enjoyable build. Successful applicants will be contacted with payment details.
Your place is confirmed only after your application has been accepted and full payment has been received.
3. Participant cancellations
Please ensure you have made any necessary travel, accommodation and personal arrangements before making payment.
Participant fees are generally non-refundable, except where required by Australian Consumer Law or in exceptional circumstances approved by Earthship Eco Homes.
4. Changes beyond our control
Although every effort will be made to proceed as planned, circumstances beyond our reasonable control may require changes to the schedule or, in rare cases, postponement or cancellation.
Examples include (but are not limited to):
- planning or regulatory matters
- bushfire, severe weather or other natural hazards
- site safety issues
- government restrictions
- public health emergencies
- insufficient participant numbers
- other unforeseen circumstances
If participation is postponed, you may either:
- transfer your place to the revised dates; or
- request a refund less a reasonable administration fee to cover costs already incurred.
If Earthship Eco Homes cancels the build entirely, all participant fees paid to Earthship Eco Homes will be refunded in full.
5. Travel and accommodation
Participants are responsible for arranging and paying for their own travel, accommodation, camping and associated expenses.
Earthship Eco Homes cannot reimburse these costs if participation is postponed, cancelled or changed.
6. Safety and conduct
This is an active construction site.
Participants are expected to:
- follow all reasonable safety directions
- hold a current White Card (or obtain one before participating in construction activities)
- wear the required personal protective equipment (PPE)
- work safely and responsibly
- treat others with courtesy and respect
- contribute positively to the project and the wider build experience
Anyone who fails to comply with reasonable safety directions, whose behaviour places themselves or others at risk, or who unreasonably disrupts the project may be required to leave without refund.
Participants must comply with all reasonable directions given by the project team regarding safety, site operations and the orderly running of the project.
7. Health and participation
Participants are responsible for ensuring they are physically capable of undertaking the activities they choose to participate in.
Any medical conditions, allergies, injuries or other circumstances that may affect safe participation should be disclosed during the application process.
8. Acceptance
By selecting "I agree", you confirm that:
- the information you have provided is true and accurate
- you have read and understood these Terms and Conditions
- you agree to comply with them
- you understand that you are applying to participate in a live construction project
If you have any questions please email Martin Freney via the web form here: https://www.earthshipecohomes.com.au/contact.html
REGISTRATION AND TICKETS
STEP 1 - ONLINE APPLICATION FORM
Please fill out the online application form by clicking on the I'M ON BOARD button. We need your contact details and would like to understand a little bit about who are, what you like to eat, what type of vehicle you are bringing, why you want to attend etc. You also need to accept the terms and conditions that are listed above. You will hear back within 2 business days with payment details if your application is accepted.
STEP 1 - ONLINE APPLICATION FORM
Please fill out the online application form by clicking on the I'M ON BOARD button. We need your contact details and would like to understand a little bit about who are, what you like to eat, what type of vehicle you are bringing, why you want to attend etc. You also need to accept the terms and conditions that are listed above. You will hear back within 2 business days with payment details if your application is accepted.
STEP 2 - PURCHASE TICKET
Once you have received a confirmation email to say your application has been accepted, click HERE for bank details to make a non-refundable deposit to secure your place, or you can make full payment.
Once you have received a confirmation email to say your application has been accepted, click HERE for bank details to make a non-refundable deposit to secure your place, or you can make full payment.
STEP 3 - GET READY!
Put those dates in the diary and get ready mentally and physically... you're in for an adventure!
And please help us spread the word about this build - tell your friends!
Put those dates in the diary and get ready mentally and physically... you're in for an adventure!
And please help us spread the word about this build - tell your friends!