Join Domegaia this August on Maine's breathtaking Atlantic coastline!
​Together we'll build an Aircrete dome on John Lilly's site for dolphin and extraterrestrial research.

Our Host: Alexandra Wollins
"Our property was originally settled by Josiah Parsons in the 1700's on a parcel of land about 200 acres. Josiah was one of the first settlers on the island and built an impressive home and farmstead here. Over the next two hundred years, the land changed ownership only a few times until John C. Lilly, a renowned scientist and psychonaut, bought the property as a site for dolphin and extraterrestrial research.  The Lilly/Wollins family have owned and operated it since then; the two grandchildren of Mr. Lilly and their respective partners are the current tenants. With backgrounds in engineering, construction, education, art, and international studies, we hope to shape the property into a think tank destination where people can unplug, reset and peak curiosities at all levels. The Dome will act as one of the first projects in our dream to encompass building styles from around the world on our property." 

Westport Island, Maine
Westport Island is a small 8-mile-long island located 50 minutes north of Portland, Maine, which can only be accessed by a single bridge or by boat.  Originally, this land was inhabited by Native Americans and original stoneware and pottery can still be found in the mud.
 While much of the Maine coastline has been developed or used as vacation properties, Westport Island has managed to stay relatively off the radar.  The majority of the island's inhabitants are 'true Mainers.'  Westport Island enjoys a small, close-knit community with their own town hall, counsel, island organic farm and brewery, inn, restaurant, yoga  and local craft shops!  Other seaside towns nearby worth noting are Wiscasset, Bath, Brunswick, Damariscotta and Boothbay.

Workshop Learning Objectives

  • ​Learn our methods of building a dome home that is fire and rot resistant, insulative, sustainable, strong and durable against the forces of earthquakes, hurricanes, tornadoes, etc.
  • Work in a friendly and respectful team setting to co-create under the guidance of our instructors
  • Work with power tools, hand tools and construction materials and equipment
  • Build bricks forms, archway forms and a round window form
  • Mix Aircrete with Domegaia's unique tools - Aircrete is an amazing, material that you can make yourself at home - almost as easily as making pancake batter!
  • Stack bricks with our mortar recipe to construct a dome using a compass arm
  • Build and install a round, sit-in window
  • Build a custom wooden door ​& pour door jam
  • Apply reinforcement fabric-mesh with stucco
  • "Classroom" exercises and discussions
    • Topics: foundation pouring, compass arm assembly, skylight, design ideas and some basic finishing processes. 
  • We will offer an inspirational and informative slideshow presentation and dedicated Q&A time!
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*Please Note: During the 10-day workshop, we will build a basic dome structure.  Instruction includes the fundamentals of pouring, stacking and structural reinforcement of the dome but does not include plumbing, electrical or finishing installations.  We will do our best as a team to complete the Aircrete dome during the workshop; however, we do not guarantee completion.  Unexpected obstacles such as adverse weather conditions, for example, may affect our progress and prevent the dome’s full completion.  ​
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The beautiful interior of a dome in progress!
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Learn to stack in teams and watch the walls of our dome go up!
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Steve's Areen's Thailand Dome Home
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Cultivate lasting friendships and partnerships with your fellow workshop students
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Build a unique custom door!
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An Aircrete dome built in Spain by one of our graduates, Nate D.

Domie Bonus Material!
​Each of our students will recieve:

  • Architectural Drawings of Steve Areen's Thailand Dome Home (a 16-page digital download) as well as additional pdf resources and material.
  • A 20% discount on Tools and Equipment valid for 3 months after the conclusion of the workshop.
  • A 20% discount on future Domegaia workshops - this offer doesn't expire!
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Workshop Schedule ​

August 22
5:30 - 7pm: Check-in

August 23 - 31 (with one free day)
9am: Opening Circle
9am - 1pm: Workshop
1pm - 2pm: Lunch break
2pm - 6pm*: Workshop

​We will plan one afternoon off or full day off (depending on our rate of progress) for students to rest and enjoy local attractions!
*Some days may run later than 6pm depending on work flow

September 1
Departure

Tuition Rates

$1200 per student
or
$2200 for two students registering together
 Secure your space by submitting a deposit!
 Please note that Domegaia is not responsible for providing accommodations and meals - these elements of your workshop experience are a separate investment and up to you to arrange directly with our host! 
Lodging & Meal Plan Options
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Our host will be offering a few on-site accommodation options including select rooms in the main house and space for tent-camping - bring your own or rent one of Alexandra's.  Space is limited, please reach out to Alexandra to inquire about availability.
 
A meal plan of local and organic foods will be available for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Please reach out to Alexandra to express your interest in participating in the meal plan and communicate any dietary restrictions.  You do not have to stay on-site to take advantage of this nutritious meal plan!  All are welcome to join. 
Meal Plan price breakdown:  Breakfast: $15,  Lunch $15,  Dinner $20  
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For those who prefer to arrange their own lodging and meals, check out these local suggestions from Alexandra: 
  • Squire Tarbox Inn (located on island) 
  • Many Airbnbs & hotels nearby; search for spots near Westport Island, Wiscasset, Bath or Woolwich
  • Local restaurants, grocery stores and farmers markets

Transportation Options

  • Rental cars (parking will be available on property)
  • Taxi, Uber, Lyft ($90-$115)
  • Bus from Portland to Wiscasset + Taxi to property (less convenient)
 
Alexandra is graciously willing to make two trips during the day of arrival, August 22nd, if flight times are coordinated - for example, one trip at 1pm and another at 5pm.  Cost is $170 per person round trip.  Availability is limited 3 to 4 cars with 4 seats in each.   Please connect with Alexandra if you're interested in securing a space.

Cancellation Policy

IMPORTANT REGARDING COVID-19:  If the COVID-19 pandemic leads us to cancel any workshop, we guarantee you will receive a full refund.  We understand that there are unforeseen travel restrictions arising all the time and will work with you on case-by-case basis to determine your refund eligibility upon your cancellation request.  Please reach out as soon as possible with any concerns.  For cancellations unrelated to COVID-19, please refer to our refund policy below:
  • Those cancelling more than 4 weeks prior to the first day of the workshop will receive a full tuition refund, minus a 7% processing and administration fee.
  • Those cancelling 2 - 4 weeks prior to the first day of the workshop will receive a half tuition refund, minus a 7% processing and administration fee.
  • No refunds for cancellation requests made less than 2 weeks prior to the first day of the workshop.
  • ​​If the workshop has to be cancelled for any reason, you will receive an immediate full refund.

Contact Us

 If you have questions about the workshop, please contact us!  workshops@domegaia.com
We look forward to building with you in The Pine Tree State!