From Earth to Brick: A Hands-On Rammed Earth Workshop

Curious about sustainable building materials? Or just want to get your hands dirty?

On October 3, join Waterfront Toronto, Arcana Materials Co and Aerecura Sustainable Builders for a hands-on, family-friendly workshop exploring rammed earth, a low-carbon building method that compresses layers of natural materials such as soil, sand, recycled bricks and clay to create strong, long-lasting structures.

During the workshop, participants will learn the basics of rammed earth construction while crafting their own brick. No prior building, design, or construction experience is required. Whether you're interested in sustainability, architecture, or learning a new technique for small scale DIY seating and landscape projects, or simply trying something new, this workshop offers a fun introduction to an innovative and sustainable building technique.

After each of the workshops, participants are invited to join a free guided tour of Kara Hamilton's artwork, Delicate Matter (for the birds), located along the eastern section of the Lassonde Art Trail. Constructed using rammed earth, the artwork offers a unique opportunity to see rammed earth used on a larger scale.

What’s more? If you haven’t had the chance to visit Biidaasige Park, or see the transformed Don River, this is a great chance to do so! Staff from the City of Toronto and Waterfront Toronto will be on site to share information about the project and the future community.

Things to know before you register

• This is a free workshop.
• The workshop will take place on October 3, 2026. In the event of significant rain or inclement weather, all programming will move to October 4, 2026.
• Participants under 16 years of age must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
• Please register each member of your group individually.
• Participants may be photographed during the event unless they inform event organizers otherwise.

Day-of Details

• Please dress for mess.
• All materials will be provided.
• Participants are welcome to bring small rocks, flowers, leaves, or other plant materials to incorporate into their brick designs. Participants may also bring their own experimental brick forms to use during the workshop if desired.
• Bricks in their molds will need to dry overnight. Participants should be prepared to take their brick home following the workshop, or give their brick to the event organizers for use in future projects. A screwdriver is required to remove the brick from the mold at home.