Training cycle «Living matter»: recovering technique, understanding architecture

What consists the «Living matter» training cycle of?

«Living matter» is a cycle of three monographic workshops in La Axarquía addressing lime, clay, and trabadillo. Practical sessions designed to lose fear of the material and recover vernacular construction techniques.

These are not purely theoretical classes. They are introductory sessions to each material where theory is explained through manual practice. «Living Matter» is a cycle of three monographic workshops addressing three pillars of vernacular architecture: lime, clay, and trabadillo (gypsum-lime blend).

These workshops are designed to lose the fear of the material, understand its benefits, and recover sovereignty over our spaces.

Recovering technique. Understanding architecture.

This cycle is not a conventional course. Here, theory is lived with bare hands. Each workshop will begin with a brief theoretical introduction, but the true learning will happen while formulating mortars, smoothing bases, feeling the carbonation of lime, or the hygroscopic touch of clay.

---

1. LIME: the skin that breathes

Saturday March 7 or Sunday March 8, 2026
Chemistry, carbonation, and decorative techniques.

In this workshop, we demystify the use of lime and explain why it is a unique material capable of healing a sick building.

Technical Content
The lime cycle, differences between aerial and hydraulic, carbonation, and breathability. Basic mortar formulation.

Practice
Formulation of base and fine mortars, application of renders, introduction to stuccos, and decorative practices (fresco, sgraffito, glazes…).

---

2. CLAY: texture and health

Saturday April 12 or Sunday April 13, 2026
Hygroscopicity, fiber, and touch.

Raw earth. We explore the oldest and healthiest construction material, capable of regulating humidity and acoustics like no other.

Technical Content
Definition of clay, basic mortar formulation, and review of its properties: hygrothermal behavior and inertia.

Practice
Formulation of raw earth mortars with vegetable fibers and selected aggregates. Creation of texture samplers. Introduction to clay paints and decorative finishes.

---

3. TRABADILLO: surfaces with character

Saturday May 17 or Sunday May 18, 2026
Hardness, speed, and texture.

The technical challenge. We recover the traditional union of gypsum and lime to create continuous surfaces of great nobility. A workshop to learn how to dialogue with setting time.

Technical Content
The lime-gypsum synergy, timing control, burnishing, and natural protection (oils and waxes).

Practice
Execution of a continuous floor sample. Mass dyeing with oxides, smoothing, and final treatment.

---

Format and Logistics

• Duration: 5 hours per workshop (from 9:00 to 14:00).
• Group: Maximum 8 people (personalized technical attention).
• Dynamics:
  • Theory: Each workshop will start with a small theoretical introduction to the material. Additionally, notes will be sent before the workshop so the student can follow the theoretical part and have the possibility to delve deeper.
  • Prepared Substrates: Each student will have several substrates to practice their technique. Furthermore, to make the workshops more productive, Alqatifa will provide sufficient bases already rendered and dry, to proceed with finish coats and details without waiting. The student can advance through the entire process without waiting for drying times.
  • Breakfast Included: We will take a break with a local breakfast to share doubts, impressions, and gather strength.
  • Includes: Digital technical dossier, tools, material, and executed piece to take home.

---

Investment and Booking

• Individual Workshop: 80 €/person.
• «Full Cycle» Pack (3 workshops): 210 €/person.
  • Saturday track: March 7, April 12, and May 17.
  • Sunday track: March 8, April 13, and May 18.
• Reservation: 30 € for individual workshop | 80 € for full cycle.

Places are assigned strictly by order of reservation. Once your place is confirmed, we will send you an email with instructions for the reservation payment.