Traditional Woodfired Brick Oven – Casa Naomin

A Wonderful 2 day workshop on vaults and domes, organized by Casa Naomin and family.

Architects, engineers and enthusiasts of handmade objects joined the family over a 3 day workshop (building a temazcal and a pizza oven).

The idea was to explain simple theory of arches vaults and domes, basics of mud construction and to have maximum hands on participation.

Earth mortar was mixed by hand on site. Other materials such as broken glass, sand, perlite mix were seived and mixed on site.

Without a form work, an imaginary centenary was built, using the body as a measure. The concepts of horizontal and vertical courses were explained with the theory of transmission of forces. Then the participants expanded the vault, which would form the base, and the space for storage of firewood.

The Space between the vault and masonry walls are then filled with rubble. Till a level surface is achieved. This vault is then tested and allowed to dry overnight.

The next day, the space was filled with an insulating mix of broken glass, and finished with a perlite mix. The base was prepared with brick tiles and a simple formwork was installed for the oven door. Participants then, using a simple radius, would mark and start building the dome.

Meanwhile, plastering and pointing is introduced to the group. Simple mud base plaster was applied on the side walls as a test.

After a few courses, only one person can work on the hemisphere and finish the dome.

A few hours after the dome is set, a gentle fire is stoked to allow the dome to dry inside. Meanwhile, all participants work together in the preparation of the pizza.

The dough is prepared while the fire get blazing inside the oven cavity. Temperature is constantly monitored to find the right amount of firewood needed. The oven over time performs better (as the humidity gets out) and the cavities are filled by air.

Sincere tanks to Casa Naomin and Family for this tremendous opportunity to build for them. I hear that the oven has been used frequently. Amazing how 2 days of work can last long and bear fruits for many.