WHAT IS TIERRAMIGO?
Tierramigo was born as a space to explore, experiment, and share information about natural building. Over time, it evolved into an itinerant school focused on passing on knowledge of earthen building techniques through intensive training programs in different contexts and places.
It became some sort of Creative Academy, where the learning process is as important as
the building itself. It is a space for exploration, and our main inspiration is vernacular architecture: how did humanity build a thousand years ago?
Today, it is an international community that organizes and runs hands-on trainings on real projects.
It is also a consulting office and a design and architecture studio.
STUDIO
ACADEMY
MANIFESTO
Here I share 10 ideas that are very present in my process of working with the earth:
No rushing but no stop.
Good humour and laughter are as important as the foundations of a house.
Creativity and independence are fundamental to freedom.
Curiosity explores all perspectives. Let us return to the curious and instinctive spirit of building with our hands, as we did when we were children. There are always new opportunities for learning, and curiosity can show us a new path.
Natural building does not compromise aesthetics: with good design and execution, it can be modern, elegant, and efficient. It is up to us to change that perspective.
Earth is the most inclusive material, and natural building is an ancient craft. Before picking up our tools, we must remember to set aside all arrogance and pride. Let us be simple and humble, like the earth itself.
The process is as important as the final product. Every project is different, and while the building is the central focus, it should be the journey and not the destination.
Mistakes are a fundamental part of the learning process: we must start the project assuming that we will make mistakes, big or small. We must be flexible and malleable like clay.
Earthen walls are not only built: they also build us. All the force applied to the earth with our hands returns with the same intensity.
Natural building is a revolutionary act. For this reason, we must be revolutionary in how we experiment, how we build, and how we teach.
WHO ARE WE
Nico Pimentel is a Chilean architect, natural builder and educator,
founder of Tierramigo.
He is also the co-founder of PIWA, an architecture and design studio
based in Chile, focused on housing and hospitality projects in rural areas,
with a strong sensitivity to the landscape, the use of natural materials,
and passive solar design techniques.
Since 2017, Nico has explored earthen building techniques
and facilitated international workshops in various formats: from full builds to mid- and short-term trainings, working throughout Latin America and Europe.
He co-founded Jungla Peumayen, a wildlife and ecosystem conservation reserve in southern Chile, and Kalina, a creative hub and workspace located in the forests of northern Patagonia, where he is developing a Summer School and Fellowship program.
NICO PIMENTEL
FOUNDER
Lucas Schwantes is a Brazilian graphic designer and creative,
founder of Finger Guns Studio.
He has been collaborating in Tierramigo in the graphic lines and
creative direction, as well as supporting on site documenting.
Most of the pictures and graphics you see in this website
are produced with so much love by Lucas!
LUCAS SCHWANTES
CREATIVE COLLABORATOR
CONTACT US
tierramigo@gmail.com
If you would like to request more information about workshops, if you would like to host one, or information regarding consultancy, please contact us and we'll get back to you as soon as possible.
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