Why demystifying the Construction Process is good for everyone.
Hello and welcome to our latest edition of the Common Knowledge Newsletter. With the last two Build Schools of 2024 coming up in September, we chat with Harrison Gardner about demystifying the whole construction process??
This week Builder, Teacher, Author, TV presenter and Common Knowledge Co-founder Harrison Gardner talks about the reasons behind the creation of Build School, why he feels it's important we all learn more about the buildings that we live in, why this shouldn't be left just to the professionals and the confidence it can bring when we understand more about the construction of our homes.
Imagine waking up one day and deciding you want to build something with your own hands - a shed, an extension to your house, or maybe even a home from scratch. You feel that spark of excitement, but you don’t know where to start. That’s where Build School - Level One at Common Knowledge comes in. It’s not just a workshop; it’s an invitation to step into a world that might have seemed intimidating or out of reach before. This week we talked to Common Knowledge co-founder, Harrison Gardner about demystifying the construction process and why it's important for all of us to learn more about the buildings we live in.
Hi Harrison, why don’t we start with you telling us a little about yourself?
I’m a Builder, Teacher, Author and TV presenter. Through all of those things I’m doing whatever I can to help people find the skills and the confidence they need to start tackling some of the challenges they might be facing. I’ve built structures all over the world for various different organisations and companies and the principals are the same everywhere. That’s why I created the Build School Programme. Rather than encouraging any one specific way of building, I saw that we needed to step back even further and just get tools in peoples hands again, to really build that confidence.
Build School is the original course of Common Knowledge, can you tell us a bit about why you started it all with this one?
Build School is all about demystifying the construction process. I think of it as pulling back the curtain on something that has been lost in many cultures in recent generations. The knowledge of how to build a shelter, how to understand the bones of a building, was always passed down from one person to the next, but somewhere along the way, as our lives became more complicated, that knowledge became specialised and maybe we only knew part of the story or it became something only the professionals knew, but I?don’t believe this work is just for architects or builders - it’s something that’s for everyone, no matter what you’re planning on doing round your home.
“If there is something holding you back from having a go at your home renovations, new builds, or even just trying to fix something that you’re just not sure how to do, take this course. The confidence and knowledge instilled from this class takes the fear right out of taking those first steps and making the changes you want.”
— PJ, Build School Level One student
What can folks expect to gain from attending Build School, and who is it for?
When you come to Build School, you’re not just signing up for a week of learning; you’re opening a door to a whole world of skills and knowledge that will empower you far beyond those five days. Whether you’ve never picked up a hammer or you’ve already dabbled in DIY projects, Build School is designed to meet you where you are. You’ll leave not only with practical skills but with a newfound confidence that, yes, you can learn these things, and you can continue learning long after the workshop is over.
What I love about Build School is that it’s for everyone - especially those of you who have never felt comfortable learning the skills needed to create your own home. Maybe you’ve always thought that construction was something other people did, something too complex or technical. But here’s the thing: the basics of building, understanding how a home is put together, should be something we all know. It’s as fundamental as knowing how food is grown and made. Shelter is one of our most basic needs, and understanding it connects us to the very core of the human experience.
"I love the community that Common Knowledge is creating, not only amongst our group where we’ve offered to help each other out with our own projects, but the wider community via the Commonage. Folks past and present can interact and get or give help. I’m going to come back to the Raise a Barn analogy, in the past communities came together. This is something that’s been lost but the folks at Common Knowledge are bringing it back and it’s beautiful.Our group would all chat amongst ourselves over the week and you could see people’s confidence grow and for some, like me, plans changed with the more knowledge we got. I feel so confident in myself to take on projects and builds that I would probably not tackle before."
— Julie, Build School Level One student
What will Build School students learn over the course of the 5 days?
Over the course of the week, you’ll dive into the essential aspects of construction. You’ll learn about the materials, the tools, the techniques, and the principles that make buildings stand the test of time. But it’s not just about the technical stuff. It’s about giving you the confidence to ask the right questions, to understand what’s happening when you see a building going up, and to feel a sense of ownership over the spaces you live in.
What else can you learn other than the nuts and bolts of the building process?
Maybe you’re looking to manage a building project yourself, or maybe you just want to feel more confident when talking to contractors or making decisions about your home. Build School is here to give you that foundation. It’s about equipping you with the knowledge that a few generations ago would have been common, but now feels like a lost art.
So, if you’ve ever felt that tug—that desire to understand more about the place you call home — Build School - Level One is where you start. It’s where you begin to peel back the layers of construction, to see how things fit together, and to realise that these are skills you can learn. And once you’ve opened that door, who knows where it will lead?
“I did the Build School with Common Knowledge because I wanted to boost my confidence and skill set to build my own home. I got that. It also gave me more clarity around the vision I have for a self-sustaining life, and the different ways I can get there. The instructors have learned in part, by teaching themselves through doing, being creative and not being afraid to explore alternatives. This shows in how they impart their wisdom. They do so in a way that is accessible, encouraging, curious and fun. I couldn’t recommend highly enough.”
Click here to book your place. We have limited availability for the Build School starting on September 2nd, and there are still places available for the course starting on September 23rd.
Build School - Level Two
The Importance of Planning in Your Home Self-Build Project
Planning is the cornerstone of any successful self-build project. Without a solid plan, even the most exciting home ideas can quickly become overwhelming. At Build School - Level 2, we focus on turning your self-build dreams into reality with clear, actionable steps. Here’s how:
Translating Dreams to Design: Your vision is the starting point. But to bring that vision to life, it needs to be translated into a workable design. At Build School- ?Level 2, you’ll learn how to take your ideas and develop them into a coherent design that aligns with your budget and timeline.
Creating Your Project Plan: A detailed project plan is your roadmap to success. We’ll teach you how to break down your project into manageable tasks, set realistic timelines, and ensure nothing is overlooked.
Assessing Feasibility: Before breaking ground, it’s crucial to assess whether your plans are feasible. We’ll guide you through evaluating the practicality of your design in terms of cost, materials, and local regulations.
Resource Management and Organisation: Effective resource management ensures you stay on budget and schedule. Learn how to organise materials, labour, and time effectively, avoiding common pitfalls.
Project Plan Review: Regularly reviewing and adjusting your plan is key to staying on track. We’ll show you how to monitor progress, adapt to changes, and keep your project moving forward.
Build School - Level Two is open to all of those who have completed Level One and anyone collaborating with them on a build.?
Leave the tools at home and join us this October at Build School Level 2 to turn your self-build dreams into a well-executed.
Build School goes to Portugal
Experience a transformative week of hands-on learning and practical skills in the beautiful setting of Algoceira, Odemira, Portugal. Build School - Level One is heading to Portugal, and this time, we’re focusing on constructing a Eucalyptus Cabin using the Greenwood Method. Whether you’re planning a new build, renovating your current home, creating an off-grid retreat, or simply looking to sharpen your DIY skills, this 7-day workshop will equip you with the knowledge and confidence to take on any building project.
Upcoming Courses
Build School - Level 1
5 day course starting 2 September and 23 September
Learn the fundamental theory and skills of construction with the Common Knowledge team to prepare you for any build or renovation project, whether you're self-building or working with contractors. Information and booking →
Build School - Level 2
Weekend course 4 & 6 October
Leave the tools at home and join us for an in-depth weekend retreat designed to equip you with the knowledge and skills to confidently oversee your own self-build project. Information and booking →
DIY and Repair at Home
Weekend course: 14 & 15 September
?If you've been meaning to get a little?handier?around the house, put up that shelf, or repair that kitchen cupboard door, this is the course for you. Information and booking →
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Dry Stonewalling for Beginners
Weekend course: 24 & 25 August, 21 & 22 September
Learn the ancient skill of traditional dry stone walling and leave with the ability to carry out repairs and new builds yourself. Information and booking →
Introduction to Furniture Making & Design
Weekend course: ?21 & 22 September
Design and craft your own solid hardwood stool, while exploring the ergonomics, aesthetics and techniques involved in creating your own furniture. Information and booking →
Fermentation School
One Day Workshop: 05 October
?Get into the fundamentals of fermentation with Savage Craic. Information and booking →
How to Build Your Own Yurt
Weekend Workshop: 31 August - 1 September
Learn about the culture and construction of yurts whilst building the frame for a 12ft yurt from locally sourced hazel. Information and booking →
Introduction to Steel Fabrication & Welding
Weekend course: 14 & 15 September
Discover the art of metal fabrication and welding - you'll leave confident in your ability to join metal together safely. Information and booking →
Lime Plastering & Rendering
Weekend course: 24 & 25 August
Discover and practice the best techniques for preparing walls, then rendering and plastering with lime. Information and booking →
Introduction to Scything
One Day Workshop: 25 August
Learn the art of scything from history and theory to hands-on techniques with expert Chris Hayes. Information and booking →
Seasonal Permaculture
Weekend course: 13 - 15 September, 15 - 17 November
Our four part course is run over the seasonal year. Each weekend is an exploration of Permaculture principles and practices, as they apply to each of the seasons. Local experts will teach the concepts, strategies, and practical hands-on activities needed to help participants integrate permaculture into their own lives and landscapes. Information and booking →
Spoon Carving Workshop
Weekend course: 31 August & 1 September
This 2 day course is a great introduction to spoon carving, giving you a solid foundation in green woodworking, you will learn the fundamentals of axe work, knife work and spoon design. Information and booking →
A Weekend of Willow Weaving
Weekend course: 31 August & 01 September
A two-day journey into the world of willow weaving and create two of your own handmade baskets. Information and booking →
Wood Turning for Beginners
Weekend course: ?14 & 15 September
Open to complete beginners this weekend course will give you all the skills and confidence you will need to start or continue your journey in wood turning. You'll be able to work on a few projects of your choice throughout the weekend. Information and booking →
Community Events
Weekly on Fridays from 10am-4pm
If you're living in Clare, you can join our Permaculture team any Friday from 10am-4pm to learn and work together with our local community, with great food and company provided. With support from Rethink Ireland. Book your place weekly by joining the Field Good Friday WhatsApp group here: Join the group
25th ?August: Heritage Open Day and Traditional Food Preservation Workshop You are invited to join the Common Knowledge team for our August Heritage Open Day. We will have a Traditional Food Preserving workshop where we preserve some of our vegetables and plants from our site, this will be followed by a walk and talk as we discuss all things heritage and biodiversity on our 50 acre site in Kilfenora. Info and booking →
You are invited to join the Common Knowledge team for our August Heritage Open Day. We will have a Traditional Food Preserving workshop where we preserve some of our vegetables and plants from our site, this will be followed by a walk and talk as we discuss all things heritage and biodiversity on our 50 acre site in Kilfenora. This event is currently sold out. Info and booking →
You are invited to join the Common Knowledge team for our September Heritage Open Day. We will kick off the day with at 11am with a Traditional Food Preserving workshop as we preserve some of our vegetables and plants from our site this will be followed by a walk and talk as we discuss all things heritage and biodiversity on our 50 acre site in Kilfenora. Info and booking →
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We will kick off the day with at 10am with an apple pressing workhshop? followed by a walk and talk as we discuss all things heritage and biodiversity on our 50 acre site in Kilfenora, including: Live music, song and lots of Apples! This event is perfect for anyone interested in sustainable practices, nature, biodiversity, heritage and?history. It’s also a great opportunity to meet like-minded people and connect with others in the community. Info and booking →
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