Preparation
01 · Choose the right environment
- A forest, nature park, or area with abundant vegetation.
- Verify permits for collecting natural materials.
- Ensure there are no toxic or dangerous plants.
- Identify a safe area free from the risk of falling branches.
- Confirm that no fragile ecosystems will be harmed.
02 · Establish safety and conservation rules
- Only use fallen branches; never cut living trees.
- Do not damage plants, nests, or animal habitats.
- Check materials for insects or animals before using them.
- Wear gloves if there is a risk of splinters or thorns.
- Delimit a construction zone for each team.
03 · Prepare supplementary materials (optional)
- Natural or synthetic rope for lashing (if permitted).
- Pruning shears (for facilitators only).
- First aid kit.
- Work gloves for those who need them.
04 · Organize teams
- Groups of 4–8 people.
- Assign a construction zone to each team (radius of 3–5 meters).
- Explain the available time (typically 45–90 minutes).
Step-by-step instructions
1
Introduction and context
- Explain the challenge: build a shelter using only natural materials.
- Define evaluation criteria: stability, creativity, size, and use of materials.
- Clarify conservation and safety rules.
- Show basic examples of structures (tripod, A-frame, lean-to shelter).
2
Planning phase (10–15 min)
- Each team discusses and designs their shelter.
- They assign roles: gatherers, builders, designers.
- They decide what type of structure to build.
- They identify where to find materials.
3
Gathering phase (15–20 min)
- Teams search for and collect natural materials.
- Branches of different sizes and thicknesses.
- Large leaves for coverage.
- Stones for anchoring.
- Moss, grass, or other materials for filling.
4
Construction phase (30–45 min)
- Build the base structure (walls and roof).
- Reinforce connections between branches.
- Add coverage for protection.
- Test stability and make adjustments.
- The facilitator monitors safety throughout.
5
Presentation and testing
- Each team presents their shelter to the group.
- They explain their design and construction process.
- Conduct a gentle "stress test" (if safe to do so).
- The group votes or the facilitator evaluates based on established criteria.
6
Responsible dismantling
- Return materials to nature in an orderly manner.
- Leave the space as it was originally found.
- Collect any items brought along (ropes, etc.).
Materials
Access to a natural area with fallen branches and vegetation
Work gloves (1 pair per participant, optional)
Natural rope (jute, hemp) if additional material is permitted
Complete first aid kit
Whistle for emergency signals
Drinking water for participants
Insect repellent
Sunscreen
Camera to document constructions
Bags to collect trash or non-natural materials
Digital tools
Practical recommendations
Obtain necessary permits if the activity takes place in parks or nature reserves.
Research toxic or dangerous plants in the area beforehand.
Bring a first aid manual specific to outdoor activities.
Ensure that at least one facilitator has knowledge of natural construction.
Establish a clear perimeter for each team to avoid conflicts over materials.
Emphasize "leave no trace": restore everything as it was found.
Check the weather forecast: avoid windy or rainy days.
Have a nearby shelter plan in case of sudden adverse weather.
Adapt the size and complexity of the shelter to the group's age and abilities.
For young children, pre-select safe materials in a controlled area.
Document the entire process with photos for later reflection.
Connect the experience with learnings about indigenous peoples and their construction techniques.
Inspiration
Types of shelters to build
- Lean-to shelter: A simple structure propped against a tree or horizontal branch, ideal for beginners.
- A-frame: Two sloping panels meeting at the center, more stable than a lean-to.
- Tripod shelter: Three main branches form a triangular base structure.
- Wickiup: A cone-shaped structure inspired by shelters of indigenous peoples.
- Debris shelter: An accumulation of branches, leaves, and material to create thermal insulation.
- Rain shelter: Must have a waterproof roof and adequate drainage.
- Wind shelter: Correct orientation and solid walls.
- Camouflage shelter: Must blend visually with the surrounding environment.
- Multi-person shelter: Must accommodate the entire team simultaneously.
- Elevated shelter: Partially raised off the ground.
- History: Research how different cultures built traditional shelters.
- Biology: Study how animals build their homes (nests, burrows).
- Physics: Principles of structures, weight distribution, and stability.
- Geometry: Triangular shapes, angles, and space optimization.
- Sustainability: Building with minimal impact using biodegradable materials.
- Summer camps: A highlight activity that can last an entire day, with progressive improvements.
- Corporate team building: A metaphor for building projects with limited resources, adaptation, and roles.
- Environmental education: Emphasis on conservation, "leave no trace" principles, and connection with nature.
- Survival program: Part of broader training on outdoor skills.
- Art and design: Focus on aesthetics, ephemeral natural installations, and functional land art.
- How did you divide roles? Did everyone participate equally?
- What was most challenging: planning, gathering, or building?
- How did you handle disagreements about the design?
- What did you learn about working with imperfect materials?
- How does this relate to projects in your work or school life?
- What respect did this generate for peoples who lived or still live this way?
- Spend a night in the shelters (only with experienced groups and supervision).
- Light a ceremonial fire nearby (with permits and safety measures in place).
- Cook simple foods using traditional techniques.
- Invite members of indigenous communities to share their knowledge.
- Document the entire process on video and create a mini-documentary.
- "Strength" award: Most stable and resilient shelter.
- "Creativity" award: Most innovative design.
- "Integration" award: Best camouflage within the natural environment.
- "Team" award: Best collaboration and role distribution.
- "Sustainability" award: Lowest environmental impact.
