Build School - Level 1

More than 600 people have already taken our Build School Level One course, which spans five days and provides a comprehensive introduction to construction, taught through a combination of practical and theory-based sessions.

Who is this course for?

Whether you’re planning a new build or some work on your current home, creating a tiny home, dreaming of renovating a stone cottage, want to improve your DIY skills and knowledge, or simply fancy the idea of learning alongside others for a week outdoors, this is the ideal introductory course for you. All of the skills learned on-site will be relevant and transferable to your own individual projects. Our instructor team will be very happy to chat with you about approaching any project using the same skills taught on all Build School courses. You can also purchase this course as a gift here.

What will you learn?

The course is designed for you to leave feeling equipped with the skills and confidence you will need to apply to any structure. This includes:

• Structures: Force distribution + foundations
• Roofing: Materials + rainwater collection
• Insulation: The what, why + how of insulation
• Finishes: Cladding +waterproofing
• Waste: Alternative water management systems
• Energy: Harvesting energy + electricity basics

What will you learn?

The course is designed for you to leave feeling equipped with the skills and confidence you will need to apply to any structure. This includes:

• Structures: Force distribution + foundations
• Roofing: Materials + rainwater collection
• Insulation: The what, why + how of insulation
• Finishes: Cladding +waterproofing
• Waste: Alternative water management systems
• Energy: Harvesting energy + electricity basics

Staying with us at The Common Knowledge Centre

At The Common Knowledge Centre we now have a range of accommodation options on site to suit all budgets and needs. When you stay with us, you’ll be supporting our newly established guesthouse and be close to the action. We recommend arriving the evening before your course. You can view available accommodation on our booking page.

More Information

We will provide you with a loan of a hi-visibility vest and safety helmet when on-site. For your own safety, no loose-fitting clothing or shorts are permitted.

The following safety gear is required and mandatory to participate in the course:

• Steel-capped boots (If you don’t have or can’t borrow a pair, they are widely available in workwear shops including O’Sullivan Safety, where a pair starts at €43)
• At least one carpenter’s pencil
• An 8M measuring tape
• Work gloves
• Safety glasses
• Ear protection
• Dust mask
• You may already have some of these items or want to pick them up yourself. These items are available in our optional Site & Safety Kit that comes in a Common Knowledge tote bag. These are available to purchase when you arrive at Common Knowledge.

For more information about booking a course, accommodation options, and preparing for your course at Common Knowledge, see our FAQs page