Living the Dream, Volume 1: CasaTierra

On January 18th, I had the privilege of joining an inspiring group working on constructing CasaTierra, which translates to "earth house" in Spanish. Our focus for the day was building the front-facing wall of the home, a prominent feature visible from the street. This remarkable project is led by Ysanet Batista Vargas, founder of Rematriation RD, an organization dedicated to encouraging Dominicans in the diaspora to reconnect with their homeland through a deep commitment to the land, community, and ancestral traditions.

CasaTierra is more than just a home—it’s a model for regenerative living. Ysanet’s vision is to counteract the lasting effects of colonization in Cabarete’s Callejón de la Loma barrio by integrating permaculture principles, natural building techniques, fruit trees, community gardens, and a commitment to food justice. The project embodies her life’s work: honoring Mother Earth, uplifting her ancestral lineage, and fostering justice and liberation.

That morning, we arrived eager to contribute to a movement that aligns with our belief in the future of regenerative construction. After introductions, Ysanet led an engaging session on the ecological importance of the lagoon located behind the home, emphasizing how the lagoon plays a crucial role in the local ecosystem’s sustainability. Afterwards, we prepared ourselves for the physical work ahead with a grounding group stretch session before diving into the first major task of the day—sorting materials.

Step 1: Preparing the Materials

We started by breaking apart tightly packed hay bales, which would later be mixed with other ingredients. Next, we sifted clay mud that had been fermenting for several days—a process that helps the mud adhere better to the other components and maintain its shape once mixed. With our hay sorted and mud sifted, we moved on to the most engaging part of the process: mixing everything together.

Step 2: Mixing by Hand and Foot

With all our ingredients ready, we combined them using a time-honored technique—our hands and feet. We stomped, flipped, and blended the mixture with enthusiasm, incorporating movements and dances like heel-toeing, Kirk Franklin stomps, and of course a bit of salsa. This hands-on approach ensured the materials were evenly distributed and formed a cohesive, durable mixture. Once we had a substantial batch ready, we carefully packed the natural mixture into wooden molds constructed by Ysanet’s professional building team.

Step 3: Shaping the Wall

As we molded the mud into the structure, we learned critical techniques to ensure the wall’s durability. One key takeaway was to avoid packing the mixture too tightly—allowing it to retain some moisture was essential for long-term strength. We also used gravity to our advantage, dropping the mixture from a slight height to help it settle naturally into place without squeezing out too much water.

The day’s efforts lasted from 9 AM to 3 PM, with a well-earned break to enjoy a delicious Dominican lunch prepared by Ysanet and her family: pollo guisado, fresh vegetables, and arroz con frijoles. By the end of the workshop, we had not only contributed to an incredible project but also deepened our appreciation for ancestral building techniques and community collaboration.

CasaTierra represents a beacon of healing and reconnection for those seeking to reclaim their relationship with the land. As construction continues, this communal homestead will will serve as a refuge for the healing of Black & Indigenous people, contributing to the practice of rematriation to the land and reverence for our Earth. More than just a home, CasaTierra is a testament to the power of regenerative design and ancestral wisdom—one that will inspire similar projects far beyond Cabarete.