Like the seasons of our mother, the earth Shangriballa is constantly changing and evolving. We have a number of short and long-term projects that are prioritized at different phases.
To complete projects we rely on a small army of people, some paid and some volunteers that form the backbone of all the projects.
How can I get involved in the projects?
We will advertise projects and dates on our website/email, Instagram, and Facebook. If you are interested please join please contact us via any of these platforms.
I have no skill can I still help?
Yes. We accept people that are willing to work and learn a new skill at the same time. Some people that are not able to offer work make donations to help fund the projects.
New Projects for 2023
This project starts on the 01 February. We are very excited to create the heart of Shangriballa, Our communal kitchen/dinner
Building
Finding builders to work at our amazing remote location in the mountains has proved to be challenging. We see this as a sign that we need to take on projects ourselves. We have gathered some local people with experience that can teach us how to build and develop our land in the traditional Portuguese style of building with the stones and wood available on the land.
Outdoor Kitchen
This is one of our main building projects, a kitchen and dining area will be the heart of our operation. There is currently a registered ruin that we can develop and build within the footprint. This is the area where we are going to build the kitchen.
The project will involve the building and laying of a floor. I share an example of what the completed project will look like. This example is not to scale and is constantly changing.
UPDATE April 2023
The building of the outdoor kitchen and communal area is unfolding, the roof is a lot higher than we thought it will be but it looks amazing. All the building materials are carried from some distance as there is no direct path to drive to this spot.
Infrastructure
We are creating trenches for water pipes leading to the kitchen and bathroom that are currently above ground. New water pipes need to be laid and sprinklers installed for fire prevention and control around the land. There is the ongoing clearing of the stream and tunnels. We are also looking at creating new water features and improving the existing waterway.
Steps and Paths
We are creating safe access to different parts of the land and this involves building steps and creating paths. This is an ongoing project in 2023.
Natural Building
Following the preparation of fire defence and control with sprinklers, we will start the building of wooden platforms for yurts and a teepee. In a future project, we will build a new bathroom and shower made of natural buildings like sandbags or stone. We want to add wooden huts as accommodation on the lower terraces when we have safe access.
Permaculture
Planting food will form a big part of our operation, and being self-sufficient is very important to our ethos. We will be planting a number of fruit trees in 2023. We have amazing people and advice available for the design of this project but always looking for people to assist. What can be greater than caring for and loving the food that nourishes us in return?
Past Projects
Since the birthing of Shangriballa in January 2022 we have made progress on some of the projects that are now almost complete. The cleaning and repairing of water reservoirs on the land were very important for future projects like irrigation and fire control. We have laid water pipes that provide clean spring mountain water to the kitchen and bathroom. We upgraded the existing bathroom adding a shower. There is also endless land management, clearing the land that hasn’t been managed for many years was like unwrapping a gift that kept giving. I share some pictures of our time with volunteers on the land.
