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Cob Outdoor Kitchen and Earth Oven
June 1, 2019 ∞ 8:00 am - June 7, 2019 ∞ 5:00 pm
$850We will build a cob outdoor kitchen under an existing roof structure. Students will build a stone foundation and cob walls that will support a countertop, cob benches, and construct a cob bread/pizza oven from start to finish. We will spend time learning about and working with earth and lime based plasters and paints also. We will have led discussions/presentations on oven design, foundations and site planning, wood framing, and roofing.
What to expect:
Our days will be spent engaged in hands-on building and learning with natural materials. Expect a rich week of natural and community building with the group. We’ll work, learn, eat,and relax with each other in a positive, hard-working, fun atmosphere. Conversation on natural building will provide constant background chatter throughout the week. We’ll work on site every day with a scheduled mid week rest. Evening are typically unscheduled so folks have time to enjoy the site, explore quaint nearby towns, or relax around the fire. Depending on interest, we will schedule discussions and/or presentations on topics such as foundations, wood framing, permitting and codes, fine finishes for after dinner.
The Site:
Our site is Heart Song Sanctuary, a beautiful 45 acre property with two completely finished natural buildings. The site featuring many acres of woods, a cleared meadow, swimming creek and pond. Accommodations for camping include an outdoor shower, compost toilet outhouse, and fire pit/gathering area.
Meals/Food preferences:
We will serve three meals daily, cooked on site by our staff. The food will be mostly vegetarian with a vegan option. Many of the ingredients will be sourced from local farms. Please indicate any food allergies upon registration.
Schedule:
Work on site will begin following breakfast the morning of the date listed. Participants are encouraged to arrive the preceding afternoon/evening to set up camp, and commence the week with an informal dinner and visiting with the team around the fire.
Your Instructor and staff:
Michael McDonough will lead the workshop. He has been working as a natural builder since his 2008 apprenticeship with Ianto Evans at the Cob Cottage Company. He has taught 15 natural building workshops and has worked with a number of natural building leaders including Clark Sanders, Thea Alvin, and Greg Allen. His work can be found at a number of happy homesteads on the east coast, The NC Museum of Life and Science, Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival, Oxmoor Farm in Louisville, KY.
What to bring:
* Camping equipment including tent, sleeping bag, flashlight.
* Work clothes and shoes. Short rubber boots or old sneakers for cob, gloves
* Sunscreen, bug spray, hat, water bottle, rain gear
* Tool kit including tool belt, knife, tape measure, pencil, hammer.
* Notebook, building plans or sketches to discuss.
To Register:
Tuition includes a week of camping, workshop experience, meals.
Group rates, discounts for alumni, or those taking multiple courses are possible.
Mail your tuition check to the address below and we will confirm your registration via email.
Rising Earth Natural Building
40 Springwood Manor
Troy, NY 12180