Cob Oven Workshop

This workshop is a great introduction to natural building materials and methods. We will build a wood-fired cob bread/pizza oven from start to finish. Students will build the stone foundation, firebrick hearth, cob structure, and finish the oven with earthen plasters. We will also build an attached straw bale and cob wall and a cast in place concrete countertop. You will learn the skills to go home and build your own oven, as well as take on other building projects with natural materials! The class is very hands-on but there will be time for focused discussions/presentations on a range of natural building topics.

What to expect: 

Our days will be spent engaged in hands-on building and learning with natural materials. Expect a rich weekend 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 weekend. Evenings are typically unscheduled so folks have time to enjoy the site, explore nearby towns, or relax around the fire.

We will make time for a few focused discussions on related natural building subjects such as straw-bale construction, passive solar design, wood framing, roofing, permits and codes, and more. Michael may give an interesting slideshow presentation.

The Site: 

Our site is the Mones homestead, a beautiful rural property with opportunities for hiking and exploring in the fields and woods. The property includes a house with toilet and shower facilities, a fire pit gathering area, and abundant camping space. The address will be provided upon registration.

Meals/Food preferences: 

We will serve meals from lunch on Friday through lunch on Sunday, cooked on-site by staff. The food will be healthy and filling cuisine. Vegetarian and vegan options on request. Many of the ingredients will be sourced from local farms. Please indicate any food allergies upon registration.

Schedule: 

The workshop will begin at 9am on Saturday the 26th. We will break for lunch around 1pm and work again until 5pm. The evening is informal and unscheduled, although a campfire hang-out will be available. Breakfast will be served at 8am with the workshop to follow. Camping participants may arrive Thursday evening to set up camp, but no meals will be provided until lunch Saturday.

Instructor: 

Michael McDonough is a Troy, NY based building contractor, designer, and educator. His work can be found at the North Carolina Museum of Life and Science, Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival, Oxmoor Farm, and a number of happy homesteads around the east coast and upstate NY. He has taught over 20 natural building workshops.

What to bring: 

* Camping equipment including tent, sleeping bag, flashlight

* Work clothes and shoes. Slip on/off shoes are recommended, such as crocks, sandals, etc.

* Work gloves

* Sunscreen, bug spray, hat, water bottle, rain gear

* Notebook, building plans or sketches to discuss

To Register: 

Tuition is $550 and includes the camping fee, workshop experience, and all meals. There is an early enrollment discount. If tuition is paid in full before September 5th, Tuition is $490.

Please contact Michael via email, text, or phone call if you’d like to register. We accept paypal, venmo, cash, or checks.

You may register via paypal by sending the tuition to michael@risingearthbuilding.com

Or venmo at @Michael-McDonough-140

Or mail your tuition cash/check to the address below and we will confirm your registration via email.

Rising Earth Natural Building

403 3rd St.

Troy, NY 12180

Call or email with questions: 

(518) 217 5592

michael@risingearthbuilding.com