INTENSIVE COB WORKSHOP | VANCOUVER ISLAND, BC, CANADA
July 7, 2026 - July 25, 2026
$880
We are going to Canada! To a magical place in Vancouver Island: O.U.R. Ecovillage! Join us for a unique theoretical and hands-on cob workshop. In this 3-week intensive experience, we will design and build a complete cob composting toilet added to an existing cob structure – from stone foundations all the way to the living roof!
During week 1, we will focus on stone foundations and begin shaping the cob walls. In week 2, we’ll bring the structure to life: completing the walls, integrating windows and doors, sculpting shelves and niches, and building a beautiful green roof. Finally, week 3 is our Art & Mud Week, dedicated to creative expression: sculptural work, earthen and lime plasters, and refining finishes to elevate both function and beauty.
Through this immersive process, you’ll gain the knowledge and practical skills to build your own cob structure – from the ground up. The workshop is designed with a balance of 70% hands-on practice and 30% theory, covering essential topics such as cob wall techniques, stone foundation principles, the benefits of earthen building, soil testing, how to prepare and apply earthen and lime plasters, how to sculpt with cob, and much more!
During your stay, you’ll be immersed in a vibrant and inspiring atmosphere at O.U.R. Ecovillage! Alongside our course, a full Permaculture Design Course will be taking place, bringing together a diverse group of passionate learners and practitioners.
Whether you’re dreaming of building your own cabin or natural structure, this workshop will give you the confidence and tools to get started, and connect with like-minded people!
Join us for this intensive experience and become part of the TIERRAMIGO community, gaining access to the community chat to connect with others and learn about additional trainings with special discounts.
COURSE DETAILS
The 3-weeks intensive workshop will be divided into 3 modules, starting the 6th with a welcome dinner and the workshop introduction.
MODULE 1 – From Ground to Wall: Foundations of Cob Building
7th to 11th of July (tuesday to saturday)
The first week we will build the stone foundation for the cob walls. On the practical side, we’ll begin bringing the structure to life. Together, we’ll build the stone foundation for the cob walls: digging and preparing the trench, laying the base for a cob floor, and installing the door frames that will shape the space.
Alongside the hands-on work, we’ll dive into the core principles of earthen building. You’ll be introduced to different natural building techniques and explore clay soil as the essential ingredient of cob building. Through practical exercises, you’ll learn how to test and analyze soils, developing the ability to understand, select, and work with materials from your own land. We will start the practice of Cob by building the first half of the wall! By the end of the week, we will be pouring the base for an earthen floor.
The intention of this module is to give you a strong foundation in earthen building: understanding its benefits, learning how to read and stabilize clay soils, preparing the cob mix, and beginning to build with confidence: step by step, layer by layer.
MODULE 2 – Raising the Walls: Cob Craft & Living Roof
13th to 18th of July (monday to saturday)
In the second module, the structure truly begins to take shape. We’ll continue building the cob walls, exploring the many creative and functional possibilities they offer: integrating windows, niches, shelves, bottle features, and sculptural elements that make each structure unique and alive.
This is where you’ll deepen your understanding of cob as a building technique: from mixing and material selection to proper wall construction and structural integrity. You will become a cob builder!
To complete the structure, we’ll build a shed-style roof and bring it to life with a green, living layer. You’ll learn how to design and build a vernacular green roof, understanding the materials, layering systems, and techniques needed to create a resilient and beautiful living cover.
MODULE 3 – Art and Mud: Sculpting and Natural Finishes
21st to 25th of July (tuesday to saturday)
The final module opens the door to creativity, expression, and refinement: this is where building truly becomes art. We’ll dive into the artistic side of cob through sculpting and plastering, exploring the material not just as a building technique, but as a medium for creativity. It’s a playful and inspiring week, where you’ll discover the full expressive potential of working with earth.
Beyond shaping the compost toilet structure, there will be additional spaces around the Ecovillage dedicated to sculptural work, giving everyone the opportunity to experiment, create, and bring their own ideas to life.
Once the sculpting is complete, we’ll move into the world of natural finishes. You’ll learn how to design, test, and apply both earthen and lime plasters: understanding their composition, additives, and techniques. Using local soils and aggregates, we’ll create our own plaster recipes and apply them to the walls, bringing the structure to its final form with rich textures and natural earthen colors.
During your stay, you’ll be immersed in a vibrant and inspiring atmosphere at O.U.R. Ecovillage! Alongside our course, a full Permaculture Design Course will be taking place from the 3rd to the 18th of July, bringing together a diverse group of passionate learners and practitioners.
We’ll be sharing delicious meals as one big community, creating plenty of opportunities to connect, exchange ideas, and build meaningful relationships. You’re also warmly invited to join the PDC evening presentations and take part in the final celebration and presentations on the 18th.
This is more than just a course: it’s a unique opportunity to step into a thriving learning environment, surrounded by people deeply inspired by permaculture and natural building. Expect nourishing conversations, fresh perspectives, and a truly memorable community experience.
