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DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20251013
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20251018
DTSTAMP:20260405T190419
CREATED:20250619T154621Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250619T154749Z
UID:9849-1760313600-1760745599@cobworkshops.org
SUMMARY:Intro to Cob and Straw Workshop – East Tennessee
DESCRIPTION:Dates: October 13 – October 17\, 2025 (YES. We are still having the workshop as scheduled.)\n \nLocation: Greeneville\, Tennessee\n \nCome and join us in beautiful eastern Tennessee for our next Introduction to Cob and Straw Workshop! We will be constructing both a cob building and a straw-clay building. This workshop is perfect for beginners and experts alike! You will get the expert knowledge to build with cob and straw! Either for small-scale structures or large-scale projects like homes and buildings. \n \nThis workshop is a great experience to learn how to build with cob and straw\, and to get a broad learning overview of natural building techniques. You will get a solid foundation in natural building fundamentals. You will learn the advantages of high thermal mass cob versus high insulation straw materials. We will be constructing the walls on a new cob building and a straw-clay building\, mixing and applying lime plaster\, and studying Natural Building together each day. You will also get to see living examples on-site of a completed cob building and straw-clay building. These are excellent examples that you can learn a lot from! After this workshop\, you will have the basic experience and confidence to design and build your own cob and straw constructions or buildings. \n \nHands-On Work Topics: \n– How to make cob (learn how to make cob with the tarp method and with machinery) \n– How to build cob walls using traditional hand-sculpting and using innovative slipforms (learn all the great advantages of building cob walls with forms) \n– How to make straw-clay (also known as light-straw-clay) \n– How to build highly insulating straw-clay walls (learn how to frame and pack the walls) \n– Selecting and testing soils for cob and straw-clay (learn several ways to test your soil composition) \n– Lime Plaster Finishing (learn how to mix and apply lime plaster finishes to your walls) \n– Creating window and door frames in cob walls (learn how to install frames into cob walls) \n  \nClassroom and Discussion Topics: \n– Site selection and design (includes Passive Solar design principles) \n– Materials and tools (covers traditional and modern cob building toolset and materials) \n– Building Solid Foundations (learn all about constructing proper building foundations) \n– Building codes and how to successfully get building permits for cob homes and straw homes. \n– Best practices for building a healthy\, non-toxic home. \n– Basic Electrical and Plumbing integration for cob homes and straw homes \n– Installing windows and doors \n– Roofing and Bond Beams. Proper roof ventilation practices! \n– Natural plasters and finishes (Vapor Permeable / “Breathable” finishes) \n– Overview of all Natural Building materials\, and how to hybridize them! \n \nThis workshop is a unique experience for people to learn about building cob homes and light-straw-clay homes\, and to get an overview of Natural Building. Not only are there plenty of hands-on lessons to learn from\, but we will also have ample discussion and informal classroom time. Most cob workshops and strawbale workshops don’t cover this many topics. But here\, you will learn all the core lessons needed to start building from this one workshop! \nPlus – there will be many hours of discussions about building cob homes and natural building throughout the workshop. Its a great way to get your questions answered and brainstorm your building ideas! \n \nThe workshop will be held at a private property in Greeneville\, Tennessee. \nEach day will begin at 9:00 AM\, and the days will include hands-on building\, classroom sessions\, discussions\, and learning activities related to cob\, straw\, and natural building topics. We will break for lunch between 12:00 to 1:00 PM\, and we will complete each day at around 4:00 PM. They will be full-packed days! Worth your every penny! \nTeacher \n \nThe workshop will be taught by Alex Sumerall\, an east coast Earth Building Mason who has a focus on creating earthen structures that are healthy\, aesthetically pleasing\, and functional for modern life. He is the owner of This Cob House\, which is dedicated to teaching people about cob and earthen building techniques. Alex has been practicing earthen building since 2011. He graduated from the Aprovecho School of Natural Building in 2013 in Cottage Grove\, Oregon\, and continues to teach\, present\, consult\, and construct. \n  \nAlpaca Farm Tour! \nAs an added bonus to the workshop\, we also offer a free alpaca farm tour at my neighbor’s Two Roots Farm. They have over 50 friendly alpacas\, alpaca infrastructure\, and a gift shop! We usually go on this tour Wednesday after class. \n \nListen to the great things that our workshop participants are saying! \n  \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n“The cob workshop was a life-changing experience. I learned a lot about natural building\, not only from Alex’s instruction\, experience and demonstrations\, but from interacting with people from different backgrounds who were a great source of collective knowledge. The hands-on experience was priceless!” \n\n\nTony Romo\, Texas \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n“The Cob Building Workshop was a great investment of my time! It was well organized\, extremely inspiring\, and FUN! Alex was able to explain construction basics to neophytes like me\, yet he could also answer the complex questions asked by the more experienced workshop attendees. I can’t wait until the next workshop!” \n\n\nMarybeth Babos\, Tennessee \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n“We thoroughly enjoyed and benefited tremendously from our Building With Cob workshop experience with you. Workshops that are fun\, informative and full of practical application and guidance through hands-on experiential learning like this are a real joy. \nAs an instructor we found you to be knowledgeable\, well organized and flexible addressing the needs and questions that came up.  We appreciated your careful considered responses to every one of the many and varied questions our group threw your way.  And the pace and mix of lecture and activity was just right for us. \nThank you Alex for a workshop that did all you said it would do\, and more!” \n\n\nWes Shattuck\, New Hampshire \n\n\n\n\n \nLodging \nThere are two options for lodging: free camping on site\, or making reservations at one of the local hotels or AirBnBs. Hotels are available in the neighboring towns of Greeneville\, Newport\, Parrottsville\, and Hot Springs. \nNearby is the Briggs Brother’s Ranch in Parrottsville\, TN (highly recommended)\, and the Hot Springs Resort in Hot Springs\, North Caolina. \nCampers will have access to a private portable toilet and a private outdoor shower. \nThe workshop location has running water available\, and an electrical hookup to charge phones and small devices. \n \nFood \nMeals will not be included in this workshop so participants will need to provide their own food and drinks. There are several local restaurants and grocery stores nearby the workshop site. We even have an amazing corner-store within a walkable distance from the workshop site! \nEach student is responsible for their own meal preparation. An hour for lunch is provided\, allowing adequate time for food\, a quick nap\, or trip into town. There is no official kitchen on site yet. Coolers are welcome and encouraged! \nRecreation & Surroundings \nGreeneville is located near the edge of the Appalachian Mountains in eastern Tennessee. It is a beautiful area\, and there are many scenic places to visit nearby. You can also travel to places like Gatlinburg\, TN or Asheville\, NC within a one hour driving time from the workshop site. \nFamily & Group 10% Discounts \nAsk about the 10% discount. We encourage group & family activities because it enhances learning among your support group. Email me at alex@thiscobhouse.com for custom group/family invoice. \nTeens accompanying a parent/guardian are half price. Children under 13 accompanying a parent/guardian are free. \nChildren/young people of any age are welcome to join in and learn. Please be aware that some areas are under construction\, as is the purpose of this workshop\, but it is generally child-safe. \nPlease email me to register with the group/family discount. For normal registration\, please sign up below.\n \nIf you have any other questions about the workshop\, please feel free to email me at alex@thiscobhouse.com \nClick here to register: https://www.thiscobhouse.com/intro-to-cob-and-straw-workshop-tennessee-october-2025/ \nPrice: $499
URL:https://cobworkshops.org/event/intro-to-cob-and-straw-workshop-east-tennessee-6/
LOCATION:Greeneville\, Tennessee\, Greeneville\, TN\, 37743\, United States
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://cobworkshops.org/wp-content/uploads/intro-to-cob-and-straw-workshop-2024-8.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="Alex%20Sumerall":MAILTO:alex@thiscobhouse.com
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20251115T083000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20251123T203000
DTSTAMP:20260405T190419
CREATED:20250312T035320Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251013T154100Z
UID:9683-1763195400-1763929800@cobworkshops.org
SUMMARY:Bioconstruction Natural Building Techniques Workshop SW Louisiana
DESCRIPTION:Join us for Phase 2 of our Bioconstruction Workshop series November 15 – 23\, 2025. \nPlease register HERE \nDescription:  9 days  on a 24-acre 68-animal Farm and Nature Sanctuary as we learn bioconstruction techniques\, material science\, and alternative ways of building together. \nWhat you learn: \n\nBasics of mixing & installing cob\, light clay straw\, and bousillage\nMixing and applying earth-based and lime-based finishing plasters\nMaking and installing bottle bricks\nBenefits of clay walls and material science\nBasics of building envelope construction\nHands on building experience\nMaterial sources and circularity\nMaterial carbon embodiment and decarbonization tactics\n\nProject: With Habitat Recovery Project\, we are creating a hexagonal Earth Church as a spiritual beacon. We will be expanding upon the structure that was built in our Phase 1 Bioconstruction Workshop. \nThis course is for you if… you want a holistic perspective on alternative building techniques and processes \nWhat’s Included:\n✓ hands-on experience in various bioconstruction techniques\n✓ hands-on education in tool use and maintenance including lumber mill\n✓ one-on-one guidance from experienced female builders\n✓ presentations for local environmentally-rooted community members\n✓ three meals a day\n✓ free tent camping onsite\n✓ Internet access \nHabitat Recovery Project  \nSnow White Sanctuary\nVinton\, LA\, 70668 \nFAQs \nLodging in Vinton \n– AirBNB Glamping tents available onsite https://www.airbnb.com/users/show/46553986\n– Delta Downs Racetrack & Casino\n– Cobblestone Inn \nClosest Airports \n– Lake Charles\, Louisiana (30 min\, we can provide pickup)\n– Houston\, TX (2 hours drive\, can take a FLIX bus to Beaumont or Lake Charles for pickup)\n– New Orleans (4 hours drive\, can go to Mardi Gras and take a FLIX bus to Lake Charles for pickup) \nLunch & Water: Provided on site \nAvailable the farm: \nFarm Fresh Eggs\, Gulf Coast Shrimp & Oysters straight off the boat\, Small outdoor stove available\, Animal Experiences\, Goats\, Horses\, Pigs\, Bees and more! \nThere’s a few nearby restaurants in our town of Vinton for close and affordable meals. If you’re a foodie it’s worth driving out of town to experience the exquisite food Louisiana is known for. \nIn Vinton:\nAmazing Sausages\nJenn’s Southern Kitchen\nRestaurants at Delta Downs Racetrack\nArby’s Fast Food \nOrange\, TX Options:\nOlde Orange Cafe\nThe Hut BBQ\nBarry’s Greek Grill\nMi Casa Mexican\nTia Juanita’s \nSulphur:\nVillage Coffee House\nJoe’s Italian Pizzeria\nEl Tapatio Mexican \nLake Charles:\nCoffee:30\nRestaurant Calla\n121 Bistro\nPujo St Cafe \n+ so many more! \nHighly recommended nearby attractions to check out (and they’re FREE!): \n-Shangri La Botanical Garden\n-Stark Museum of Art\n-Delta Downs Racetrack \nAlso help plan your visit to SWLA with this resource:\nhttps://www.visitlakecharles.org
URL:https://cobworkshops.org/event/bioconstruction-ii/
LOCATION:Snow White Sanctuary\, 1636 Arledge Road\, Vinton\, LA\, 70668\, United States
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://cobworkshops.org/wp-content/uploads/EarthChurch-Invitation-scaled.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="Habitat%20Recovery%20Project":MAILTO:misha@habitatrecovery.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20251116T160000
DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20251123T080000
DTSTAMP:20260405T190419
CREATED:20250807T002652Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250807T002917Z
UID:9920-1763308800-1763884800@cobworkshops.org
SUMMARY:A Complete Introduction to Natural Building (Cob\, Wattle and Daub\, and Natural Plasters)
DESCRIPTION:Come and experience our natural building oasis\, agroecology farm\, and ecotourism project in the cloud forests of El Salvador´s highest mountain range! Our next natural building workshop is planned for November 16th to November 23rd\, 2025.\n\nThis workshop is being hosted by the Nubes del Pital (Clouds of El Pital) agroecology farm and ecotourism project. Over the past ten years\, we have collectively built 15 different cob houses\, restaurants\, and cabins to host tourists in the beautiful El Trifinio Biosphere on the slopes of El Salvador´s highest mountain. The nearby cloud forest offers a beautiful site to learn about natural building techniques\, permaculture\, agroecology\, and sustainable living. Besides participating in the actual building workshop\, you will also be staying on a beautiful permaculture farm offering the opportunity to learn about regenerative homesteading\, organic farming\, and different ways to integrate earthen structures into the landscape.\n\nDuring this workshop\, we will be building a new cob wattle and daub restaurant in a food forest and ecotourism project\, including a cob pizza oven.  The workshop site is surrounded by a beautiful pine and cedar forest\, along with coffee\, avocado\, and other fruit trees. Participants will have the opportunity to experience and learn about all aspects of the building process\, from rubble trenches and rock foundations\, building cob\, wattle and daub\, and cordwood walls\, timber framing\, installing doors and windows\, incorporating recycled materials/bottles into the structure\, plastering\, natural clay-based paints\, and more.\n\nThis workshop also offers you the opportunity to see\, experience\, and live in several different naturally built structures on our farm. Besides staying in beautifully furnished cob and timber-framed cabins with fantastic views of El Salvador´s highest mountain\, you will also have plenty of hands-on experience to learn a wide variety of natural building techniques.\n\nThe six full-day workshop costs $650 USD per person\, and includes:\n\n• 7 nights of lodging in private cob/wood cabins (check out the AirBnb links below to see where you´ll be staying)• 3 locally-harvested meals a day• All the coffee\, tea\, and water you can drink• Local transportation from the cabins where you will be staying to the build site on the coffee farm.• The workshop learning experience• Several free e-books on cob and natural building• A half-day hiking trip to visit the mystical cloud forest of El Pital• We will also be visiting different cob and wood homes that have been built in our community to learn how natural building positively impacts local communities.\n\nFor more information or to sign up and secure your place (we have a maximum of 15 participants for our workshops) you can send us an email at: tobiasroberts20@hotmail.com\, or contact us via Whatsapp at +503 7952-9979\n\nAgain\, we have a maximum of 15 spots available for this workshop\, so contact us today with any questions you might have!\n\nAirBnb links for cabins where you will be lodged during the workshop:\n\nEl Trigal: https://es.airbnb.com/rooms/21275949…Rosa de Montaña: https://es.airbnb.com/rooms/21276181…El Colibrí: https://es.airbnb.com/rooms/21239316…La Libélula: https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/857860869520040145?guests=1…El Roble: https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/682837356124333465?guests=1…El Abeto: https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/683176565394719587?guests=1…
URL:https://cobworkshops.org/event/a-complete-introduction-to-natural-building-cob-wattle-and-daub-and-natural-plasters-2/
LOCATION:Clouds of El Pital Eco-Tourism Cooperative\, El Pital Mountain\, San Ignacio\, Chalatenango\, 503\, El Salvador
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://cobworkshops.org/wp-content/uploads/1-1.png
ORGANIZER;CN="Tobias%20Roberts":MAILTO:tobiasroberts20@hotmail.com
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20260107T000000
DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20260107T000000
DTSTAMP:20260405T190419
CREATED:20260107T221946Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260107T221946Z
UID:10046-1767744000-1767744000@cobworkshops.org
SUMMARY:Introduction to Cob Construction
DESCRIPTION:Introduction to Cob\n\n\nIn this one day workshop you will learn the fundamentals of building with cob. \nThis hands on class is located at SpiritWood Natural Building in Victor\, MT. Attendees will join us to construct a cob garden wall.  \n​ \nLearn the basics of cob construction; the materials and techniques used to build anything from garden walls to houses. Participants will also receive a tour of four completed structures; a balecob home\, guest house\, strawbale workshop\, and cob chicken coop. These structures use Rocket Mass Heaters (batch and J-style) for winter heat\, have finished earthen floors\, and many other natural elements for discussion. Learn how you can build a home for less than a year of rent and still be comfortable and warm. \n​ \nDuring this class you will learn to mix cob with your feet and apply with your hands. Dress for getting a bit muddy! \n​ \nPlease bring a lunch for yourself\, but feel free to join in community as we cook pizzas in our wood fired pizza oven for dinner for anyone wishing to stay after the class! \n​ \nDate: Sunday\, May 17 \nMax attendance: 12 \nTime: 10:30am-5pm (pizzas from 5:30-8pm) \nLocation: SpiritWood Natural Building\, Victor MT \nCOST:  $150 (5% discount for groups) \n​ \n​
URL:https://cobworkshops.org/event/introduction-to-cob-construction/
LOCATION:NV
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://cobworkshops.org/wp-content/uploads/Screenshot-2026-01-07-151917.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Puerto_Rico:20260118T170000
DTEND;TZID=America/Puerto_Rico:20260222T170000
DTSTAMP:20260405T190419
CREATED:20250902T160927Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250902T160927Z
UID:9933-1768755600-1771779600@cobworkshops.org
SUMMARY:Cob Pavillion with Living Reciprocal Roof in Puerto Rico!
DESCRIPTION:January 18-February 22\, 2026 Manatí\, Puerto Rico \nClay Sand Soul invites you to come warm up and get muddy this winter at Montaña Manatí\, a permaculture retreat center located minutes from Puerto Rico’s idyllic North Shore beaches. \nIn this 5-week Natural Building workshop\, you will learn: \n\nHow to analyze local Clay for making Cob and Plaster\nHow to formulate Cob for load bearing wall construction\nHow to sculpt\, embed glass bottles\, and insert windows and doors into Cob walls\nHow to formulate warm interior clay plasters and protective exterior lime plasters\nHow to attach a roof to a Cob Wall\nHow to plan\, design and build a Reciprocal Frame roof\nHow to plan\, design\, and build a cheap Living Green Roof to insulate and beautify your Cob building\nHow to formulate\, pour\, and finish a beautiful Earthen Floor\nHow to calculate materials for your own Natural Building building project\nHow to properly use tools like Drills and Saws\nHow to trust your own hands and build intuition with earthen materials\nHow to live in community for 5-weeks while creating functional art together and sharing each others struggles and successes!\n\nWorkshop tuition covers 5 weeks of hands-on building instruction\, daily classroom lectures\, 3 locally sourced healthful meals per weekday\, and camping accommodations on Montaña Manatí’s beautiful land. There are rooms for rent on site if you would prefer that option. \nPricing (special rates for PR locals and work/trade available upon inquiry) \nEarly Bird Tuition-paid by October 1 2025 $2000 \nNormal Rate-paid by November 1 2025 $2250 \nLast Minute Rate-paid by January 18 2026 $2500 \nFor more information and to register\, contact us here:\nEmail students@claysandsoul.com \nInstagram: @claysandsoul\nWebsite: www.claysandsoul.com
URL:https://cobworkshops.org/event/cob-pavillion-with-living-reciprocal-roof-in-puerto-rico/
LOCATION:Montana Manati\, United States
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://cobworkshops.org/wp-content/uploads/Copy-of-Your-paragraph-text.png
ORGANIZER;CN="Clay%20Sand%20Soul":MAILTO:claysandsoul@gmail.com
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Sydney:20260208T160000
DTEND;TZID=Australia/Sydney:20260315T160000
DTSTAMP:20260405T190419
CREATED:20250923T140356Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251104T203907Z
UID:9958-1770566400-1773590400@cobworkshops.org
SUMMARY:Tasmania Advanced Cobber “Full Build” Certification
DESCRIPTION:THE PROJECT \n  \n\n \nEugi from Argentina bit by the Cob Bug and ready for more in 2026! \n\n  \nThe 5-week Advanced Cobber Certification Workshop students will be building the first COB structure on the Land.  Until now Stefan and guests have been living in the caves\, and camping\, so this will be the first earthen shelter.  We are honored he has chosen COB\, to be built in an intimate\, sacred and soulful way and created\, as always\, with 12-15 pairs of loving and passionate muddy hands and feet.  Starting with the “boots”\, the stone foundation\, to the “hat”\, our indestructible trademark reciprocal green roof\, we will cover everything in between!  You will leave confident\, transformed\, inspired\, motivated\, excited\, and ready for more.  Be prepared for a total life makeover\, and a new strength and empowerment to fearlessly lead a life TRUE to yourself!  We see this in every workshop year after year.  It’s called “Cob Therapy”! \nWe will be building a 14m2/150ft2 round building (final size is always dependent on class number). The breathtaking reciprocal roof structure we build in all of our workshops is the strongest roof there is\, due to its interlocking spiral structure which holds itself up with no outward pressure on the monolithic round wall of the building. In addition\, it mirrors the horizontal social structure favored in indigenous societies\, who meet under these types of roofs for council circles\, as we will do weekly. \nStudents in this Advanced Cobber Certification training will\, as always\, learn all the steps to \n  \n\n \nMission Accomplished in Aubange\, Belgium in August 2025…One More Time!!!! What a Team! \n\n  \n\n \nDaniela\, a local\, shining after he first earthen sculpting experience in Costa Rica! \n\n  \nbuilding a complete Cob Building from scratch.  In week 1\, we dig the rubble trench and fill it with a sturdy 30cm-wide aesthetic stone foundation to support the wall and roof\, and finish the week off by pouring the first layer of adobe/cob floor on a layer of insulation underlain by a gravel base for drainage.  In weeks 2 & 3\, we build the monolithic cob wall\, layer by layer\, with all its detailed insertions and finish week 3 off with 2 days of relaxed sculpting.  In week 4 we plaster our beautifully-decorated and solid wall with an earthen-manure mix for 4 days.  On Friday we begin the Reciprocal Roof structure and in week 5 we complete the structure and cover it with a Green Roof.  On the final days we will finish the top of the wall as well as the second floor coat\, ready for Graduation and the Celebration on Saturday evening.  Sunday morning is our Closing Circle before the public Open House on the final Sunday\, when the final project is revealed to the outside world! \n  \n\n \nBree followed the Call from Tennessee to Costa Rica in 2025 and is now sharing what she learned with her community… \n\n  \nWe encourage non-White and multiracial students who are curious or already interested and passionate about earthen construction to come learn the art and technique of cob building with CCG.  We want a workshop that feels comfortable for non-white students\, and aim for a healthy balance of races\, cultures and languages.  CCG has taught in many countries of the world and our mission is to create access to everyone interested\, especially the local people\, so we can create international cob building families where all students grow and learn on a personal and interpersonal level.  We aim to create intercultural and interhuman bonding experiences through our Cob building workshops to heal the world one Cob house at a time.  So please follow your Heart & Soul\, listen to the Call\, and come and embark on a life-changing adventure in 2026! \n  \nDETAILED WORKSHOP DESCRIPTION \n  \n\n \nAubange\, Belgium Workshop Build in Summer of 2025 \n\n  \n\n \nThe Cob Family after 5 weeks is a result of commitment\, dedication\, hard work\, self-care\, fun and alot of love! \n\n  \n\n \nFinish Floor on Day 25…an amazing feeling of relief and satisfaction…the end is near! \n\n  \nThe 35-day Advanced Cob Building Workshop consists of 25 days (Monday through Friday) of learning & construction for 4 hours in the morning and 3 hours in the afternoon with theoretical instruction (lectures with graphics) on most Monday\, Wednesday and Friday afternoons to complement the hands-on experience.  Students arrive on Sunday between noon and 2pm and settle in. The Workshop begins at 4pm and ends on a Sunday\, 5 weeks later\, after the morning Closing Circle & Brunch\, around 2pm. Students can arrive a day or two before to acclimate and settle in (please let us know) but will need to cover their own food
 needs\, unless a work trade or meal fee is approved by Host (to be decided closer to the date). The Opening Circle begins promptly at 4pm\, followed by a Host Site Orientation at 5pm\, Dinner at 6pm and an Introduction to the Project by the Instructors at 7pm.  We require that students arrive Saturday before dark or Sunday by 2pm AT THE LATEST!!! We need to begin ALL TOGETHER\, as the most important information for the success and smooth-running of the workshop and the well-being of the students will happen on Sunday between 4pm and 8:30pm.  It is very inconvenient for students\, Host\, Instructors and the group\, when someone arrives late and misses any of the opening sessions.  Please be punctual because Monday morning at 9 am we begin digging the trench for our Cob Building and students need to be prepared and ready to go!!!! \nFollowing Breakfast from 7:30-8:15am\, the morning learning/building session begins at 8:30 am and lasts until 1pm with a 20-minute snack pause at 11am. Lunch break is from 1pm to 2:30pm\, which includes a rest time before the 3-hour afternoon session begins\, from 2:30pm-5:30pm. Mondays\, Wednesdays and Fridays there is a 60-minute lecture at 2:30pm\, followed by construction time. Tuesdays and Thursdays students begin building again right after the rest time. After class in the afternoon there is a 90-minute break before dinner (served from 7pm to 8pm)\, in which s \n  \n\n \nAlot of Joy during each phase of the workshop! Belgium\,2025 \n\n  \ntudents are encouraged to stretch\, do some type of relaxation/movement practice\, go swimming\, walking and just relax. \nThere is sometimes a work trade student officially or informally leading yoga and movement practice in the mornings or afternoons (depending on student preference). There will also be 3-4 evenings (once a week) after dinner for showing slides\, videos and having Course-related discussions. Other evenings are mostly free and sometimes students offer informal courses in their specialties and passions. Tuesdays are reserved for our weekly Council Circle\, where we do a deeper sharing and listening to attend to the inner worlds of our students\, staff & Host(s) during this intense experience. \nOn weekends students are free to explore the area\, rest onsite\, and even continue building\, subject to Instructor approval.  All weekend meals are provided by students who are welcome to use the kitchen.  Host and/or other students can carpool into town for weekend food provisions. \nThe 35-day Course will offer practical learning by building a complete 15m2 curvilinear building from foundation to roof\, as 
described in the “Project” section. Those who complete the 35-day Workshop will receive an Advanced Cobber Certificate of Completion for Foundation\, Cob Walls (which includes Door\, Windows\, Shelves\, Art\, Electrical Housing & Plumbing preparation)\, Floor\, Plaster & Roof. \nDAILY SCHEDULE \nThe daily schedule (subject to slight modifications due to climate/time of year) will be:\n7:30-8:15 Breakfast\n8:30-1:00 Class\n1:00-2:30 Lunch\n2:30-5:30 Class (Lecture on MWF’s)\n5:30-7:00 Rest/Yoga\n7:00-8:00 Dinner\n8:00-9:00 Slides/Videos/Discussion (once a week)\nStudents are expected to be on time and participate in all sessions and required activities as the goal of building a full construction depends on the whole group working together! \nCOURSE CONTENTS \nStudents will learn every phase of building a cob building from foundation through the reciprocal roof in hands-on building and lectures/theory. In addition to the lectures\,
slideshows and videos will be shown to support and enhance their understanding of cob materials\, cob building\, design\, geography\, budgeting\, business options and legal issues. \nOur hands-on practice will include: \ndigging foundation trench \npouring gravel and inserting drainage pipe (if applicable) \nbuilding foundation stemwall \nanalyzing soils and materials \nmaking test bricks \ndeciding on correct mixture \ndeciding on best location \nmaking cob w/ partner and solo
building with cob \npreparing and inserting the door \npreparing and inserting fixed and opening windows \npreparing and inserting shelves \ninserting bottle windows\, glass and other objects \ninserting electrical housing and outlet/switch boxes (when applicable)* \ninsert PVC pipe for plumbing in walls (when applicable)* \nsculpting \npreparing and applying earthen plaster (1 coat) \npouring an earthen floor (2 coats) \npreparing walls for roof connection \nbuilding reciprocal roof frame \nputting on roof sheathing and other elements \ninstalling green roof \nmaking small-scale cob designs of future projects\, time permitting \nIn addition to Cob Building practices\, the Course material
also includes: \nlegal cob construction practices & the international cob code (Appendix AU in the IRC) \ncost analysis \ncreating a cob business (building/teaching) \nassisting\, interning and teaching with CruzinCobGlobal \n*While the insertion of electrical housing and one or more outlet/switch boxes and PVC pipes to hold plumbing are always included in the workshops\, the simplicity or complexity depends on the host’s design and preferences. There will be no electrical wiring or plumbing pipes installed during workshop. That is beyond the focus of this course and requires professional experience and certification/licensing.\nTO REGISTER AND FOR MORE DETAILS PLEASE VISIT SITE: https://cruzincobglobal.org/events/tasmania-full-build-cob-cottage-workshop-near-nubeena/
URL:https://cobworkshops.org/event/tasmania-advanced-cobber-full-build-certification/
LOCATION:Stefan's Place\, Nubeena\, Tasmania\, Australia
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://cobworkshops.org/wp-content/uploads/TasmaniaCOBFlyer2026.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="CruzinCobGlobal":MAILTO:claudine@cruzincobglobal.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20260221T080000
DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20260221T150000
DTSTAMP:20260405T190419
CREATED:20260218T174659Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260218T180533Z
UID:10097-1771660800-1771686000@cobworkshops.org
SUMMARY:Workshop Series: Building a Community Tool Library – Cob Walls & Bottle Bricks
DESCRIPTION:Tool Lending Library Build \n📅 February 21 | 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM\n📍 Riverside-Corona Resource Conservation District (RCRCD)\, Riverside\, California \nJoin us for a hands-on natural building day as we continue constructing the Tool Lending Library using pallet-based cob techniques. This workday focuses on cobbing in the walls over the pallet structure and crafting bottle bricks for an artistic and light-filled upper wall installation. \nUse the provided link to make a donation that fits your education budget. This will also register you for the event. Then you will receive an email with instructions. \nParticipants will: \n• Mix and apply cob to pallet wall systems\n• Learn proper clay-sand-straw ratios and application techniques\n• Create bottle bricks for embedded art and natural lighting\n• Gain experience in low-cost\, regenerative building methods\n• Contribute to a permanent community resource \nThis project is part of an ongoing effort to build resilient infrastructure that supports tool sharing\, skill building\, and community self-reliance. \nNo prior experience is necessary. All skill levels are welcome. Wear work clothes you don’t mind getting muddy\, bring gloves\, sun protection\, and water. \nCome prepared to learn\, collaborate\, and help shape a structure that will serve the community for years to come. \n\nDiHG Eco-Prise\, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to regenerative design\, permaculture education\, and community resilience. Through hands-on workshops\, demonstration projects\, and collaborative builds\, we help communities develop practical skills in natural building\, food production\, water stewardship\, and cooperative systems. Our work focuses on creating long-term ecological health\, local self-reliance\, and shared infrastructure that supports people and planet.
URL:https://cobworkshops.org/event/workshop-series-building-a-community-tool-library-cob-walls-bottle-bricks/
LOCATION:RCRCD\, 4500 Glenwood Drive\, Riverside\, CA\, 92501\, United States
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://cobworkshops.org/wp-content/uploads/Jan-Group.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="Susan%20Krings":MAILTO:dihgeco@gmail.com
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260314
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260323
DTSTAMP:20260405T190419
CREATED:20251217T124514Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251217T124514Z
UID:10027-1773446400-1774223999@cobworkshops.org
SUMMARY:COB OVEN + BENCH | INTENSIVE | TAPALPA\, MEXICO
DESCRIPTION:Súmate a este workshop intensivo de cob teórico y práctico! Durante 8 días construiremos un horno de barro completo con banca de cob\, de inicio a fin. \nEn este workshop certificado\, aprenderás a analizar tierras arcillosas y cómo estabilizarlas para la construcción en tierra\, explorando los principios del cob como técnica constructiva\, y entendiendo las propiedades de la tierra como material de construcción. Durante esta experiencia práctica\, construirás un horno y bancas de cob completo – desde las fundaciones hasta los revestimientos finos. \nEl objetivo es dotar a los alumnos de los conocimientos y herramientas necesarios para analizar y evaluar suelos arcillosos\, así como comprender cada uno de los pasos necesarios para construir con cob. El curso consistirá en un\n70 % de práctica y un 30 % de teoría\, en el que se profundizará en diferentes técnicas de construcción natural\, todo lo relacionado con los hornos de cob\, los principios de las fundaciones de piedra\, las ventajas de la construcción con tierra\, cómo preparar y aplicar los revestimientos de tierra\, cómo esculpir con cob y mucho más. \nUna vez completado el workshop\, tendrás todas las herramientas para construir tu propio horno de cob\, y también tendrás las nociones básicas para construir muros de tierra cruda en tu proyecto. No necesitas experiencia previa! \nÚnete a esta experiencia intensiva y sé parte de la comunidad TIERRAMIGO\, obteniendo acceso al chat de la comunidad para conectar con otros\, saber sobre workshops con accesos preferenciales\, y adquirir el libro Manos al Barro: una guía práctica de bioconstrucción por un precio especial! \nQué es un horno de cob? \nEs un horno tradicional construido con una mezcla de arcilla\, arena\, paja y agua. Su funcionamiento se basa en la retención y liberación gradual del calor por parte de sus gruesas paredes de barro.\nSe caracterizan por su alta eficiencia en cuanto a retención de calor\, llegando a altas temperaturas\, en donde el calor cocina los alimentos por tres mecanismos físicos: radiación – del calor del fuego y de las paredes calientes del horno a los alimentos\, convección – del aire caliente circulando dentro del horno\, y conducción – mediante la transferencia directa del calor desde la superficie caliente hacia el alimento (el “suelo” el horno). \nAsí\, estos hornos son capaces de retener calor de forma gradual por horas\, siendo muy prácticos y versátiles para cocinar distintos alimentos: desde pizzas al instante\, hasta estofados\, carnes\, vegetales\, e incluso en el final y con el calor residual se puede aprovechar para fermentar yogurt\, deshidratar alimentos y leudar pan. \nEl cob es una técnica de construcción con tierra cruda muy inclusiva\, orgánica y creativa\, que nos permite moldear los muros\, trabajando curvas con gran facilidad. De esta manera\, podremos esculpir en torno al horno y la banca\, transformándolo en una obra de arte colectiva. \n\n\nCONTENIDO\n\n\n\n\n\nEntendiendo la arcilla y sus propiedades\nComo testar y estabilizar el suelo arcilloso para la construcción\nBeneficios de la tierra como material de construcción\nIntroducción a las técnicas de bioconstrucción\nQué es y cómo preparar cob\nPasos para diseñar y construir un horno de cob\nConstrucción de una banca de cob\nPrincipios de las fundaciones de piedra\nRevoques de tierra: cómo prepararlos\, analizarlos y aplicarlos.\nRevoques de cal y ciclo de la cal\nCómo esculpir con cob y cómo construir muros.\n\nSi tienes cualquier consulta\, puedes hacerla! Estamos aquí para ayudar.
URL:https://cobworkshops.org/event/cob-oven-bench-intensive-tapalpa-mexico/
LOCATION:Via Nativa\, Tapalpa\, Jalisco\, Mexico
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://cobworkshops.org/wp-content/uploads/WhatsApp-Image-2025-12-15-at-11.42.25.jpeg
ORGANIZER;CN="Tierramigo":MAILTO:tierramigo@gmail.com
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20260322T090000
DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20260323T170000
DTSTAMP:20260405T190419
CREATED:20260316T163015Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260316T163015Z
UID:10124-1774170000-1774285200@cobworkshops.org
SUMMARY:Earthen Oven & Community-Led Learning Workshop
DESCRIPTION:This workshop is designed for anyone interested in community-led learning\, and/or Earthen Oven construction \n \nEarthen Oven construction & functionality organically creates community resilience\, deeper connection on all levels\, & endless educational opportunities which paves the path to truly equitable outcomes. \n \nIn this workshop\, you will: \n \n–Learn the history of Earthen Ovens & Cob as well as modern applications \n–Receive hands-on instruction and practice on how to construct an oven (Overview of Foundations\, Cob\, Insulation\, Sculpting & Plasters)\, with an opportunity to join our immersive training for Fall 2026 to receive an Earthen Oven Building Certification.  \n–Learn how to assess the needs of your community & what community-led learning is \n–Gain an understanding of how to integrate clay into your community’s resilience\, connection & educational abundance \n–Become literate with the procedures to making these skills adaptable to any setting\, needs\, or community & how to achieve equity \n–Connect with community members\, share stories\, and network for future endeavors \n \n \n \nParticipants can choose 1 or 2 day involvement. Itinerary is as follows: \n \nSaturday March 21st \n9am: Meet& greet\, Community-Led Learning Part 1 \n10:30 am: Intro to Cob & Earthen Ovens \n11:00am: Cob Mixing \n12:30pm Lunch (Bring your own) Food available for purchase on site \n1:30pm: Sand Mold & Applying Cob \n4:00pm:Clean up\, Community-Led Learning Part 2 \n6pm: Dinner (Included) \n10pm: Lights Out \n \nSunday March 22 \n9am: Educational Scaffolding of Earthen Ovens & Fundraising Solutions \n10:30am: Slipstraw Insulation \n11:30am: Plasters & Sculpting \n12:30pm: Lunch (bring your own) Food available for purchase on site \n1:30pm: Therapeutic applications for earthen art \n2:30pm Sculpting/Play time \n4:00pm Clean up & Goodbyes \n \n \nComplimentary Primitive Camping is included for 2-day participants. We have (1) off-grid cabin available for rent that sleeps up to 3 for $200. Please email unboundearthschool@gmail.com to reserve. First Come\, first served.  \n \nMore details will be sent before the workshop. Thanks for your support!
URL:https://cobworkshops.org/event/earthen-oven-community-led-learning-workshop/
LOCATION:Following SEAS Farm Saluda\, SC\, 3390 HWY 702\, Chappells\, 29037\, United States
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://cobworkshops.org/wp-content/uploads/2N9A0346-scaled.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="Unbound%20Earth%20School":MAILTO:unboundearthschool@gmail.com
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20260328T080000
DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20260328T150000
DTSTAMP:20260405T190419
CREATED:20260218T175249Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260218T180323Z
UID:10100-1774684800-1774710000@cobworkshops.org
SUMMARY:Workshop Series: Building a Community Tool Library – Bottle Art Installation
DESCRIPTION:Tool Lending Library Build\n📅 March 28 | 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM📍 Riverside-Corona Resource Conservation District (RCRCD)\, Riverside\, California \nJoin us for a hands-on natural building day as we continue constructing the Tool Lending Library using pallet-based cob techniques. This workday will focus on installing the bottle art along the upper walls and cobbing the bottle bricks securely into the structure. \nUse the link above to make your donation that fits your education budget. This will be your registration and you will receive an email with further instructions. \nParticipants will: \n• Install decorative and light-transmitting bottle bricks• Learn proper bottle placement for strength and visual impact• Mix and apply cob to integrate bottle art into pallet wall systems• Gain experience in structural and artistic earthen construction• Contribute to a permanent community resource \nThis project is part of an ongoing effort to build resilient infrastructure that supports tool sharing\, skill building\, and community self-reliance. \nNo prior experience is necessary. All skill and ability levels are welcome. Wear work clothes you don’t mind getting muddy\, bring gloves\, sun protection\, and water. \nCome ready to work with earth\, creativity\, and community as we transform reclaimed materials into functional art that will serve the space for years to come. \n\nDiHG Eco-Prise\, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to regenerative design\, permaculture education\, and community resilience. Through hands-on workshops\, demonstration projects\, and collaborative builds\, we help communities develop practical skills in natural building\, food production\, water stewardship\, and cooperative systems. Our work focuses on creating long-term ecological health\, local self-reliance\, and shared infrastructure that supports people and planet.
URL:https://cobworkshops.org/event/workshop-series-building-a-community-tool-library-bottle-art-installation/
LOCATION:RCRCD\, 4500 Glenwood Drive\, Riverside\, CA\, 92501\, United States
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://cobworkshops.org/wp-content/uploads/Jan-Group-1.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="Susan%20Krings":MAILTO:dihgeco@gmail.com
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260406T080000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260412T170000
DTSTAMP:20260405T190419
CREATED:20260202T035236Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260202T035236Z
UID:10083-1775462400-1776013200@cobworkshops.org
SUMMARY:Hempcrete Design and Construction Comprehensive Training
DESCRIPTION:This spring we’ll be hosting three hands-on hempcrete workshops in Parkdale\, Oregon and Underwood\, Washington. The focus is on real-world learning and application\, combining our comprehensive lecture series covering material properties\, building science\, and systems detailing with the mixing\, forming\, and installation of hemp-lime on a full-scale residential project. \nThese trainings are intended for builders\, designers\, homeowners\, and enthusiasts looking to deepen their understanding of hempcrete and breathable building systems. \nWorkshop sessions: \nSession 1 · Parkdale\, OR · April 6–12 \nSession 2 · Underwood\, WA · April 24–30 \nSession 3 · Underwood\, WA · May 4–10 \nEach session is a comprehensive training in itself which includes the same core lecture content and extensive hands-on training constructing a beautiful home.
URL:https://cobworkshops.org/event/hempcrete-design-and-construction-comprehensive-training/
LOCATION:NV
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://cobworkshops.org/wp-content/uploads/IMG_9344.png
ORGANIZER;CN="Next%20Genesis%20Design":MAILTO:john@nextgenesisdesign.com
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260420
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260425
DTSTAMP:20260405T190419
CREATED:20251026T145337Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251026T145651Z
UID:9990-1776643200-1777075199@cobworkshops.org
SUMMARY:Intro to Cob and Straw Workshop – East Tennessee
DESCRIPTION:Dates: April 20 – April 24\, 2026 (YES. We are still having the workshop as scheduled.)\n \nLocation: Parrottsville\, Tennessee\n \nCome and join us in beautiful eastern Tennessee for our next Introduction to Cob and Straw Workshop! We will be constructing both a cob building and a straw-clay building\, and pouring an earthen floor! This workshop is perfect for beginners and experts alike! You will get the expert knowledge to build with cob and straw! Either for small-scale structures or large-scale projects like homes and buildings. \nThis workshop is a great experience to learn how to build with cob and straw\, and to get a broad learning overview of natural building techniques. You will get a solid foundation in natural building fundamentals. You will learn the advantages of high thermal mass cob versus high insulation straw materials. We will be constructing the walls on a new cob structure and a straw-clay building\, mixing and applying lime plaster\, and studying Natural Building together each day. You will also get to see living examples on-site of a completed cob building and straw-clay building. These are excellent examples that you can learn a lot from! After this workshop\, you will have the basic experience and confidence to design and build your own cob and straw constructions or buildings. \n \nHands-On Work Topics: \n– How to make cob (learn how to make cob with the tarp method and with machinery) \n– How to build cob walls using traditional hand-sculpting and using innovative slipforms (learn all the great advantages of building cob walls with forms) \n– How to make straw-clay (also known as light-straw-clay) and hempcrete! \n– How to build highly insulating straw-clay and hempcrete walls (learn how to frame and pack the walls) \n– Selecting and testing soils for cob and straw-clay (learn several ways to test your soil composition) \n– We will be pouring an earthen floor in this class. A very unique experience! \n– Lime Plaster Finishing (learn how to mix and apply lime plaster finishes to your walls) \n– Create your own Dorodango – polished earth sphere! A fun project that you can take home with you. \n– Creating window and door frames in cob walls (learn how to install frames into cob walls) \n  \nClassroom and Discussion Topics: \n– Site selection and design (includes Passive Solar design principles) \n– Materials and tools (covers traditional and modern cob building toolset and materials) \n– Building Solid Foundations (learn all about constructing proper building foundations) \n– Building codes and how to successfully get building permits for cob homes and straw homes. \n– Best practices for building a healthy\, non-toxic home. \n– Basic Electrical and Plumbing integration for cob homes and straw homes \n– Installing windows and doors \n– Roofing and Bond Beams. Proper roof ventilation practices! \n– Natural plasters and finishes (Vapor Permeable / “Breathable” finishes) \n– Overview of all Natural Building materials\, and how to hybridize them! \n \nThis workshop is a unique experience for people to learn about building cob homes and light-straw-clay homes\, and to get an overview of Natural Building. Not only are there plenty of hands-on lessons to learn from\, but we will also have ample discussion and informal classroom time. Most cob workshops and strawbale workshops don’t cover this many topics. But here\, you will learn all the core lessons needed to start building from this one workshop! \nPlus – there will be many hours of discussions about building cob homes and natural building throughout the workshop. Its a great way to get your questions answered and brainstorm your building ideas! \n \nThe workshop will be held at Little Hills Farm in Parrottsville\, Tennessee. Enjoy the workshop in this natural environment on a small\, health-conscious farm. \n \nEach day will begin at 9:00 AM\, and the days will include hands-on building\, classroom sessions\, discussions\, and learning activities related to cob\, straw\, and natural building topics. We will break for lunch between 12:00 to 1:00 PM\, and we will complete each day at around 4:00 PM. They will be full-packed days! Worth your every penny! \nTeacher \n \nThe workshop will be taught by Alex Sumerall\, an east coast Earth Building Mason who has a focus on creating earthen structures that are healthy\, aesthetically pleasing\, and functional for modern life. He is the owner of This Cob House\, which is dedicated to teaching people about cob and earthen building techniques. Alex has been practicing earthen building since 2011. He graduated from the Aprovecho School of Natural Building in 2013 in Cottage Grove\, Oregon\, and continues to teach\, present\, consult\, and construct. \n  \nListen to the great things that our workshop participants are saying! \n  \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n“The cob workshop was a life-changing experience. I learned a lot about natural building\, not only from Alex’s instruction\, experience and demonstrations\, but from interacting with people from different backgrounds who were a great source of collective knowledge. The hands-on experience was priceless!” \n\n\nTony Romo\, Texas \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n“The Cob Building Workshop was a great investment of my time! It was well organized\, extremely inspiring\, and FUN! Alex was able to explain construction basics to neophytes like me\, yet he could also answer the complex questions asked by the more experienced workshop attendees. I can’t wait until the next workshop!” \n\n\nMarybeth Babos\, Tennessee \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n“We thoroughly enjoyed and benefited tremendously from our Building With Cob workshop experience with you. Workshops that are fun\, informative and full of practical application and guidance through hands-on experiential learning like this are a real joy. \nAs an instructor we found you to be knowledgeable\, well organized and flexible addressing the needs and questions that came up.  We appreciated your careful considered responses to every one of the many and varied questions our group threw your way.  And the pace and mix of lecture and activity was just right for us. \nThank you Alex for a workshop that did all you said it would do\, and more!” \n\n\nWes Shattuck\, New Hampshire \n\n\n\n\n \nLodging \nThere are two options for lodging: free camping on site\, or making reservations at one of the local hotels or AirBnBs. Hotels are available in the neighboring towns of Greeneville\, Newport\, Parrottsville\, and Hot Springs. \nNearby is the Briggs Brother’s Ranch in Parrottsville\, TN (highly recommended). \nCampers will have access to a private composting toilet and a private outdoor shower. \nThe workshop location has running water available\, and an electrical hookup to charge phones and small devices. \n \nFood \nMeals will not be included in this workshop so participants will need to provide their own food and drinks. There are several local restaurants and grocery stores nearby the workshop site. \nEach student is responsible for their own meal preparation. An hour for lunch is provided\, allowing adequate time for food\, a quick nap\, or trip into town. Coolers are welcome and encouraged! \nRecreation & Surroundings \nParrottsville is located near the edge of the Appalachian Mountains in eastern Tennessee. It is a beautiful area\, and there are many scenic places to visit nearby. You can also travel to places like Gatlinburg\, TN or Asheville\, NC within a one hour driving time from the workshop site. \nFamily & Group 10% Discounts \nAsk about the 10% discount. We encourage group & family activities because it enhances learning among your support group. Email me at alex@thiscobhouse.com for custom group/family invoice. \nTeens accompanying a parent/guardian are half price. Children under 13 accompanying a parent/guardian are free. \nChildren/young people of any age are welcome to join in and learn. Please be aware that some areas are under construction\, as is the purpose of this workshop\, but it is generally child-safe. \nPlease email me to register with the group/family discount. For normal registration\, please sign up below.\n \nIf you have any other questions about the workshop\, please feel free to email me at alex@thiscobhouse.com \nPrice: $499 \nClick Here to Register
URL:https://cobworkshops.org/event/intro-to-cob-and-straw-workshop-east-tennessee-7/
LOCATION:This Cob House\, Greeneville\, TN\, 37743\, United States
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://cobworkshops.org/wp-content/uploads/cob-house-workshop-rotated.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="Alex%20Sumerall":MAILTO:alex@thiscobhouse.com
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260424T080000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260430T170000
DTSTAMP:20260405T190419
CREATED:20260202T035703Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260202T035703Z
UID:10086-1777017600-1777568400@cobworkshops.org
SUMMARY:Hempcrete Design and Installation Comprehensive Training
DESCRIPTION:This spring we’ll be hosting three hands-on hempcrete workshops in Parkdale\, Oregon and Underwood\, Washington. The focus is on real-world learning and application\, combining our comprehensive lecture series covering material properties\, building science\, and systems detailing with the mixing\, forming\, and installation of hemp-lime on a full-scale residential project. \nThese trainings are intended for builders\, designers\, homeowners\, and enthusiasts looking to deepen their understanding of hempcrete and breathable building systems. \nWorkshop sessions: \nSession 1 · Parkdale\, OR · April 6–12 \nSession 2 · Underwood\, WA · April 24–30 \nSession 3 · Underwood\, WA · May 4–10 \nEach session is a comprehensive training in itself which includes the same core lecture content and extensive hands-on training constructing a beautiful home.
URL:https://cobworkshops.org/event/hempcrete-design-and-installation-comprehensive-training/
LOCATION:NV
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://cobworkshops.org/wp-content/uploads/IMG_9344-1.png
ORGANIZER;CN="Next%20Genesis%20Design":MAILTO:john@nextgenesisdesign.com
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20260425T080000
DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20260425T150000
DTSTAMP:20260405T190419
CREATED:20260218T180029Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260325T174200Z
UID:10103-1777104000-1777129200@cobworkshops.org
SUMMARY:Workshop Series: Building a Community Tool Library – Cob Walls & Bottle Art
DESCRIPTION:Tool Lending Library Build – Cob walls and Bottle Art\n📅 April 25 | 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM📍 Riverside-Corona Resource Conservation District (RCRCD)\, Riverside\, California \nJoin us for a hands-on natural building day as we continue constructing our Tool Lending Library. \nThis workshop will focus on bottle brick making and installation into our cob structure in the upper walls and vertical voids. \nUse the provided link to make a donation that fits your education budget. This will also be your registration. You will receive an email with further information and instructions. \nNo prior experience is necessary. All skill levels are welcome. Wear work clothes you don’t mind getting dusty or muddy\, bring gloves\, sun protection\, and water. \nCome ready to work with earth and community as we create a floor that will serve this shared resource for decades to come. \n\nDiHG Eco-Prise\, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to regenerative design\, permaculture education\, and community resilience. Through hands-on workshops\, demonstration projects\, and collaborative builds\, we help communities develop practical skills in natural building\, food production\, water stewardship\, and cooperative systems. Our work focuses on creating long-term ecological health\, local self-reliance\, and shared infrastructure that supports people and planet.
URL:https://cobworkshops.org/event/workshop-series-building-a-community-tool-library-earthen-floor/
LOCATION:RCRCD\, 4500 Glenwood Drive\, Riverside\, CA\, 92501\, United States
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://cobworkshops.org/wp-content/uploads/Jan-Group-2.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="Susan%20Krings":MAILTO:dihgeco@gmail.com
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260501
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260511
DTSTAMP:20260405T190419
CREATED:20251217T125910Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251217T125910Z
UID:10032-1777593600-1778457599@cobworkshops.org
SUMMARY:COB OVEN + ADOBE THERMAL MASS HEATER | INTENSIVE | GRÂNDOLA\, PORTUGAL
DESCRIPTION:Join us for a theoretical and hands-on workshop focusing on earthen building through the techniques of cob and adobe. In this 10-day intensive workshop\, we will build a complete cob oven with a built-in grill and working table\, as well as a full adobe mass heater inside an ongoing Earthship project. \nIn this certified workshop\, you’ll learn how to analyze and stabilize clay-soil mixtures for earthen building\, exploring the principles of adobe and cob as building techniques. Through this hands-on experience\, you will build a full cob oven—from foundations to finish plasters—and a thermal mass heater\, from preparing the adobe bricks all the way to completion. \nThe aim is to equip students with the knowledge and tools to test and analyze clay soils\, and to understand each step involved in building a cob oven and a thermal mass heater. We will have 70% hands-on practice and 30% theoretical learning\, diving into different natural building techniques\, everything about cob ovens\, stone-foundation principles\, the benefits of earthen building\, how to prepare and apply earthen plasters\, how to sculpt with cob\, and much more! \nOnce the workshop is completed\, you will have the skills to build your own cob oven and/or thermal mass heater\, and you will also be able to begin building your own earthen walls for your projects. \nJoin us for this intensive experience and become part of the TIERRAMIGO community\, gaining access to the community chat to connect with others\, learn about additional trainings with discounts\, and get the Earthen Hands book for a special price! \n  \nWhat is a cob oven? \nIt is a traditional oven built with a mixture of clay\, sand\, straw\, and water. Its operation is based on the retention and gradual release of heat by its thick earthen walls. These ovens are known for their high heat-retention efficiency\, reaching very high temperatures\, where the heat cooks food through three physical mechanisms: radiation – heat from the fire and the hot walls toward the food\, convection – hot air circulating inside the oven\, and conduction – the direct transfer of heat from the hot surface to the food (the oven floor). \nThus\, these ovens are capable of gradually retaining heat for hours\, making them very practical and versatile for cooking different foods: from instant pizzas to stews\, meats\, vegetables\, and even—at the end\, using the residual heat—for fermenting yogurt\, dehydrating foods\, and proofing bread. \nCob is a very inclusive\, organic\, and creative earth-building technique that allows us to shape walls freely\, working with curves very easily. In this way\, we can sculpt around the oven and its bench\, turning it into a collective work of art. \n\nWhat is an adobe thermal mass heater?  \nThe principle behind this stove is thermal mass: since it is built with adobe bricks\, they are able to store the heat from combustion and retain it for a longer time\, gradually releasing it into the environment. \nThe stove features double combustion\, making the burning of firewood more efficient and making better use of the resource. Secondary combustion allows for cleaner burning and better utilization of the wood. This is achieved by introducing more air in a second stage. It enables a more efficient use of the fuel\, minimizing the toxic effects generated by burning wood. \n  \n\n\nCONTENT\n\n\n\n\n\nUnderstanding clay and its properties\nHow to test and assess clay soil for building\nIntroduction to other natural building techniques\nBenefits of earth as a building material\nHow to prepare adobe\, from the forms to final sun-dried brick\nCob oven steps and how to design and build your own\nAdobe mass heater steps and how to design and build your own\nStone foundation principles\nEarthen plasters: how to test\, stabilize and apply fine plasters\nLime plasters and lime cycle\nSculpting with cob\n\nFeel free to ask questions throughout – we are here to help!
URL:https://cobworkshops.org/event/cob-oven-adobe-thermal-mass-heater-intensive-grandola-portugal/
LOCATION:NV
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://cobworkshops.org/wp-content/uploads/WhatsApp-Image-2025-12-15-at-12.09.32.jpeg
ORGANIZER;CN="Tierramigo":MAILTO:tierramigo@gmail.com
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260504T080000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260510T170000
DTSTAMP:20260405T190419
CREATED:20260202T035936Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260202T035936Z
UID:10089-1777881600-1778432400@cobworkshops.org
SUMMARY:Hempcrete Design and Installation Comprehensive Training
DESCRIPTION:This spring we’ll be hosting three hands-on hempcrete workshops in Parkdale\, Oregon and Underwood\, Washington. The focus is on real-world learning and application\, combining our comprehensive lecture series covering material properties\, building science\, and systems detailing with the mixing\, forming\, and installation of hemp-lime on a full-scale residential project. \nThese trainings are intended for builders\, designers\, homeowners\, and enthusiasts looking to deepen their understanding of hempcrete and breathable building systems. \nWorkshop sessions: \nSession 1 · Parkdale\, OR · April 6–12 \nSession 2 · Underwood\, WA · April 24–30 \nSession 3 · Underwood\, WA · May 4–10 \nEach session is a comprehensive training in itself which includes the same core lecture content and extensive hands-on training constructing a beautiful home.
URL:https://cobworkshops.org/event/hempcrete-design-and-installation-comprehensive-training-2/
LOCATION:NV
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://cobworkshops.org/wp-content/uploads/IMG_9344-2.png
ORGANIZER;CN="Next%20Genesis%20Design":MAILTO:john@nextgenesisdesign.com
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Vancouver:20260514T153000
DTEND;TZID=America/Vancouver:20260518T110000
DTSTAMP:20260405T190419
CREATED:20260321T203021Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260322T010414Z
UID:10138-1778772600-1779102000@cobworkshops.org
SUMMARY:Focusing on Natural Building Finishing…the Fast Cob Way!
DESCRIPTION:We are continuing our 19 year tradition of hosting Fast Cob Natural Building Workshops…and it begins with this Finishing Workshop. \nTogether\, we’ll learn… \n\n“first layer” of plastering (which nobody else teaches and helps make our Fast Cob building technique even easier and faster…at least 30X faster than any other method!)\,\nthe gorgeous finish layer with two different aggregates (sand or lime)\,\nhow to make and use 100% natural pigment paints (using lime plaster and flour)\, and\nthe Magic of Tadelakt…a water-resistant and repellent technique from Morocco that turns powered lime back into limestone!\n\nWe’ve made finishing not only gorgeous\, but very easy.  Just like our Fast Cob building technique. \nOur regular lime plaster is perfect for areas subjected to water spray (like showers and around sinks).  Our sand plaster is limit-less in its applications and is dirt cheap. \nOur natural paints are completely non-toxic at every stage and as vibrant as any paint\, ranging from bright white\, to yellows\, oranges\, reds\, greens\, blue\, purple and black.  All from our Mother Earth. \nOur Workshops begin on a Thursday evening with a welcoming dinner and end with a Farewell breakfast on Monday before you depart on the 11 am passenger-only ferry. \nFood\, Food\, and more Food! \nEvery workshop day\, we start with a hot\, hearty breakfast (with a Q&A)\, after which we start learning.  In the morning\, two hands-on sessions sandwich a hearty snack break.  A hot\, hearty lunch (with another Q&A session)\, will make sure we have the strength and stamina to absorb all the learning we can during the afternoon session.  After an hour break to clean-up\, a hot gourmet dinner accompanies a daily recap on lessons learned and sets the stage for an evening discussion among ourselves or with an invited guest from the Community. \nPlease visit our workshop page for all the details and to fill in our online application.  This course will prepare you to excel in our All-the-Basics Fast Cob Workshop in June.  It is also part of our Complete Builder’s Programme. \nWe offer discounts to those who register in pairs or who take multiple workshops with us.  Please note that all of our fees are in Canadian dollars; if your currency is US or Euro\, our fees are significantly less (30-50% less!).
URL:https://cobworkshops.org/event/focusing-on-natural-building-finishingthe-fast-cob-way-3/
LOCATION:Lasqueti Island\, 1 Beautiful Bicycle Lane\, Lasqueti Island\, BC\, V0R 2J0\, Canada
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://cobworkshops.org/wp-content/uploads/Door-with-sunbeam-and-flowers-scaled.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="Dave%20Olsen":MAILTO:cob@lasqueti.ca
GEO:49.4863406;-124.2758774
X-APPLE-STRUCTURED-LOCATION;VALUE=URI;X-ADDRESS=Lasqueti Island 1 Beautiful Bicycle Lane Lasqueti Island BC V0R 2J0 Canada;X-APPLE-RADIUS=500;X-TITLE=1 Beautiful Bicycle Lane:geo:-124.2758774,49.4863406
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Vancouver:20260514T153000
DTEND;TZID=America/Vancouver:20260907T110000
DTSTAMP:20260405T190419
CREATED:20260322T004315Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260322T004315Z
UID:10147-1778772600-1788778800@cobworkshops.org
SUMMARY:The Complete Builder’s Programme\, the Fast Cob Way!
DESCRIPTION:This Programme will not only give you ALL the skills you need to build your home\, it will allow you to start – and finish – your own building this year! \nAfter 19 years of providing effective\, proven Natural Building skills (i.e.\, Fast Cob\, the Fastest Build on Earth!) to all of our participants\, it’s time to up the ante. \nWe’ve been tinkering with the deeper aspects of how to learn all the skills you need to get building NOW\, and we’re very proud to announce our newest offering: The Complete Fast Cob Builder’s Programme! \nFor the past 5 years\, we’ve known that learning how to finish Fast Cob buildings first\, makes it even easier to learn how to build them faster…everyone who has taken this path has readily agreed. \nBut there have been a couple of aspects of building that we haven’t taught because it just wasn’t easy (and therefore not safe) to do so.  That just changed. \nOur new Advanced Fast Cob workshop adds those pieces in to give you the COMPLETE package to start building THIS YEAR! \nNot only will we show you how to put a roof on a Fast Cob building\, we’ll show you how to build a stacked rock foundation\, which will empower you to go home and literally start building. \nThe best part of this new programme is that we also make all of this learning affordable\, by offering deep discounts to those that really want to get building this year.  This is due to our desire to help make more effective Natural Builders in this crazy\, insane world. \nHere are the dates of our 2026 Fast Cob Workshops; all 3 are included in the Complete Fast Cob Builder’s Programme: \n\nMay 14-May 18 – Focus on Finishing; Thursday to Monday\nJune 25-29 – All the Basics of Building from Thursday to Monday\nSeptember 3-7 – Roofs & Foundations for Fast Cobbers from Thursday to Monday\n\nThursdays and Mondays are travel days with a Welcome Dinner and Farewell Breakfast included. \nBy registering for all of our workshops together\, we are offering you a huge discount: $900!  Our workshops are always focused entirely on learning – your learning – and this is the ultimate package\, which includes all 3 workshops\, all (hot\, organic) meals and camping facilities\, as well as all of the building and training materials that you’ll need for each workshop.  Please note that all of our fees are in Canadian dollars; if your currency is US or Euro\, our fees are significantly less (30-50% less!). \nPlease see our website for all the details: https://cob.lasqueti.ca/workshops.  Our goal is to get more Fast Cobbers into the world so that every other technique becomes obsolete and our earth’s resources are fully respected and used as wisely as possible.
URL:https://cobworkshops.org/event/the-complete-builders-programme-the-fast-cob-way/
LOCATION:Lasqueti Island\, 1 Beautiful Bicycle Lane\, Lasqueti Island\, BC\, V0R 2J0\, Canada
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://cobworkshops.org/wp-content/uploads/Red-A-on-stairs-scaled.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="Dave%20Olsen":MAILTO:cob@lasqueti.ca
GEO:49.4863406;-124.2758774
X-APPLE-STRUCTURED-LOCATION;VALUE=URI;X-ADDRESS=Lasqueti Island 1 Beautiful Bicycle Lane Lasqueti Island BC V0R 2J0 Canada;X-APPLE-RADIUS=500;X-TITLE=1 Beautiful Bicycle Lane:geo:-124.2758774,49.4863406
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20260516T103000
DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20260516T173000
DTSTAMP:20260405T190419
CREATED:20220224T040153Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260107T221356Z
UID:8203-1778927400-1778952600@cobworkshops.org
SUMMARY:Intro to Cob Construction — Montana
DESCRIPTION:Introduction to Cob\n\n\nIn this one day workshop you will learn the fundamentals of building with cob. \n\nThis hands on class is located at SpiritWood Natural Building in Victor\, MT. Attendees will join us to construct a cob garden wall.  \n​ \nLearn the basics of cob construction; the materials and techniques used to build anything from garden walls to houses. Participants will also receive a tour of four completed structures; a balecob home\, guest house\, strawbale workshop\, and cob chicken coop. These structures use Rocket Mass Heaters (batch and J-style) for winter heat\, have finished earthen floors\, and many other natural elements for discussion. Learn how you can build a home for less than a year of rent and still be comfortable and warm. \n​ \nDuring this class you will learn to mix cob with your feet and apply with your hands. Dress for getting a bit muddy! \n​ \nPlease bring a lunch for yourself\, but feel free to join in community as we cook pizzas in our wood fired pizza oven for dinner for anyone wishing to stay after the class! \n​ \nDate: Saturday\, May 16 \nMax attendance: 12 \nTime: 10:30am-5pm (pizzas from 5:30-8pm) \nLocation: SpiritWood Natural Building\, Victor MT \nCOST:  $150 (5% Discount for Groups)
URL:https://cobworkshops.org/event/intro-to-cob-construction-2/2026-05-16/
LOCATION:SpiritWood Natural Building\, Victor Montana\, Victor\, MT\, 59875\, United States
CATEGORIES:Workshop
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://cobworkshops.org/wp-content/uploads/Screenshot-2025-01-24-102855.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="SpiritWood%20Natural%20Building":MAILTO:spiritwoodnaturalbuilding@gmail.com
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260518
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260523
DTSTAMP:20260405T190419
CREATED:20251026T145814Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251026T145925Z
UID:9995-1779062400-1779494399@cobworkshops.org
SUMMARY:Intro to Cob and Straw Workshop – East Tennessee
DESCRIPTION:Dates: May 18 – May 22\, 2026 (YES. We are still having the workshop as scheduled.)\n \nLocation: Parrottsville\, Tennessee\n \nCome and join us in beautiful eastern Tennessee for our next Introduction to Cob and Straw Workshop! We will be constructing both a cob building and a straw-clay building\, and pouring an earthen floor! This workshop is perfect for beginners and experts alike! You will get the expert knowledge to build with cob and straw! Either for small-scale structures or large-scale projects like homes and buildings. \nThis workshop is a great experience to learn how to build with cob and straw\, and to get a broad learning overview of natural building techniques. You will get a solid foundation in natural building fundamentals. You will learn the advantages of high thermal mass cob versus high insulation straw materials. We will be constructing the walls on a new cob structure and a straw-clay building\, mixing and applying lime plaster\, and studying Natural Building together each day. You will also get to see living examples on-site of a completed cob building and straw-clay building. These are excellent examples that you can learn a lot from! After this workshop\, you will have the basic experience and confidence to design and build your own cob and straw constructions or buildings. \n \nHands-On Work Topics: \n– How to make cob (learn how to make cob with the tarp method and with machinery) \n– How to build cob walls using traditional hand-sculpting and using innovative slipforms (learn all the great advantages of building cob walls with forms) \n– How to make straw-clay (also known as light-straw-clay) and hempcrete! \n– How to build highly insulating straw-clay and hempcrete walls (learn how to frame and pack the walls) \n– Selecting and testing soils for cob and straw-clay (learn several ways to test your soil composition) \n– We will be pouring an earthen floor in this class. A very unique experience! \n– Lime Plaster Finishing (learn how to mix and apply lime plaster finishes to your walls) \n– Create your own Dorodango – polished earth sphere! A fun project that you can take home with you. \n– Creating window and door frames in cob walls (learn how to install frames into cob walls) \n  \nClassroom and Discussion Topics: \n– Site selection and design (includes Passive Solar design principles) \n– Materials and tools (covers traditional and modern cob building toolset and materials) \n– Building Solid Foundations (learn all about constructing proper building foundations) \n– Building codes and how to successfully get building permits for cob homes and straw homes. \n– Best practices for building a healthy\, non-toxic home. \n– Basic Electrical and Plumbing integration for cob homes and straw homes \n– Installing windows and doors \n– Roofing and Bond Beams. Proper roof ventilation practices! \n– Natural plasters and finishes (Vapor Permeable / “Breathable” finishes) \n– Overview of all Natural Building materials\, and how to hybridize them! \n \nThis workshop is a unique experience for people to learn about building cob homes and light-straw-clay homes\, and to get an overview of Natural Building. Not only are there plenty of hands-on lessons to learn from\, but we will also have ample discussion and informal classroom time. Most cob workshops and strawbale workshops don’t cover this many topics. But here\, you will learn all the core lessons needed to start building from this one workshop! \nPlus – there will be many hours of discussions about building cob homes and natural building throughout the workshop. Its a great way to get your questions answered and brainstorm your building ideas! \n \nThe workshop will be held at Little Hills Farm in Parrottsville\, Tennessee. Enjoy the workshop in this natural environment on a small\, health-conscious farm. \n \nEach day will begin at 9:00 AM\, and the days will include hands-on building\, classroom sessions\, discussions\, and learning activities related to cob\, straw\, and natural building topics. We will break for lunch between 12:00 to 1:00 PM\, and we will complete each day at around 4:00 PM. They will be full-packed days! Worth your every penny! \nTeacher \n \nThe workshop will be taught by Alex Sumerall\, an east coast Earth Building Mason who has a focus on creating earthen structures that are healthy\, aesthetically pleasing\, and functional for modern life. He is the owner of This Cob House\, which is dedicated to teaching people about cob and earthen building techniques. Alex has been practicing earthen building since 2011. He graduated from the Aprovecho School of Natural Building in 2013 in Cottage Grove\, Oregon\, and continues to teach\, present\, consult\, and construct. \n  \nListen to the great things that our workshop participants are saying! \n  \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n“The cob workshop was a life-changing experience. I learned a lot about natural building\, not only from Alex’s instruction\, experience and demonstrations\, but from interacting with people from different backgrounds who were a great source of collective knowledge. The hands-on experience was priceless!” \n\n\nTony Romo\, Texas \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n“The Cob Building Workshop was a great investment of my time! It was well organized\, extremely inspiring\, and FUN! Alex was able to explain construction basics to neophytes like me\, yet he could also answer the complex questions asked by the more experienced workshop attendees. I can’t wait until the next workshop!” \n\n\nMarybeth Babos\, Tennessee \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n“We thoroughly enjoyed and benefited tremendously from our Building With Cob workshop experience with you. Workshops that are fun\, informative and full of practical application and guidance through hands-on experiential learning like this are a real joy. \nAs an instructor we found you to be knowledgeable\, well organized and flexible addressing the needs and questions that came up.  We appreciated your careful considered responses to every one of the many and varied questions our group threw your way.  And the pace and mix of lecture and activity was just right for us. \nThank you Alex for a workshop that did all you said it would do\, and more!” \n\n\nWes Shattuck\, New Hampshire \n\n\n\n\n \nLodging \nThere are two options for lodging: free camping on site\, or making reservations at one of the local hotels or AirBnBs. Hotels are available in the neighboring towns of Greeneville\, Newport\, Parrottsville\, and Hot Springs. \nNearby is the Briggs Brother’s Ranch in Parrottsville\, TN (highly recommended). \nCampers will have access to a private composting toilet and a private outdoor shower. \nThe workshop location has running water available\, and an electrical hookup to charge phones and small devices. \n \nFood \nMeals will not be included in this workshop so participants will need to provide their own food and drinks. There are several local restaurants and grocery stores nearby the workshop site. \nEach student is responsible for their own meal preparation. An hour for lunch is provided\, allowing adequate time for food\, a quick nap\, or trip into town. Coolers are welcome and encouraged! \nRecreation & Surroundings \nParrottsville is located near the edge of the Appalachian Mountains in eastern Tennessee. It is a beautiful area\, and there are many scenic places to visit nearby. You can also travel to places like Gatlinburg\, TN or Asheville\, NC within a one hour driving time from the workshop site. \nFamily & Group 10% Discounts \nAsk about the 10% discount. We encourage group & family activities because it enhances learning among your support group. Email me at alex@thiscobhouse.com for custom group/family invoice. \nTeens accompanying a parent/guardian are half price. Children under 13 accompanying a parent/guardian are free. \nChildren/young people of any age are welcome to join in and learn. Please be aware that some areas are under construction\, as is the purpose of this workshop\, but it is generally child-safe. \nPlease email me to register with the group/family discount. For normal registration\, please sign up below.\n \nIf you have any other questions about the workshop\, please feel free to email me at alex@thiscobhouse.com \nPrice: $499 \nClick Here to Register \n 
URL:https://cobworkshops.org/event/intro-to-cob-and-straw-workshop-east-tennessee-8/
LOCATION:This Cob House\, Greeneville\, TN\, 37743\, United States
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://cobworkshops.org/wp-content/uploads/cob-house-workshop-1-rotated.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="Alex%20Sumerall":MAILTO:alex@thiscobhouse.com
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20260523T080000
DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20260523T150000
DTSTAMP:20260405T190419
CREATED:20260218T181409Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260325T174417Z
UID:10109-1779523200-1779548400@cobworkshops.org
SUMMARY:Workshop Series: Building a Community Tool Library – Cob Walls & Bottle Art
DESCRIPTION:Tool Lending Library Build – Cob Walls and Bottle Art\n📅 May 23 | 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM\n📍 Riverside-Corona Resource Conservation District (RCRCD)\, Riverside\, California \nJoin us for a hands-on workshop as we continue developing the Tool Lending Library. \nNo prior experience is necessary. All skill levels are welcome. Wear work clothes you don’t mind getting dusty or muddy\, and bring gloves\, sun protection\, and water. \nUse the provided link to make a donation that fits your education budget. This will also register you for the event. You will then receive an email with instructions. \nCome ready to collaborate\, refine\, and help complete a space that will serve the community for years to come. \n\nDiHG Eco-Prise\, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to regenerative design\, permaculture education\, and community resilience. Through hands-on workshops\, demonstration projects\, and collaborative builds\, we help communities develop practical skills in natural building\, food production\, water stewardship\, and cooperative systems. Our work focuses on creating long-term ecological health\, local self-reliance\, and shared infrastructure that supports people and planet.
URL:https://cobworkshops.org/event/workshop-series-building-a-community-tool-library-interior-fixtures/
LOCATION:RCRCD\, 4500 Glenwood Drive\, Riverside\, CA\, 92501\, United States
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://cobworkshops.org/wp-content/uploads/Jan-Group-3.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="Susan%20Krings":MAILTO:dihgeco@gmail.com
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260531T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260705T140000
DTSTAMP:20260405T190419
CREATED:20260124T204635Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260124T204635Z
UID:10069-1780228800-1783260000@cobworkshops.org
SUMMARY:California Complete Cob Bungalow in Santa Cruz\, California!
DESCRIPTION:OUR GRACIOUS HOST\n  \n  \n \nNovember 2025 Site & Host Visit! \n\n  \nHi there! My name is Jacob. Originally from Western New York\, I grew up fishing\, hunting and helping my parents around our 20-acre homestead. My family raised us close to nature\, and we believed strongly in conservation of natural resources\, including woodlands\, wetlands\, and wildlife. Later in life\, protecting these resources is written into the laws I have applied to certified organic farms over the last 18 years of my career. When I moved to California for the AmeriCorps program\, I was lucky enough to work for a tribal health organization in Sacramento\, serving rural Native health clinics all throughout the state. Afterwards\, I spent two years canvassing for environmental and social justice campaigns before studying water policy and natural resource conservation\, along with Native American studies and tri \n  \n \nWelcome to 5 weeks in Paradise! \n\n  \nbal water rights. I have been lucky enough to purchase and care for an off-grid property bordering California’s oldest State Park\, Big Basin\, which is where my own homesteading journey began. \n  \n \nThe View from Sunrise to Sunset \n\n  \nCommunity is nothing without people. This workshop is a grand effort to reseed the land with people to regenerate real community. This very special place has been through a lot. Being logged almost 100 years ago\, the Big Basin area more recently experienced an 80\,000 acre megafire. Five years later\, the larger community of people (all off grid)\, as well as the plants\, animals\, and insects are regenerating and resilient. However\, out of the seven homes that were thriving on this specific mountain\, only one has been rebuilt after the fire. This makes our effort to build a natural\, fire resistant\, and healing home space more important now more than ever. I have been able to create a strong foothold\, and planted a small orchard\, but now it is time to create a space to help bring people back to the land. I am infinitely grateful to all those who choose to come learn\, share\, and dance this dream into reality. \nJune on the Central Coast of California is a sublime season to work in. Sunny\, but cool\, with temps not much higher tha \n  \n \nGoin’ in!!! \n\n  \nn 80 F\, and not lower than 50F at night. Locals dress in layers. Sweaters or jackets in the morning\, make way for shirts and shorts at midday and back to jackets or hoodies in the evening. The sun is strong here\, so sun-ware and protection are important considerations. \nThe building site is a scenic\, 20 min (15 mph) drive from the beach on a bumpy dirt road. There is a small pool onsite and creek swimming spots to cool down on the weekends\, along with plenty of beauty as we regularly gaze at 360 degrees and ocean views. Wi-Fi is here\, as well \n  \n \nThe super-friendly welcome crew: Juniper & Georgina \n\n  \nas solar power for devices. An hour’s drive away is the artsy\, surf town of Santa Cruz\, CA\, where there are many live music venues & events year-round\, natural food stores\, and more yoga studios than you can shake a stick at. San Francisco is a 1.5-hour drive\, and there are world class beaches and surf breaks along the whole coast to explore. We do have two sweet sister dogs that will be excited to greet everyone. I have a “condo-kennel” they sleep or relax in\, but they are generally around and may want to help us dig! Juniper and Georgina can be excitable\, but they are friendly and will settle in. \nCamp sites will have views\, and I have no doubt you will be excited to call this place home for five weeks. Come join us on Mt. Shelby for an unforgettable experience of beauty\, work\, and community! Thank you and blessings. \n  \n  \n\n\nLOCATION\nOne of the most breathtaking and magical cob workshop sites hands down!  Just a 20-minute drive north from Santa Cruz\, California\, you will not want to leave on the weekends\, well\, maybe to go to the Pacific Ocean!  Root Rock Farm in the Big Basin State Park area will be our home for 5 weeks\, close and far from civilization.  Many people will be driving in and some will be flying in.  As Jacob said above\, the California coastal weather can change quickly and usually has a constant pattern of foggy cool ams and pms as the ocean air drifts over the cool ocean and onto the land and back onto the ocean\, while the middle of the day is hot and dry.  Just take a look at the photos….they say everything! \n  \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTHE PROJECT\n  \n  \n \nLovely Belgium 2025 Full Build Workshop Cottage & the newly- certified Advanced Cobbers relishing in their success! \n\n  \nWorkshop students will be building the first COB structure on the Land and we are honored Jacob\, our Host\, has chosen COB to represent the start of his project\, to be built in an intimate\, sacred and soulful way and created\, as always\, with 12-15 pairs of loving and passionate muddy hands and feet.  Starting with the “boots”\, symbol for the stone foundation\, to the “hat”\, our indestructible\, gorgeous trademark reciprocal green roof\, we will cover EVERYTHING important in between!  You will leave blissed out\, confident\, transformed\, inspired\, motivated\, excited\, and ready for more.  Be prepared for a total life makeover\, and renewed strength and empowerment to fearlessly lead a life TRUE to yourself!  We see this in every workshop year after year.  It’s called “Cob Therapy” and it happens organically whether you intend it or not:) \n  \n \nBelgium 2025 Reciprocal Roof Structure installed on Day 20 \n\n  \nWe will be building a 14m2/154ft2 round building (final size is always dependent on class number but this is usually the outcome). The breathtaking reciprocal roof structure we build in all of our workshops is the strongest roof there is\, due to its interlocking spiral structure\, which holds itself up with no outward pressure on the monolithic round wall of the building. In addition\, it mirrors the horizontal social structure favored in indigenous societies\, who meet under these types of roofs for council circles\, as we will do weekly throughout the 5 weeks\, to support all the inner and outer work happening. \nStudents in this Advanced Cobber Certification training will\, as always\, learn all the steps to building a complete Cob Building from scratch.  In week 1\, we dig the foundation trench and fill it with landscape-wrapped drainage rock/gravel followed by a sturdy 30cm-wide aesthetic natural stone stemwall to support the cob wall and roof.  We finish the week off by pouring the first layer of adobe/cob floor on a layer of insulation underlain by a gravel drainage base and wrap up with the door(s) installation.  In weeks 2 & 3\, we build the monolithic cob wall\, layer by layer\, with all its detailed insertions (windows\, shelves\, electrical housing\, hooks\, niches\, bottles\, desk/counter\, anchors and roof connectors)\, and finish week 3 off with 2 days of relaxed \n  \n \nSensual terracotta-hued local plaster from the workshop site to finish off the walls\, Belgium 2025 \n\n  \nsculpting.  In week 4 we plaster our beautifully-decorated and solid wall with an earthen/fermented manure scratch coat mix.  On Friday we build and install the Reciprocal Roof primary rafter structure and in week 5 we complete the structure and sheathing to support the impermeable Green Roof covering.  On the final days we will finish the top of the wall as well as the second finish floor coat\, ready for Graduation and the Celebration on Saturday evening.  Sunday morning is our Closing Circle followed by our final Lunch together and before the afternoon public Open House\, when the final project is revealed to the outside world! \n  \n \nSolid COB friendships come with the territory…. \n\n  \nWe encourage non-White and multiracial students who are curious or already interested and passionate about earthen construction to come learn the art and technique of cob building with CCG.  We want a workshop that feels comfortable for non-white students\, and aim for a healthy balance of races\, cultures and languages.  CCG has taught in many countries of the world and our mission is to create access to everyone interested\, especially the local people\, so we can create international cob building families where all students grow and learn on a personal and interpersonal level.  We aim to create intercultural and interhuman bonding experiences through our Cob building workshops to heal the world one Cob house at a time.  So please follow your Heart & Soul\, listen to the Call\, and embark on a life-changing adventure in 2026! \n  \nDETAILED WORKSHOP DESCRIPTION\n  \n  \n \nThe COB bonds start the moment everyone comes together on Opening afternoon\, and the masks fall and you can just be YOU! Costa Rica\, 2025 \n\n  \nThe 35-day Advanced Cob Building Workshop consists of 25 days (Monday through Friday) of learning & construction for 4 hours in the morning and 3 hours in the afternoon with theoretical instruction (lectures with graphics) on most Monday\, Wednesday and Friday afternoons to complement the hands-on experience.  Students arrive on Saturday before dinner and Sunday by 12pm and settle in. The two meals offered on Saturday (dinner) and Sunday (brunch) are optional and an additional fee of 10€ each.  The Workshop begins at 4pm and ends on a Sunday\, 5 weeks later\, after the morning Closing Circle & Brunch\, around 2pm. Students can arrive a day before (Saturday) to acclimate and settle in (please let us know) but will need to cover their own food
 needs\, or pay the extra meal fees . The Opening Circle begins promptly at 4pm\, followed by a Host Site Orientation at 5:30pm\, Dinner at 6:30pm and an Introduction to the Project by the Instructors at 7:30pm.  We require that students arrive Saturday before dark or Sunday by 12pm AT THE LATEST!!! We need to begin ALL TOGETHER\, as the most important information for the success and smooth-running of the workshop and the well-being of the students will happen on Sunday between 4pm and 8:30pm.  It is very inconvenient for students\, Host\, Instructors and the group\, when someone arrives late and misses any of the opening sessions. \n  \n \n2025 Costa Rica CCG students hard at work bonding the cob layers with cobbers’ thumbs as the wall rises 30cm each day! \n\n  \nPlease be punctual because Monday morning at 9 am we begin digging the trench for our Cob Building and students need to be prepared and ready to go!!!! \nFollowing Breakfast from 7:30-8:15am\, the morning learning/building session begins at 8:30 am and lasts until 1pm with a 20-minute snack pause at 11am. Lunch break is from 1pm to 2:30pm\, which includes a rest time before the 3-hour afternoon session begins\, from 2:30pm-5:30pm. Mondays\, Wednesdays and Fridays there is a 60-minute lecture at 2:30pm\, followed by construction time. Tuesdays and Thursdays students begin building again right after the rest time. After class in the afternoon there is a 90-minute break before dinner (served from 7pm to 8pm)\, in which students are encouraged to stretch\, do some type of relaxation/movement practice\, go swimming\, walking and just relax. \n  \n \nCosta Rica students trying out their new reciprocal roof for the weekly Council Circle\, 2025 \n\n  \nThere is sometimes a work trade student officially or informally leading yoga and movement practice in the mornings or afternoons (depending on student preference). There will also be 3-4 evenings throughout the workshop after dinner for showing slides\, videos and having Course-related discussions. Other evenings except Tuesdays are mostly free and sometimes students offer informal courses in their specialties and passions. Tuesdays are reserved for our weekly Council Circle\, where we do a deeper sharing and listening to attend to the inner worlds of our students\, staff & Host(s) during this intense experience. \nOn weekends students are free to explore the area\, rest onsite\, and even continue building\, subject to Instructor approval.  All weekend meals are provided by students who are welcome to use the kitchen.  Host and/or other students can carpool into town for weekend food provisions. \nThe 35-day Course will offer practical learning by building a complete 14m2 curvilinear building from foundation to roof\, as 
described in the “Project” section. Those who complete the 35-day Workshop will receive an Advanced Cobber Certificate of Completion for Foundation\, Cob Walls (which includes Door\, Windows\, Shelves\, Art\, Niches\, Bottles\, Electrical Housing & Plumbing preparation)\, Floor\, Plaster & Roof. \nDAILY SCHEDULE\nThe daily schedule (subject to slight modifications due to climate/time of year) will be: \n7:30-8:15 Breakfast\n8:30-1:00 Class\n1:00-2:30 Lunch\n2:30-5:30 Class (Lecture on MWF)\n5:30-7:00 Rest/Yoga\n7:00-8:00 Dinner\n8:00-9:00 Council Circle (Tues) & Slides/Videos/Discussion (Thurs) \nStudents are expected to be on time and participate in all sessions and required activities as the goal of building a full construction depends on the whole group working together! \nCOURSE CONTENTS\nStudents will learn every phase of building a cob building from foundation through the reciprocal roof in hands-on building and lectures/theory. In addition to the lectures\,
 slideshows and videos will be shown to support and enhance their understanding of cob materials\, cob building\, design\, geography\, budgeting\, business options and legal issues. \nOur hands-on practice will include: \ndigging foundation trench \npouring gravel and inserting drainage pipe (if applicable) \nbuilding foundation stemwall \nanalyzing soils and materials \nmaking test bricks \ndeciding on correct mixture \ndeciding on best location \nmaking cob w/ partner and solo
 building with cob \npreparing and inserting the door \npreparing and inserting fixed and opening windows \npreparing and inserting shelves \ninserting bottle windows\, glass and other objects \ninserting electrical housing and outlet/switch boxes (when applicable)* \ninsert PVC pipe for plumbing in walls (when applicable)* \nsculpting \npreparing and applying earthen plaster (1 coat) \npouring an earthen floor (2 coats) \npreparing walls for roof connection \nbuilding reciprocal roof frame \nputting on roof sheathing and other elements \ninstalling impermeable liner and green roof components \nmaking small-scale cob designs of future projects (time permitting) \n  \nIn addition to Cob Building practices\, the Course material 
also includes: \nlegal cob construction practices & the international cob code (Appendix AU in the IRC) \ncost analysis \ncreating a cob business (building/teaching) \nassisting\, building and teaching with CruzinCobGlobal \n*While the insertion of electrical housing and one or more outlet/switch boxes and PVC pipes to hold plumbing are always included in the workshops\, the simplicity or complexity depends on the host’s design and preferences. There will be no electrical wiring or plumbing pipes installed during workshop. That is beyond the focus of this course and requires professional experience and certification/licensing. \nREQUIREMENTS & IMPORTANT INFORMATION\nStudents will need to come prepared for demanding physical work from Day 1. \nThis includes bringing: \nWork clothes appropriate for the country and climate we are in \nWork boots or other closed-toe shoes (for foundation and roof) \nFlip-flops or Crocs (for cobbing/plaster days) \nRubber dishwashing gloves (for lime mortar) \nWork Gloves (for stone work) \nTool Belt \nTape Measure \nBox Cutter
/Straight Edge \nWood Hand Saw with medium teeth (cheap)* \nLevel (2ft)* \nHammer* \nJapanese plastering trowel(s) (order online) \nBasic pointed steel mortar/plastering trowel \nEar Plugs (roof week) \nSafety Glasses \nWood Chisel* \n4”-6” Diameter Round Plastic Container Lids (for plastering) \nGood Moisturizer
 for Hands & Feet \nHat \nSunglasses \nWater Bottle \nNotebook/Pen/Camera \nCarpenter Pencil & Sharpener \nSample of your Soil (optional) \nAny other power tools like skillsaw\, grinder with metal blade\, cordless drill\, chop saw\, extra hammers\, trowels\, saws\, levels…will be very welcome if you have them and are driving in.  Some students fly in with only carry-on luggage and can’t bring some of these tools. \n*These tools will be very helpful to bring if you can\, to minimize sharing and waiting\, but if you can’t the Host will provide them. \n\n ***PLEASE READ THIS IMPORTANT INFO!***\n \n  \n \nApproaching the end of the wall is always a moment of high energy\, Costa Rica\, 2025 \n\n  \nEveryone is essential to the completion of the build!  These workshops are designed for people that want to learn how to build a complete structure from start to finish in a professional manner and amount of time. They are very intensive and\, while we make time for yoga\, stretching\, dancing\, music\, relaxing….all students are expected to be present and participating in all building and lecture learning hours unless absolutely incapable due to illness or have some other significant/emergency reason. This is because we design the size of the building
 and organize the structure of the workshop in accordance with the number of students and when people are absent\, it impacts the whole group and the other students have to work harder and it disturbs the integrity of the group. It takes the whole village to see the building through from start to finish!  In addition\, Instructors set up building work according to students’ strengths and learning needs.  In short\, if you don’t feel that you will be able to bepresent every day for every session\, please re-think your readiness for our Advanced Training.  We attract serious and highly-motivated students so if that’s you\, you will be surrounded by others with the same desire to learn and build!  Everyone has a role every day all day! \n  \n \nEverybody on the roof to tighten the first 20 washers & nuts on the threaded rods holding the primary roof rafters together in Kenya\, 2025 \n\n  \nWe need and depend on everyone’s full participation in each day of the workshop.  This is a total group effort on all levels:  physically\, mentally\, emotionally and energetically. If someone is physically absent from the site and lectures due to illness or other urgency for more than one full day\, they will need to make up the days missed in a subsequent workshop to receive the Certificate (only paying food costs).  If physically injured or ill (and capable)\, it is requested students still be present at the site and for lecture and other required evening activities\, so as to not miss out on information and keep learning by observation\, and thus still qualify for the Certificate. \n  \n \nThe collaborative effort in our intensive trainings makes the work so much easier\, especially during the wall build! Kenya\, 2025 \n\n  \n \nThe fulfilling joy of figuring out how to build a stone foundation! Kenya\, 2025 \n\n  \nThe workshop intensity changes from week 1 to week 5 with the focus of the week. The first foundation week breaks people in with the work of moving\, lifting\, rolling and placing rocks and is a new and demanding physical and mental experience for most students. It also includes 
the first layers and coat of cob floor. The second week and part of the third week of cob-making and building are similar to the rock foundation week in physical demand\, but are more flowing\, multi-faceted and cardiovascular in movement. On Thursday & Friday of week 3\, the workshop takes a turn and slows down and the body can rest as students connect with their creative source now to design sculptures and beautify the walls around niches\, shelves\, windows\, etc.  This is a very special rewarding experience and time of the workshop\, decorating the walls with personal meaning as expressed by each unique student.  Usually there is an overarching theme decided on by the Host(s).  Plastering follows sculpting and is another enjoyable more lightweight physical experience\, that lends itself to talking and sharing at the wall in a meditative rhythm as the students have bonded and shared deeply through a variety of experiences for a month. On day 5 of week 4\, after the wall has been plastered\, the roof begins.  This part is the beginning of a change of pace from the earthen building work to carpentry skills\, power tools\, measuring\, sawing\, drilling\, hammering\, screwing\, trimming\, etc. But now the workshop is in its final stretch and there is a boost of energy to wrap up the roof\, close the top of the wall\, \n  \n \nSetting up and deconstructing the roof on the ground a few times to build the confidence of building it on the wall! Kenya\, 2025 \n\n  \nand tend to finishing touches….the grand finale! \nFor students wanting a more mellow slow-paced cob experience\, along with time for personal exploration and experimentation following their own rhythm\, these workshops are not for you! However\, you can find a more suitable workshop online with other organizations that offer a
 shorter period\, focused on building a garden wall\, a bench\, a compost toilet or some other smaller scale project. \nStudents are required to read “The Hand-Sculpted House” and “Essential Cob Construction” (see website Resources page) before the workshop begins\, and any other books they find or are listed on our Resources page\, ideally on plastering and reciprocal roof building.  We ask that you watch the many videos on our our “International Cob Workshop” playlist on Claudine’s YouTube channel\, the new educational YouTube series “Building a Mud Home” by Cooper Green\, posted by Natural Buildings and created from our North Carolina workshop footage\, and the ones posted on CruzinCobGlobal’s website under Gallery\, to get an idea of what is expected. Also it is a great idea to watch as many other videos on cob and reciprocal roofs as you can to come mentally prepared. Please bring your book(s). \n  \n \nWoohooo!!!! Kenya\, 2025 \n\n  \nStudents must tend to their own personal needs\, drink alot of water\, rest when needed and exert themselves at a steady pace. Students who cannot do the strenuous physical work should let us know when registering\, so we can make sure the workshop is a good fit. If approved before the workshop begins\, we will aim to adjust appropriately. There is alot to do to support making and building with cob\, while respecting your physical limitations!!! \nFinally\, please bring a watch or use your phone to be prompt and ready for each part of the Course\, including mealtimes. Please make sure you share your dietary restrictions/allergies with CCG in your registration form. Note that very demanding dietary needs will not be
 able to be met (vegan & non-gluten ok) and those students may be recommended not to participate\, unless they are willing to meet their special needs on their own\, which will not include kitchen access on weekdays. Please discuss with Claudine at time of desire to register. Also please bring your essential snacks and foods\, pillow and whatever you NEED to be comfortable and happy. Feel free to also bring playlists\, speaker\, slides\, videos\,
movies and books to share\, as well as a sample of your soil to test. \nWe look forward to opening you to a whole new world of experience\, skill\, growth and transformation as you bond with your new COB family for life! \n  \n  \n  \n\nMEALS & ACCOMMODATIONS\n \nOur amazing workshop cooks chosen by each Host are responsible for the daily joy of rewards for the sweat and effort!!! Belgium\, 2025 \n\n  \nWe will serve three meals a day from Monday through Friday including the Welcome and Celebration Dinners and Farewell Brunch.  On weekends students will be on their own for food and may use the onsite kitchen.  Meals will be  vegetarian and locally-based as much as possible\, including farm produce and eggs! Carnivores & pescatarians & omnivores will\, if desired\, be offered non-vegetarian options of meals a few times a week and/or supplemented with canned fish\, dried meats\, cold cuts. They are also welcome to buy or bring their own supplements. \nWe will attend to vegan and gluten-free diets if needed\, but any other restrictions & allergies that require extensive preparation needs\, will probably not be able to be honored\, and kitchen will only be accessible on weekends for students. \nCamping with your own tent or hammock and bedding or and in your vehicle are free. If you want to rent an indoor space at a neighbor’s nearby\, that may be a possibility we can look into. \n  \nCOB INSTRUCTOR\nCLAUDINE “COB QUEEN” DÉSIRÉE\n\n \nNevada City COB\, 2019 \n\n  \nBorn and raised on the 22nd floor of a skyscraper in NYC to two Jewish European immigrants from France and Romania via Morocco\, I carried my Manhattan/European roots with me to California and beyond. I studied Geography\, International Relations/Development and International Environmental Policy in the academic world in California\, France\, and Switzerland before and while raising Viva\, Joia and Xica\, my three stellar sons\, currently established all over the U.S. and honing their unique journeys… and all cob lovers of course!!!! My eldest Son Viva has become a Master Cobber in his own right\, specializing in Fire & Cob\, meaning beautifully-sculpted heaters\, cookstoves\, and ovens\, as well as stand-alone Cob Art. \n  \n \nWith Tennessee 2026 Workshop Host River looking for the perfect clay soil for the Cob mix! \n\n  \nMy academic pursuits soon gave way to the obligatory West Coast Yoga/Meditation/Massage path and thus the work of a Spiritually Awakened life was initiated. My academic interests were also complemented with hands-on learning in every aspect of Sustainable Living skills\, which I then put into action in our 5000 square foot homestead in downtown Santa Cruz\, near the beach\, with cob buildings\, permaculture\, a compost toilet\, chickens\, fruit trees and the lowest utility bill in SC! When my youngest son turned 18 in 2014\, and I turned 50\, my next Dream was manifested with the sale of our Mini-Urban Ecovillage in Santa Cruz to fuel a solo Global Ecovillage and Cob Teaching Bike Tour for the next five years through 15 countries in Africa\, South America\, the US and Europe\, in which I taught over 30 workshops\, most of them 4-5-week full builds. \n  \n \nAzorean Cob-Loving Cat \n\n  \nIn January of 2019 I bought 5 hectares in the Alentejo region of Portugal\, planning on manifesting a Cob Ecovillage there.  However the isolation and dependence on a vehicle\, as well as the extreme winter/summer climates and drought conditions led me back to the Azores Islands\, that had caught my Heart the first time I stepped out of the plane and smelled/felt the air.  I had been brought to the Azores by an astrocartography reading in which my Venus and Neptune lines were strongly activated there.  My Neptune line runs right through São Miguel and one kilometer from the Quinta da Vida Beleza Ecovillage Farm \n\n \nSunrise behind the Majestic Azorean Cob Villa at the Quinta Da Vida Beleza\, 2025 \n\n  \n\n\nthat I created from scratch between January 2020 and 2023\, with the help of many workshop students\, teachers\, volunteers\, friends and my sons.  It is the present culmination of my 20+ years of Cob Life!  It is a fearlessly manifested Vision.  It is my comfort as I wake up every morning on the 2nd floor of my Cob Home and look out at the Atlantic Ocean to see if it looks good for an early morning swim.  The Azorean moist pleasant breezes that are always a perfect temperature wrap me in LOVE\, nurturing my Soul and Spirit every day.  The village I envisioned became a reality in a mere 3 years\, and is now highly enjoyed by campers\, bungalow guests\, volunteers\, family\, friends\, students\, cats\, chickens and many other living beings visible and invisible.  It is the first if its kind in the Azores and a unique phenomenon on the Planet.  You can find it on GoogleMaps and visit the website\, and come visit us for a dose of Natural before it is sold and transferred to the next fortunate caretaker. \n  \n \nBeautiful outdoor cob kitchen built by students led by Brazililan CCG Instructor Paula Carneira\, 2023 \n\n  \nOur last additions are my beloved and magnificent 2-story personal Compost Toilet with ocean view and an Outdoor Rocket Stove Kitchen.  My unending love of travel\, speaking in other languages and cultural immersion will always continue\, and I envision having beautiful cob houses to come to in all of my favorite places\, which I am continuing to discover. I am so grateful for the strong support of the Universe confirming this path every day. \n\n  \n \nMy first international cob workshop in the Canaries in 2015…been a full 11 years on the road and 22 years of spreading the COB word! \n\n  \nLearning to build cob houses has been an unexpected gift in so many ways.  The joy I see on people’s faces at my workshops when they roll up their pants for the first time and stick their toes in the cool soft mud\, the laughter and heart-to-heart conversations ignited while mixing and building with a partner\, the meditative concentration of working on a sculpture\, the satisfaction of stepping back and seeing your beautiful trimmed wall section\, the excitement at embedding bottles and sculpting an art window\, the bliss of relaxing with good food and a cold beer after a full day’s building in community\, and the gratitude of leaving confident in starting a dream project….are why I do this work.  Over and over again\, all over the world\, cob building creates childlike joy\, love\, community\, and empowerment.  It has shown itself to be much more than a building technique.  It is a remedy for a better Life on Earth.  It creates Happy People living in Happy Houses. May the legacy of CruzinCobGlobal continue to heal the World one workshop at a time\, one new cobber and one more cob house at a time. Aho. \n  \nTRANSPORTATION\n  \nStudents will get to Santa Cruz by car and rideshare/carpooling\, bus or train/plane to San Jose. The San Jose Airport (SJC) is the easiest\, though SFO is only an hour away.  We will setup a Whatsapp thread once we are a month out for students to organize carpooling. \n\nREGISTRATION & PAYMENT\n  \nVery Early Bird Rate: $2600\, paid in full by February 1st\, 2026 \nEarly Bird Rate: $2700\, paid in full by April 1st\, 2026 \nStandard Rate: $2800\, paid in full by May 1st\, 2026 \nWe are offering 4 work trade positions which give you a $250 discount for working one hour each weekday from 6:30am to 7:30am either on the site prepping materials and other work as guided by the Instructors or preparing & putting away breakfast. Two persons for each service.  These are the first options to go. Depending on when you pay in full\, the discount is taken off the appropriate amount. \nPayment in USD (convert to current exchange rate) can be made using Zelle\, Paypal and  Venmo to claudinedesiree@gmail.com. Europeans and other international students can pay in Euros at the current conversion rate using the Wise app/website using same email.  You can also use this link for a free transfer up to 500€:  https://wise.com/invite/ihpc/claudined \nPlease contact claudine@cruzincobglobal.org or Whatsapp +1(831) 212-7225 to register and ask any questions. \nTo hold your spot (there are 12 for new students and 3 for returning students)\, you can make a 50% deposit.  The balance owed depends on the date of payment in full. Final payment deadline is May 1st\, 2026. \n\nCANCELLATION POLICY\n  \nStudents who have paid and cancel by March 1st\, 2026 can get a full refund minus a 5% administrative/inconvenience fee on the amount they have paid. \nStudents who have paid and cancel by April 1st\, 2026 will receive a credit for a future workshop within two years minus a 10% administrative/inconvenience fee. \nStudents who have paid and cancel after April 1st\, 2026 will not receive a refund or credit unless they have proof of an emergency situation or other reason out of their control\, in which case they will receive a credit for two years minus the 10% admin fee. \n\nSEE YOU IN THE MUD!\n 
URL:https://cobworkshops.org/event/california-complete-cob-bungalow-in-santa-cruz-california/
LOCATION:Root n' Rock Farm\, Santa Cruz\, CA\, United States
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://cobworkshops.org/wp-content/uploads/SantaCruzCOB2026.png
ORGANIZER;CN="CruzinCobGlobal":MAILTO:claudine@cruzincobglobal.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/Lisbon:20260601T080000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/Lisbon:20260704T170000
DTSTAMP:20260405T190419
CREATED:20260320T164452Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260402T174940Z
UID:10129-1780300800-1783184400@cobworkshops.org
SUMMARY:35-Day Advanced Cob Building Course\,Portugal
DESCRIPTION:Learn to build Your Own cob house\nFrom Earth. From Scratch. With Your Own Hands.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nA 35-day immersive cob building workshop where you learn to create a complete\, beautiful\, affordable and ecological home from raw\, natural materials. \n\n\n\n  \nHands-on learning\, so you leave with a clear\, practical understading of sustainable\, low- impact construction and what it actually takes to build a house with earth. \n  \nwe work with a small group on a real project\, which means you are part of every step of the build. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIn this workshop\, we will build a 12 m² round cob house using natural and recycled materials\, shaped with care and intention. The structure will feature a reciprocal green roof\, giving it that cozy\, earth-integrated feeling—something between a small hobbit house and a living sculpture. Along the way\, everything will be explained in a practical\, so you not only help create this space but also gain the understanding and confidence to adapt these techniques to your own future building projects. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n  \n  \n  \nLOCATION: \nMafra\, Portugal \non a beautiful farm close to the ocean and the enchanted surfertown Ericeira \nAccommodation: \nThe Forrest is a place where we live a species appropriate life. we value natural tendencies\, rawness and honesty. several species like horses\, cats\, dogs\, small wild animals and a couple of humans live closely together respecting each other’s needs so we can all thrive. nature is our teacher. \n  \nAccommodation is simple and close to nature\, with camping as the main option included in the workshop fee. On our beautiful farm\, home to various animals we offer outdoor showers\, compost toilets\, a shared outdoor area for meals and gatherings\, and a basic outdoor kitchen for weekend use. There is an option to upgrade to a caravan\, bring your own van or rent something closeby. \n  \nCOURSE DETAILS\n  \nDAILY RYTHM \n7:00-8:00 movement/yoga session \n8:00-8:45 Breakfast \n9:00-1:00 Hands-on building session \n1:00-2:30 Lunch \n2:30-5:30 Theory & Hands-on building Session \n5:30-7:00 Free time \n7:00-8:00 Dinner \n  \n\n\n\nweek 1\n\n\n\n\n\n\nfoundation\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBuilding a rock stemwall + the 1st coat of earthen floor. \n\n\n\n\n\n\nweek 2\, 3\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBuilding the house structure\n\n\n\n\n\n\nMaking cob\, building walls with cob\, inserting windows\, shelves and all the elements of the house. \n\n\n\n\n\n\nweek 4\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSculpting & earthen plaster\n\n\n\n\n\n\nCreate the details\, decorations\, earthen plaster and finishes \n\n\n\n\n\n\nweek 5\n\n\n\n\n\n\nClosing the Buidling\n\n\n\n\n\nReciprocal green roof & 2nd floor coat \n  \nCONTENT \n\n\n\n\n\n– Foundations & drainage systems \n– Building a natural rock stem wall \n– Soil analysis and understanding building materials \n– Making test bricks \n– Finding the correct cob ratio for different soil types \n– Choosing the best building location according to permaculture principles \n– Mixing and making cob \n– Building cob walls \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n– Integrating windows\, doors\, and shelves \n– Installing electrical wiring and plumbing within cob walls \n– Sculpting with cob \n– Preparing and applying earthen plasters \n– Pouring an earthen floor \n– Wall-to-roof connection techniques \n– Building a roof frame \n– Installing a green roof covering \n– other earthen building techniques \n\nworktrades available \nfor more info visit ecoarthomes.com
URL:https://cobworkshops.org/event/35-day-advanced-cob-building-courseportugal/
LOCATION:the forest\, Portugal\, Mafra\, Paul\, Portugal
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://cobworkshops.org/wp-content/uploads/Dutch.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="ecoarthomes":MAILTO:lea.zdarsky@gmail.com
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260606
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260608
DTSTAMP:20260405T190419
CREATED:20260213T180212Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260213T180212Z
UID:10092-1780704000-1780876799@cobworkshops.org
SUMMARY:Cob Oven and Straw Insulation Workshops in New Hampshire
DESCRIPTION:Biolithic Builds is delighted to be coming to The Craft School at Mill Hollow Works this year for a series of natural building weekend workshops. \nInsulating with Straw: June 6th + June 7th \nA detailed introduction to straw-insulated wall systems\, appropriate for many climates including the cold Northeast. Students will receive both hands-on and classroom instruction over two days\, and practice by building a light straw-clay wall. \nCob Oven Workshop: June 13th + June 14th \nLearn to build an outdoor pizza oven using the soil under your feet! This hands-on class is a great introduction to mixing and sculpting with cob: one the most ancient\, versatile\, sustainable\, and fun building materials. Come ready to get muddy. \nMill Hollow Works is a heritage craft school is located in southern New Hampshire\, just three miles away from downtown Keene.
URL:https://cobworkshops.org/event/cob-oven-and-straw-insulation-workshops-in-new-hampshire/
LOCATION:The Craft School Mill Hollow Works\, 149 Hurricane Rd\, Keene\, NH\, 03431
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://cobworkshops.org/wp-content/uploads/Spring-Workshops-at-Mill-Hollow-Works.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260606
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260614
DTSTAMP:20260405T190419
CREATED:20260314T160528Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260314T160528Z
UID:10120-1780704000-1781395199@cobworkshops.org
SUMMARY:COB OVEN + BENCH | INTENSIVE | CORUCHE\, PORTUGAL
DESCRIPTION:Join us for a theoretical and hands-on workshop focusing on earthen building through the technique of cob. In this 7-day intensive workshop\, we will build a complete cob oven with a built-in cob bench and working table. \nIn this certified workshop\, you’ll learn how to analyze and stabilize clay-soil mixtures for earthen building\, exploring the principles of cob as a building technique. Through this hands-on experience\, you will build a full cob oven—from foundations to finish plasters—and a cob bench. \nThe aim is to equip students with the knowledge and tools to test and analyze clay soils\, and to understand each step involved in building a cob oven and a sculpted cob bench. We will have 70% hands-on practice and 30% theoretical learning\, diving into different natural building techniques\, everything about cob ovens\, stone-foundation principles\, the benefits of earthen building\, how to prepare and apply earthen plasters\, how to sculpt with cob\, and much more! \nOnce the workshop is completed\, you will have the skills to build your own cob oven\, and you will also be able to begin building your own earthen walls for your projects. \n  \nTHE PLACE\n\nNuno will host us at his project site in Coruche: Sitio Valverde. It is a 6000 square meter property in which Nuno is developing a project of a Farm School for personal\, social and ecological growth and development with practical and theoretical classes\, such as natural building and regenerative design\, and other kind of workshops and activities. \nThe place is located just an hour away from Lisbon\, near the village of Coruche\, set in a rural area with nature and quietness around. \n\n  \nCOURSE DETAILS\nWhat is a cob oven? \nIt is a traditional oven built with a mixture of clay\, sand\, straw\, and water. Its operation is based on the retention and gradual release of heat by its thick earthen walls. These ovens are known for their high heat-retention efficiency\, reaching very high temperatures\, where the heat cooks food through three physical mechanisms: radiation – heat from the fire and the hot walls toward the food\, convection – hot air circulating inside the oven\, and conduction – the direct transfer of heat from the hot surface to the food (the oven floor). \nThus\, these ovens are capable of gradually retaining heat for hours\, making them very practical and versatile for cooking different foods: from instant pizzas to stews\, meats\, vegetables\, and even—at the end\, using the residual heat—for fermenting yogurt\, dehydrating foods\, and proofing bread.Cob is a very inclusive\, organic\, and creative earth-building technique that allows us to shape walls freely\, working with curves very easily. In this way\, we can sculpt around the oven and its bench\, turning it into a collective work of art. \nThe 7-days intensive workshop will start the 6th of June with a welcome dinner and the workshop introduction. \nDuring the workshop\, you will learn how to build your own oven using clay soil and other natural materials – from the foundation to the finish plasters\, and also a cob bench. You will sculpt with cob to give your oven a beautiful shape\, making it a unique piece! You will also learn the principles of cob and stone foundations\, along with all the details of earthen and lime plasters\, applying everything directly to a real project. \nYou will get to truly feel the technique and take with you valuable theoretical and practical knowledge\, empowering you to experiment and build your own cob oven\, walls\, benches\, garden structures\, or even a small cob cabin! This is the perfect first dive into cob building\, with a project that you can start and complete in less than a week while gaining solid principles to continue exploring. \n  \n\n\nCONTENT\n\n\n\n\n\nUnderstanding clay and its properties\nHow to test and assess clay soil for building\nIntroduction to other natural building techniques\nBenefits of earth as a building material\nCob oven steps and how to design and build your own\nStone foundation principles\nEarthen plasters: how to test\, stabilize and apply fine plasters\nLime plasters and lime cycle\nSculpting with cob\n\nFeel free to ask questions throughout – we are here to help!
URL:https://cobworkshops.org/event/cob-oven-bench-intensive-coruche-portugal/
LOCATION:Sitio do Valverde\, Coruche\, Portugal
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://cobworkshops.org/wp-content/uploads/WhatsApp-Image-2026-03-13-at-20.54.39.jpeg
ORGANIZER;CN="Tierramigo":MAILTO:tierramigo@gmail.com
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20260620T110000
DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20260621T170000
DTSTAMP:20260405T190419
CREATED:20260107T222502Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260107T222502Z
UID:10051-1781953200-1782061200@cobworkshops.org
SUMMARY:Earthen Oven Build (2 days) -- Montana
DESCRIPTION:Earthen Oven Build\n\n\nLearn to build an earthen oven good for cooking pizza\, bread\, and much more! Participants will get hands on experience all the steps needed to build a functional earthen oven. Cob ovens are inexpensive and beautiful wood fired ovens that anyone can build. These ovens can be used to bake bread\, cook pizzas\, and anything you could normally do in a conventional oven\, but with the fun of being outdoors.  \n​ \nParticipants will also receive a tour of four complete structures; a balecob home\, strawbale workshop\, balecob guest studio\, and pallet cob chicken coop. Included in the tour are 3 Rocket Mass Heaters (batch and J-style) for winter heat\,  earthen floors\, and many other natural elements for discussion. Learn how you can build a home for less than a year of rent and still be comfortable and warm.​ \n​ \nA first come first serve guest cottage (sleeps 2)  and pop up camper (sleeps 4) is available to rent on upon request on a first pay first serve basis. Camp sites are available at no cost. Please inquire ahead about availability for parking live in vehicles. Composting toilet and an outdoor shower are available for use.​ \n​ \nThose joining us are welcome to explore the 5 acre property\, forage\, swim in the ponds\, and walk to the frisbee golf course just down the road. \n​ \nWe love animals\, but unfortunately no pets are allowed. \n​ \nFood:  \n​ \nAn outdoor kitchen is available for community use with staples provided (rice\, bread\, sugar\, tea\, coffee\, etc.) as well as many greens from the garden.  \n​ \n​ \nDate: June 20-21\, 2026 \nStart Time: 11am \nCost: $290 \n5% discount for family + friends participating together \nMaximum 10 participants
URL:https://cobworkshops.org/event/earthen-oven-build-2-days-montana/
LOCATION:SpiritWood Natural Building\, Victor Montana\, Victor\, MT\, 59875\, United States
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://cobworkshops.org/wp-content/uploads/Screenshot-2026-01-07-152403.png
ORGANIZER;CN="SpiritWood%20Natural%20Building":MAILTO:spiritwoodnaturalbuilding@gmail.com
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260622
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260627
DTSTAMP:20260405T190419
CREATED:20251026T150259Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251026T150411Z
UID:9999-1782086400-1782518399@cobworkshops.org
SUMMARY:Intro to Cob and Straw Workshop – East Tennessee
DESCRIPTION:Dates: June 22 – June 26\, 2026 (YES. We are still having the workshop as scheduled.)\n \nLocation: Greeneville\, Tennessee\n \nCome and join us in beautiful eastern Tennessee for our next Introduction to Cob and Straw Workshop! We will be constructing both a cob building and a straw-clay building. This workshop is perfect for beginners and experts alike! You will get the expert knowledge to build with cob and straw! Either for small-scale structures or large-scale projects like homes and buildings. \n \nThis workshop is a great experience to learn how to build with cob and straw\, and to get a broad learning overview of natural building techniques. You will get a solid foundation in natural building fundamentals. You will learn the advantages of high thermal mass cob versus high insulation straw materials. We will be constructing the walls on a new cob structure and a straw-clay building\, mixing and applying lime plaster\, and studying Natural Building together each day. You will also get to see living examples on-site of a completed cob building and straw-clay building. These are excellent examples that you can learn a lot from! After this workshop\, you will have the basic experience and confidence to design and build your own cob and straw constructions or buildings. \n \nHands-On Work Topics: \n– How to make cob (learn how to make cob with the tarp method and with machinery) \n– How to build cob walls using traditional hand-sculpting and using innovative slipforms (learn all the great advantages of building cob walls with forms) \n– How to make straw-clay (also known as light-straw-clay) and hempcrete! \n– How to build highly insulating straw-clay and hempcrete walls (learn how to frame and pack the walls) \n– Selecting and testing soils for cob and straw-clay (learn several ways to test your soil composition) \n– Lime Plaster Finishing (learn how to mix and apply lime plaster finishes to your walls) \n– Create your own Dorodango – polished earth sphere! A fun project that you can take home with you. \n– Creating window and door frames in cob walls (learn how to install frames into cob walls) \n  \nClassroom and Discussion Topics: \n– Site selection and design (includes Passive Solar design principles) \n– Materials and tools (covers traditional and modern cob building toolset and materials) \n– Building Solid Foundations (learn all about constructing proper building foundations) \n– Building codes and how to successfully get building permits for cob homes and straw homes. \n– Best practices for building a healthy\, non-toxic home. \n– Basic Electrical and Plumbing integration for cob homes and straw homes \n– Installing windows and doors \n– Roofing and Bond Beams. Proper roof ventilation practices! \n– Natural plasters and finishes (Vapor Permeable / “Breathable” finishes) \n– Overview of all Natural Building materials\, and how to hybridize them! \n \nThis workshop is a unique experience for people to learn about building cob homes and light-straw-clay homes\, and to get an overview of Natural Building. Not only are there plenty of hands-on lessons to learn from\, but we will also have ample discussion and informal classroom time. Most cob workshops and strawbale workshops don’t cover this many topics. But here\, you will learn all the core lessons needed to start building from this one workshop! \nPlus – there will be many hours of discussions about building cob homes and natural building throughout the workshop. Its a great way to get your questions answered and brainstorm your building ideas! \n \nThe workshop will be held at a private property in Greeneville\, Tennessee. \nEach day will begin at 9:00 AM\, and the days will include hands-on building\, classroom sessions\, discussions\, and learning activities related to cob\, straw\, and natural building topics. We will break for lunch between 12:00 to 1:00 PM\, and we will complete each day at around 4:00 PM. They will be full-packed days! Worth your every penny! \nTeacher \n \nThe workshop will be taught by Alex Sumerall\, an east coast Earth Building Mason who has a focus on creating earthen structures that are healthy\, aesthetically pleasing\, and functional for modern life. He is the owner of This Cob House\, which is dedicated to teaching people about cob and earthen building techniques. Alex has been practicing earthen building since 2011. He graduated from the Aprovecho School of Natural Building in 2013 in Cottage Grove\, Oregon\, and continues to teach\, present\, consult\, and construct. \n  \nAlpaca Farm Tour! \nAs an added bonus to the workshop\, we also offer a free alpaca farm tour at my neighbor’s Two Roots Farm. They have over 50 friendly alpacas\, alpaca infrastructure\, and a gift shop! We usually go on this tour Wednesday after class. \n \nListen to the great things that our workshop participants are saying! \n  \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n“The cob workshop was a life-changing experience. I learned a lot about natural building\, not only from Alex’s instruction\, experience and demonstrations\, but from interacting with people from different backgrounds who were a great source of collective knowledge. The hands-on experience was priceless!” \n\n\nTony Romo\, Texas \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n“The Cob Building Workshop was a great investment of my time! It was well organized\, extremely inspiring\, and FUN! Alex was able to explain construction basics to neophytes like me\, yet he could also answer the complex questions asked by the more experienced workshop attendees. I can’t wait until the next workshop!” \n\n\nMarybeth Babos\, Tennessee \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n“We thoroughly enjoyed and benefited tremendously from our Building With Cob workshop experience with you. Workshops that are fun\, informative and full of practical application and guidance through hands-on experiential learning like this are a real joy. \nAs an instructor we found you to be knowledgeable\, well organized and flexible addressing the needs and questions that came up.  We appreciated your careful considered responses to every one of the many and varied questions our group threw your way.  And the pace and mix of lecture and activity was just right for us. \nThank you Alex for a workshop that did all you said it would do\, and more!” \n\n\nWes Shattuck\, New Hampshire \n\n\n\n\n \nLodging \nThere are two options for lodging: free camping on site\, or making reservations at one of the local hotels or AirBnBs. Hotels are available in the neighboring towns of Greeneville\, Newport\, Parrottsville\, and Hot Springs. \nNearby is the Briggs Brother’s Ranch in Parrottsville\, TN (highly recommended)\, and the Hot Springs Resort in Hot Springs\, North Caolina. \nCampers will have access to a private portable toilet and a private outdoor shower. The outdoor shower features a beautiful rammed earth wall and timber framed enclosure. \nThe workshop location has running water available\, and an electrical hookup to charge phones and small devices. \n \nFood \nMeals will not be included in this workshop so participants will need to provide their own food and drinks. There are several local restaurants and grocery stores nearby the workshop site. We even have an amazing corner-store within a walkable distance from the workshop site! \nEach student is responsible for their own meal preparation. An hour for lunch is provided\, allowing adequate time for food\, a quick nap\, or trip into town. There is no official kitchen on site yet. Coolers are welcome and encouraged! \nRecreation & Surroundings \nGreeneville is located near the edge of the Appalachian Mountains in eastern Tennessee. It is a beautiful area\, and there are many scenic places to visit nearby. You can also travel to places like Gatlinburg\, TN or Asheville\, NC within a one hour driving time from the workshop site. \nFamily & Group 10% Discounts \nAsk about the 10% discount. We encourage group & family activities because it enhances learning among your support group. Email me at alex@thiscobhouse.com for custom group/family invoice. \nTeens accompanying a parent/guardian are half price. Children under 13 accompanying a parent/guardian are free. \nChildren/young people of any age are welcome to join in and learn. Please be aware that some areas are under construction\, as is the purpose of this workshop\, but it is generally child-safe. \nPlease email me to register with the group/family discount. For normal registration\, please sign up below.\n \nIf you have any other questions about the workshop\, please feel free to email me at alex@thiscobhouse.com \nPrice: $499 \nClick Here to Register
URL:https://cobworkshops.org/event/intro-to-cob-and-straw-workshop-east-tennessee-9/
LOCATION:This Cob House\, Greeneville\, TN\, 37743\, United States
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://cobworkshops.org/wp-content/uploads/intro-to-cob-and-straw-workshop-2024-9.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="Alex%20Sumerall":MAILTO:alex@thiscobhouse.com
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Vancouver:20260625T153000
DTEND;TZID=America/Vancouver:20260629T110000
DTSTAMP:20260405T190419
CREATED:20260321T203615Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260322T010634Z
UID:10141-1782401400-1782730800@cobworkshops.org
SUMMARY:All the Basics of Building…the Fast Cob Way!
DESCRIPTION:We are continuing our 19 year tradition of hosting Fast Cob Natural Building Workshops…with our All-the-Basics-of-Building Fast Cob Workshop. \nEvery All-the-Basics-of-Building Fast Cob Workshop includes:\nNatural Building Design: working with nature to make long lasting\, beautiful structures;\nFast Cob: how to mix it and build with it\, including windows and doors…it is now at least 30x faster than “traditional” cob;\nFoundations: we’ll show you how we stack rocks to keep our buildings solid and safe;\nRoofs: we’ll show you various options and simple\, elegant designs (we are now offering a Roofing and Foundations Workshop for Fast Cobbers!);\nPlumbing and Electrical: you’ll see just how easy it is with Fast Cob! \nOur Workshops begin on a Thursday evening with a welcoming dinner and end with a Farewell breakfast on Monday before you depart on the 11 am ferry. \nFood\, Food\, and more Homemade Organic Food! \nEvery workshop day\, we start with a hot\, hearty breakfast (with a Q&A)\, after which we start learning.  In the morning\, two hands-on sessions sandwich a hearty snack break.  A hot\, hearty lunch (with another Q&A session)\,  to make sure we have the strength and stamina to absorb all the learning we can\, precede a longer afternoon session.  After an hour break to clean-up\, a hot gourmet dinner accompanies a daily recap on lessons learned and sets the stage for an evening discussion among ourselves or with an invited guest from the Community. \nPlease visit our workshop page for all the details and to fill in our online application.  Although not required\, this course is best taken after completing the Focus-on-Finishing workshop.  It is also part of our Complete Builder’s Programme. \nWe offer discounts to those who register in pairs or who take multiple workshops with us.  Please note that all of our fees are in Canadian dollars; if your currency is US or Euro\, our fees are significantly less (30-50% less!).
URL:https://cobworkshops.org/event/all-the-basics-of-buildingthe-fast-cob-way-4/
LOCATION:Lasqueti Island\, 1 Beautiful Bicycle Lane\, Lasqueti Island\, BC\, V0R 2J0\, Canada
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://cobworkshops.org/wp-content/uploads/IMG_3343-scaled.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="Dave%20Olsen":MAILTO:cob@lasqueti.ca
GEO:49.4863406;-124.2758774
X-APPLE-STRUCTURED-LOCATION;VALUE=URI;X-ADDRESS=Lasqueti Island 1 Beautiful Bicycle Lane Lasqueti Island BC V0R 2J0 Canada;X-APPLE-RADIUS=500;X-TITLE=1 Beautiful Bicycle Lane:geo:-124.2758774,49.4863406
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20260703T110000
DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20260706T170000
DTSTAMP:20260405T190419
CREATED:20240318T162558Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260107T222112Z
UID:9245-1783076400-1783357200@cobworkshops.org
SUMMARY:Cob Sauna Workshop (4-day) Montana
DESCRIPTION:4 Day Cob Sauna Workshop\n\n\nDuring this four day immersion workshop you will learn all about different natural building materials while helping to construct a small earthen sauna. \n​ \nParticipants will get hands on experience building using the pallet/cob technique popularized by Miguel Elliott founder of Living Earth Structures. Using a combination of pallets\, straw\, clay and lime we will build an earthen sauna. \n​ \nParticipants will also receive a tour of four complete structures; a balecob home\, strawbale workshop\, balecob guest studio\, and pallet cob chicken coop. Included in the tour are 3 Rocket Mass Heaters (batch and J-style) for winter heat\,  earthen floors\, and many other natural elements for discussion. Learn how you can build a home for less than a year of rent and still be comfortable and warm. \n​ \nA first come first serve guest cottage (sleeps 2)  and pop up camper (sleeps 4) is available to rent on upon request on a first pay first serve basis. Camp sites are available at no cost. Please inquire ahead about availability for parking live in vehicles. Composting toilet and an outdoor shower are available for use. \n​​ \nThose joining us are welcome to explore the 5 acre property\, forage\, swim in the ponds\, and walk to the frisbee golf course just down the road. \n​ \nWe love animals\, but unfortunately no pets are allowed. \n​ \nFood:  \n​ \nAn outdoor kitchen is available for community use with staples provided (rice\, bread\, sugar\, tea\, coffee\, etc.) as well as many greens from the garden. The first evening of the class we will host a pizza party using our cob oven. \n\nSpace is limited to 12 participants. \n​ \nApproximate Schedule: \nDay 1: Tours of existing structures\, discussion of building elements\, pallet wall construction \nDay 2: Cob\, doors\, and windows \nDay 3: Waddle Daub\, bottle windows\, sculpture and walls \nDay 4: Earthen Renders and Lime Plasters \n​​ \nDate: July 3-July 6\, 2026 \nStart Time: 11am\, July 3 \nCost: $690 \n5% discount for family + friends participating together \n\nLocation: SpiritWood Natural Building\, Victor\, MT
URL:https://cobworkshops.org/event/4-day-natural-building-immersion/
LOCATION:SpiritWood Natural Building\, Victor Montana\, Victor\, MT\, 59875\, United States
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://cobworkshops.org/wp-content/uploads/Screenshot-2025-01-24-103700.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="SpiritWood%20Natural%20Building":MAILTO:spiritwoodnaturalbuilding@gmail.com
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/Lisbon:20260705T120000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/Lisbon:20260809T140000
DTSTAMP:20260405T190419
CREATED:20260124T211033Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260124T211033Z
UID:10076-1783252800-1786284000@cobworkshops.org
SUMMARY:5-Week Full Build For ALL Levels: A Complete Cob Cottage at Sitio do Valverde in Coruche\, Portugal
DESCRIPTION:Yeehah!!!! We invite you with a Big Open Heart to join CruzinCobGlobal in our 22nd year of teaching the world the ins and outs of building a beautiful functional art piece to live in\, in style and comfort!  Your Soul\, Heart\, Body and Mind will be filled with peaceful bliss as you live in a community of new friends\, eat delicious local healthful cuisine\, and have many meaningful exchanges and moments while working\, building\, dancing\, breathing\, eating\, sharing and sitting in Council Circle once a week! You will have weekend adventures alone or with others discovering the surroundings.  With lectures three times a week and daily hands-on demonstrations and building\, you will accomplish more learning in these 5 weeks\, about cob\, you and life\, than you probably ever have.  It’s all part of the experience. Bottom line is that your life will change for good in so many great ways\, just from learning how to build an ecological\, safe\, locally-resourced\, economical and heart\, hand and feet-loved home with a group of passionate folks from all over. \nOnly an hour from Lisbon and in the heart of nature and rivers and villages and great hikes\, our workshop is hosted by local creator\, ecological entrepreneur and natural builder Nuno Figueira (also hosting “Cob Outdoor Kitchen Workshop”).  Take both workshops at Sitio do Valverde in 2026 (only 2 weeks apart) for a reduced fee and book your summer up with the CCG Full Cobber Training:  all you need to continue building and eventually start teaching and/or creating a cob business!  The world needs more Cobbers!  Designed for success\, our globally-renowned workshops will take you from zero experience to a newly confident\, fit\, happy and fulfilled cob builder.  Whether you are all in from the get-go\, or need support in leaving a life that is not you and taking the jump\, we are here for you and are happy to chat. \n  \nOUR HOST\n  \n\n \nOur Host Nuno! \n\nBom Dia! My name is Nuno Figueira and I was born in the southern Portuguese town of Faro and have lived in Lisbon for the last 20 years. My background has always been in theater and technical and visual experimentation using images and video-mapping in the visual and performing arts\, helping transform mine and others’ visions and perceptions towards a new way of seeing. Parallel to this profession\, I have been developing a new path in natural building or\, in Portuguese\, “bioconstrução”\, which has also been integrated into my theater-based work. \nSitio Valverde is 6000 m2 of very special sanctuary land\, located one hour northeast of Lisbon near the town of Coruche.  There we hold a variety of workshops and promote connection with Nature.  Situated in a quiet rural zone surrounded by green\, it is an ideal environment to relax and disconnect from urban life.  We offer diverse activities including natural building\, walks\, yoga and meditation.  We offer accommodations in a typical “ribatejana” house as well as space for camping and caravans. \n  \n\n \nThe Sanctuary Land \n\nSitio do Valverde is more than a space.  We also want to create a farm school for personal\, social and ecological growth and development with practical and theoretical classes\, like natural building techniques with Earth\, bamboo and straw\, as well as regenerative design.  We attract communities who value collaborative learning and integration with Nature and want to enrich their lives and those of their neighbors with new sustainable building systems and a greater respect for the Earth and Life. \n  \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n  \n  \nLOCATION\n  \nJust a 20-minute walk from Sitio Valverde\, the Sorraia River is the natural heart of the town offering birdwatching\, aquatic activities\, picnics\, walks\, and relaxation.  Nature is everywhere in the Coruche region and the landscape vistas are endless.  Here far from Lisbon\, people come for the fresh air\, the peace and the serenity.  One can also appreciate the land from above by taking a hot-air balloon ride and then on the weekends visiting the mountains\, parks and “barragens” in the surrounding areas.  Of course the Lisbon area usually has many cultural and music events happening every weekend as well. \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n\nTHE PROJECT\n  \n  \n \nThe final stretch: pouring the finish floor in Belgium\, 2025 \n\n  \nWorkshop students will be building the first COB structure on the Land and we are honored Nuno has chosen COB to represent the start of his project\, to be built in an intimate\, sacred and soulful way and created\, as always\, with 12-15 pairs of loving and passionate muddy hands and feet.  Starting with the “boots”\, symbol for the stone foundation\, to the “hat”\, our indestructible\, gorgeous trademark reciprocal green roof\, we will cover EVERYTHING important in between!  You will leave blissed out\, confident\, transformed\, inspired\, motivated\, excited\, and ready for more.  Be prepared for a total life makeover\, and renewed strength and empowerment to fearlessly lead a life TRUE to yourself!  We see this in every workshop year after year.  It’s called “Cob Therapy” and it happens organically whether you intend it or not:) \n  \n \nPRIDE!!! The beautiful oculus watching over the sacred space!Belgium\, 2025 \n\n  \nWe will be building a 14m2/154ft2 round building (final size is always dependent on class number but this is usually the outcome). The breathtaking reciprocal roof structure we build in all of our workshops is the strongest roof there is\, due to its interlocking spiral structure\, which holds itself up with no outward pressure on the monolithic round wall of the building. In addition\, it mirrors the horizontal social structure favored in indigenous societies\, who meet under these types of roofs for council circles\, as we will do weekly throughout the 5 weeks\, to support all the inner and outer work happening. \nStudents in this Advanced Cobber Certification training will\, as always\, learn all the steps to building a complete Cob Building from scratch.  In week 1\, we dig the foundation trench and fill it with landscape-wrapped drainage rock/gravel followed by a sturdy 30cm-wide aesthetic natural stone stemwall to support the cob wall and roof. \n  \n \nDay 1: The foundation begins… trench\, landscape cloth\, drainage rock and first layer of stone! Breaking in those new muscles in Costa Rica\, 2025 \n\n  \nWe finish the week off by pouring the first layer of adobe/cob floor on a layer of insulation underlain by a gravel drainage base and wrap up with the door(s) installation.  In weeks 2 & 3\, we build the monolithic cob wall\, layer by layer\, with all its detailed insertions (windows\, shelves\, electrical housing\, hooks\, niches\, bottles\, desk/counter\, anchors and roof connectors)\, and finish week 3 off with 2 days of relaxed sculpting.  In week 4 we plaster our beautifully-decorated and solid wall with an earthen/fermented manure scratch coat mix.  On Friday we build and install the Reciprocal Roof primary rafter structure and in week 5 we complete the structure and sheathing to support the impermeable Green Roof covering.  On the final days we will finish the top of the wall as well as the second finish floor coat\, ready for Graduation and the Celebration on Saturday evening.  Sunday morning is our Closing Circle followed by our final Lunch together and before the afternoon public Open House\, when the final project is revealed to the outside world! \n  \n \nWairimu beaming with pride and gratitude in Kenya\, 2025 \n\n  \nWe encourage non-White and multiracial students who are curious or already interested and passionate about earthen construction to come learn the art and technique of cob building with CCG.  We want a workshop that feels comfortable for non-white students\, and aim for a healthy balance of races\, cultures and languages.  CCG has taught in many countries of the world and our mission is to create access to everyone interested\, especially the local people\, so we can create international cob building families where all students grow and learn on a personal and interpersonal level.  We aim to create intercultural and interhuman bonding experiences through our Cob building workshops to heal the world one Cob house at a time.  So please follow your Heart & Soul\, listen to the Call\, and embark on a life-changing adventure in 2026! \n  \nDETAILED WORKSHOP DESCRIPTION\n  \n  \n \nReady to get muddy in Kenya\, 2025! \n\n  \nThe 35-day Advanced Cob Building Workshop consists of 25 days (Monday through Friday) of learning & construction for 4 hours in the morning and 3 hours in the afternoon with theoretical instruction (lectures with graphics) on most Monday\, Wednesday and Friday afternoons to complement the hands-on experience.  Students arrive on Saturday before dinner and Sunday by 12pm and settle in. The two meals offered on Saturday (dinner) and Sunday (brunch) are optional and an additional fee of 10€ each.  The Workshop begins at 4pm and ends on a Sunday\, 5 weeks later\, after the morning Closing Circle & Brunch\, around 2pm. Students can arrive a day before (Saturday) to acclimate and settle in (please let us know) but will need to cover their own food
 needs\, or pay the extra meal fees . The Opening Circle begins promptly at 4pm\, followed by a Host Site Orientation at 5:30pm\, Dinner at 6:30pm and an Introduction to the Project by the Instructors at 7:30pm.  We require that students arrive Saturday before dark or Sunday by 12pm AT THE LATEST!!! We need to begin ALL TOGETHER\, as the most important information for the success and smooth-running of the workshop and the well-being of the students will happen on Sunday between 4pm and 8:30pm.  It is very inconvenient for students\, Host\, Instructors and the group\, when someone arrives late and misses any of the opening sessions. \n  \n \nLecture time in Puerto Rico\, 2025 \n\n  \nPlease be punctual because Monday morning at 9 am we begin digging the trench for our Cob Building and students need to be prepared and ready to go!!!! \nFollowing Breakfast from 7:30-8:15am\, the morning learning/building session begins at 8:30 am and lasts until 1pm with a 20-minute snack pause at 11am. Lunch break is from 1pm to 2:30pm\, which includes a rest time before the 3-hour afternoon session begins\, from 2:30pm-5:30pm. Mondays\, Wednesdays and Fridays there is a 60-minute lecture at 2:30pm\, followed by construction time. Tuesdays and Thursdays students begin building again right after the rest time. After class in the afternoon there is a 90-minute break before dinner (served from 7pm to 8pm)\, in which students are encouraged to stretch\, do some type of relaxation/movement practice\, go swimming\, walking and just relax. \n  \n \nThe final Graduation Circle in Kenya\, 2025 \n\n  \nThere is sometimes a work trade student officially or informally leading yoga and movement practice in the mornings or afternoons (depending on student preference). There will also be 3-4 evenings throughout the workshop after dinner for showing slides\, videos and having Course-related discussions. Other evenings except Tuesdays are mostly free and sometimes students offer informal courses in their specialties and passions. Tuesdays are reserved for our weekly Council Circle\, where we do a deeper sharing and listening to attend to the inner worlds of our students\, staff & Host(s) during this intense experience. \n  \n \nAnother beaming happy fully-trained Cobber in Kenya\, who is assisting in Tasmania this year! \n\n  \nOn weekends students are free to explore the area\, rest onsite\, and even continue building\, subject to Instructor approval.  All weekend meals are provided by students who are welcome to use the kitchen.  Host and/or other students can carpool into town for weekend food provisions. \nThe 35-day Course will offer practical learning by building a complete 14m2 curvilinear building from foundation to roof\, as 
described in the “Project” section. Those who complete the 35-day Workshop will receive an Advanced Cobber Certificate of Completion for Foundation\, Cob Walls (which includes Door\, Windows\, Shelves\, Art\, Electrical Housing & Plumbing preparation)\, Floor\, Plaster & Roof. \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \nDAILY SCHEDULE\nThe daily schedule (subject to slight modifications due to climate/time of year) will be: \n7:30-8:15 Breakfast\n8:30-1:00 Class\n1:00-2:30 Lunch\n2:30-5:30 Class (Lecture on MWF)\n5:30-7:00 Rest/Yoga\n7:00-8:00 Dinner\n8:00-9:00 Council Circle (Tues) & Slides/Videos/Discussion (Thurs)\nStudents are expected to be on time and participate in all sessions and required activities as the goal of building a full construction depends on the whole group working together! \nCOURSE CONTENTS\nStudents will learn every phase of building a cob building from foundation through the reciprocal roof in hands-on building and lectures/theory. In addition to the lectures\,
 slideshows and videos will be shown to support and enhance their understanding of cob materials\, cob building\, design\, geography\, budgeting\, business options and legal issues. \nOur hands-on practice will include: \ndigging foundation trench \npouring gravel and inserting drainage pipe (if applicable) \nbuilding foundation stemwall \nanalyzing soils and materials \nmaking test bricks \ndeciding on correct mixture \ndeciding on best location \nmaking cob w/ partner and solo
 building with cob \npreparing and inserting the door \npreparing and inserting fixed and opening windows \npreparing and inserting shelves \ninserting bottle windows\, glass and other objects \ninserting electrical housing and outlet/switch boxes (when applicable)* \ninsert PVC pipe for plumbing in walls (when applicable)* \nsculpting \npreparing and applying earthen plaster (1 coat) \npouring an earthen floor (2 coats) \npreparing walls for roof connection \nbuilding reciprocal roof frame \nputting on roof sheathing and other elements \ninstalling impermeable liner and green roof components \nmaking small-scale cob designs of future projects (time permitting) \n  \nIn addition to Cob Building practices\, the Course material 
also includes: \nlegal cob construction practices & the international cob code (Appendix AU in the IRC) \ncost analysis \ncreating a cob business (building/teaching) \nassisting\, building and teaching with CruzinCobGlobal \n*While the insertion of electrical housing and one or more outlet/switch boxes and PVC pipes to hold plumbing are always included in the workshops\, the simplicity or complexity depends on the host’s design and preferences. There will be no electrical wiring or plumbing pipes installed during workshop. That is beyond the focus of this course and requires professional experience and certification/licensing. \nREQUIREMENTS & IMPORTANT INFORMATION\nStudents will need to come prepared for demanding physical work from Day 1. \nThis includes bringing: \nWork clothes appropriate for the country and climate we are in \nWork boots or other closed-toe shoes (for foundation and roof) \nFlip-flops or Crocs (for cobbing/plaster days) \nRubber dishwashing gloves (for lime mortar) \nWork Gloves (for stone work) \nTool Belt \nTape Measure \nBox Cutter
/Straight Edge \nWood Hand Saw with medium teeth (cheap)* \nLevel (2ft)* \nHammer* \nJapanese plastering trowel(s) (order online) \nBasic pointed steel mortar/plastering trowel \nEar Plugs (roof week) \nSafety Glasses \nWood Chisel* \n4”-6” Diameter Round Plastic Container Lids (for plastering) \nGood Moisturizer
 for Hands & Feet \nHat \nSunglasses \nWater Bottle \nNotebook/Pen/Camera \nCarpenter Pencil & Sharpener \nSample of your Soil (optional) \nAny other power tools like skillsaw\, grinder with metal blade\, cordless drill\, chop saw\, extra hammers\, trowels\, saws\, levels…will be very welcome if you have them and are driving in.  Some students fly in with only carry-on luggage and can’t bring some of these tools. \n*These tools will be very helpful to bring if you can\, to minimize sharing and waiting\, but if you can’t the Host will provide them. \n  \n ***PLEASE READ THIS IMPORTANT INFO!***\n \n  \n \nKenya workshop students beautifying the sculpted bottle design before plastering\, 2025 \n\n  \nEveryone is essential to the completion of the build!  These workshops are designed for people that want to learn how to build a complete structure from start to finish in a professional manner and amount of time. They are very intensive and\, while we make time for yoga\, stretching\, dancing\, music\, relaxing….all students are expected to be present and participating in all building and lecture learning hours unless absolutely incapable due to illness or have some other significant/emergency reason. This is because we design the size of the building
 and organize the structure of the workshop in accordance with the number of students and when people are absent\, it impacts the whole group and the other students have to work harder and it disturbs the integrity of the group. It takes the whole village to see the building through from start to finish!  In addition\, Instructors set up building work according to students’ strengths and learning needs.  In short\, if you don’t feel that you will be able to bepresent every day for every session\, please re-think your readiness for our Advanced Training.  We attract serious and highly-motivated students so if that’s you\, you will be surrounded by others with the same desire to learn and build!  Everyone has a role every day all day! \n  \n \nDay 4: Foundation complete in Kenya\, 2025 \n\n  \nWe need and depend on everyone’s full participation in each day of the workshop.  This is a total group effort on all levels:  physically\, mentally\, emotionally and energetically. If someone is physically absent from the site and lectures due to illness or other urgency for more than one full day\, they will need to make up the days missed in a subsequent workshop to receive the Certificate (only paying food costs).  If physically injured or ill (and capable)\, it is requested students still be present at the site and for lecture and other required evening activities\, so as to not miss out on information and keep learning by observation\, and thus still qualify for the Certificate. \n  \n \nTime for the window prepping and an appreciated break from cobbing in Kenya\, 2025 \n\n  \nThe workshop intensity changes from week 1 to week 5 with the focus of the week. The first foundation week breaks people in with the work of moving\, lifting\, rolling and placing rocks and is a new and demanding physical and mental experience for most students. It also includes 
the first layers and coat of cob floor. The second week and part of the third week of cob-making and building are similar to the rock foundation week in physical demand\, but are more flowing\, multi-faceted and cardiovascular in movement. On Thursday & Friday of week 3\, the workshop takes a turn and slows down and the body can rest as students connect with their \n  \n \nProud Puerto Rico workshop student after alot of focus and determination! Pays off! 2025 \n\n  \ncreative source now to design sculptures and beautify the walls around niches\, shelves\, windows\, etc.  This is a very special rewarding experience and time of the workshop\, decorating the walls with personal meaning as expressed by each unique student.  Usually there is an overarching theme decided on by the Host(s).  Plastering follows sculpting and is another enjoyable more lightweight physical experience\, that lends itself to talking and sharing at the wall in a meditative rhythm as the students have bonded and shared deeply through a variety of experiences for a month. On day 5 of week 4\, after the wall has been plastered\, the roof begins.  This part is the beginning of a change of pace from the earthen building work to carpentry skills\, power tools\, measuring\, sawing\, drilling\, hammering\, screwing\, trimming\, etc. But now the workshop is in its final stretch and there is a boost of energy to wrap up the roof\, close the top of the wall\, and tend to finishing touches….the grand finale! \nFor students wanting a more mellow slow-paced cob experience\, along with time for personal exploration and experimentation following their own rhythm\, these workshops are not for you! However\, you can find a more suitable workshop online with other organizations that offer a
 shorter period\, focused on building a garden wall\, a bench\, a compost toilet or some other smaller scale project. \nStudents are required to read “The Hand-Sculpted House” and “Essential Cob Construction” (see website Resources page) before the workshop begins\, and any other books they find or are listed on our Resources page\, ideally on plastering and reciprocal roof building.  We ask that you watch the many videos on our our “International Cob Workshop” playlist on Claudine’s YouTube channel\, the new educational YouTube series “Building a Mud Home” by Cooper Green\, posted by Natural Buildings and created from our \n  \n \nCCG Instructor Tom Van Well demonstrates carpentry tool use at the start of Roof Week in Puerto Rico\, 2025 \n\n  \nNorth Carolina workshop footage\, and the ones posted on CruzinCobGlobal’s website under Gallery\, to get an idea of what is expected. Also it is a great idea to watch as many other videos on cob and reciprocal roofs as you can to come mentally prepared. Please bring your book(s). \nStudents must tend to their own personal needs\, drink alot of water\, rest when needed and exert themselves at a steady pace. Students who cannot do the strenuous physical work should let us know when registering\, so we can make sure the workshop is a good fit. If approved before the workshop begins\, we will aim to adjust appropriately. There is alot to do to support making and building with cob\, while respecting your physical limitations!!! \n  \n \nCreative eco-friendly shade headpiece in Puerto Rico\, 2025 \n\n  \nFinally\, please bring a watch or use your phone to be prompt and ready for each part of the Course\, including mealtimes. Please make sure you share your dietary restrictions/allergies with CCG in your registration form. Note that very demanding dietary needs will not be
 able to be met (vegan & non-gluten ok) and those students may be recommended not to participate\, unless they are willing to meet their special needs on their own\, which will not include kitchen access on weekdays. Please discuss with Claudine at time of desire to register. Also please bring your essential snacks and foods\, pillow and whatever you NEED to be comfortable and happy. Feel free to also bring playlists\, speaker\, slides\, videos\,
movies and books to share\, as well as a sample of your soil to test. \nWe look forward to opening you to a whole new world of experience\, skill\, growth and transformation as you bond with your new COB family for life! \n  \n  \n  \nMEALS & ACCOMMODATIONS\n  \n \nSnacktime includes tropical smoothies when you are in Puerto Rico\, 2025 \n\n  \nWe will serve three meals a day from Monday through Friday including the Welcome and Celebration Dinners and Farewell Brunch.  On weekends students will be on their own for food and may use the onsite kitchen.  Meals will be  vegetarian and locally-based as much as possible\, including farm produce and eggs! Carnivores & pescatarians & omnivores will\, if desired\, be offered non-vegetarian options of meals a few times a week and/or supplemented with canned fish\, dried meats\, cold cuts. They are also welcome to buy or bring their own supplements. \nWe will attend to vegan and gluten-free diets if needed\, but any other restrictions & allergies that require extensive preparation needs\, will probably not be able to be honored\, and kitchen will only be accessible on weekends for students. \n  \n \nThe House \n\n  \nCamping with your own tent or hammock and bedding is free and our host Nuno will rent out 5 beds (2 bunk beds and 3 individual beds) in a large room in the house for 5€/night or 175€ for the 5 weeks from Sunday to Sunday. There is also a private bedroom for 1 or 2 people with one queen bed for 15€/night or 525€ for the 5 weeks.  There will also be 2 tipis set up for 1-2 people with beds and bedding for 5€/ night per person.  People who arrive early and/or or leave after Sunday please pay the adjusted amount with the nightly rate of 5€ or 15€.  Inside accommodations will be included in you workshop payment. \n  \n  \n  \n  \nCOB INSTRUCTOR\n\n\nTOM VAN WELL\nHi there! I’m Tom — born and raised in the only not-flat part of the Netherlands\, the deep south. Around the age of 20 I began spending most of my time outside the country\, and before long I was living abroad full-time. Since 2020\, Portugal has become my home base. \nLiving on permaculture farms here brought me into contact with Natural Building\, and it was love at first sight. I devoured every bit of information I could find. The Hand-Sculpted House completely captivated me\, and before I knew it\, my feet were on a blue tarp and I was mixing my first batch of cob in a CruzinCobGlobal workshop in the Azores and then Tennessee in 2023. \nFollowing my curiosity has taken me on a journey I never could have predicted: COB builds\, timber framing\, conventional construction\, and deep dives into plastering. Through private builds\, apprenticeships\, and workshops across Portugal\, the Azores\, Tennessee\, Puerto Rico\, Switzerland\, and now Japan\, I’ve been lucky to learn and work alongside passionate natural builders and true masters of their craft. \n\n  \n\n\n\n \nRoof Mania Acrobatics in Puerto Rico\, 2025! \n\nThat’s why I’m genuinely excited to be leading not one but TWO CruzinCobGlobal workshops in Portugal in 2026\, the Outdoor Kitchen and the Full Build.  I love Portugal—its food\, the people\,  the mountains\, and the sea. Getting to know and building with Portuguese clay soil and local materials while creating timeless structures in different zones\, has been my main passion. \n  \n \nTom teaching in Puerto Rico\, 2025 \n\n  \nSítio do Valverde\, my friend Nuno’s place\, is the perfect workshop site: peaceful\, enjoyable and comfortable weeks focused on the build\, and ideally located for weekend adventures to Lisbon\, the ocean\, rivers and mountains. Nuno is already an amazing Host and his place is stunning.  I speak Portuguese fluently\, so anyone who is less comfortable with English\,  can count on me for translations at any moment. \nLooking forward to another unforgettable life-changing CCG workshop!!! \nSee you in the mud — vaaaamos! \n\n\n  \nCOB ASSISTANT\nLAURA GARCIA\nHola!  I’m Laura\, a Colombian architect who was fortunate to live among communities who created buildings rooted in their landscapes. Early on in my life\, I became curious about indigenous architectural practices and the respectful\, interconnected relationship they have with their environment. \nDuring my studies\, I lived and learned with the Embera people in the Pacific jungle\, observing how they build wooden stilt houses with thatched roofs using local materials. I also studied the Kogui in the Sierras Nevadas of northern Colombia\, who have round earthen houses supporting communal ways of living. Alongside this\, I explored rural construction techniques like bahareque (wattle and daub)\, adobe\, and tapia pisada (rammed earth)\, and took heritage courses focused on adobe constructions introduced by the Spanish during the colonial period. \n  \n \nHappy sculptor-plasterer in Puerto Rico\, 2025 \n\n  \nLater on\, during my 8 years of professional experience I moved away from these natural practices while working on single family residential public housing and commercial projects in Texas. Although I was able to introduce sustainability initiatives not typically included in these projects\, it felt insufficient and disconnected from the land. I knew I wanted to return to more grounded and ecologically-friendly building practices in my architectural work.  I continued taking courses in natural building\, including bamboo (guadua) construction techniques in Colombia\, where I helped built a roof structure at an Ecofarm. \n  \n \nPouring the adobe floor scratch coat in Puerto Rico\, 2025 \n\n  \nIn early 2025\, I discovered CruzinCobGlobal and my deep connection to COB and its communal way of building while taking their 5-week Full Build Workshop in Naguábo\, Puerto Rico. Soon after\, I quit my job and fully committed to natural building. I traveled to Turkey to deepen my knowledge of natural plastering and worked on a farm building straw bale bungalows with earthen plasters.  My other passions are hiking\, camping\, time in nature and yoga\, for which I just received a Teacher Training Certificate in India. \nI’m excited to continue my learning journey and begin to teach with the CruzinCobGlobal team in Portugal this summer assisting Tom Van Well\, who was one of my Instructors in Puerto Rico.  I am looking forward to expanding my passion into this new chapter of my life and meeting you all in Coruche! \n  \nTRANSPORTATION\n  \nStudents will get to Coruche from Lisbon by bus or carpooling with each other or using BlaBlaCar\, a popular European carpooling service. \n  \nREGISTRATION & PAYMENT\n  \nVery Early Bird Rate: 2200€\, paid in full by February 5th\, 2026 \nEarly Bird Rate: 2300€\, paid in full by April 5th\, 2026 \nStandard Rate: 2400€\, paid in full by June 5th\, 2026 \nWe are offering 4 work trade positions which give you a 250€ discount for working one hour each weekday from 6:30am to 7:30am either on the site prepping materials and other work as guided by the Instructors or preparing & putting away breakfast. Two persons for each service.  These are the first options to go. Depending on when you pay in full\, the discount is taken off the appropriate amount. \nPayment in USD (convert to current exchange rate) can be made using Zelle\, Paypal and  Venmo to claudinedesiree@gmail.com. Europeans and other international students can pay in Euros using the Wise app/website using same email.  You can also use this link for a free transfer up to 500€:  https://wise.com/invite/ihpc/claudined \nPlease contact claudine@cruzincobglobal.org or Whatsapp +1(831) 212-7225 to register and ask any questions. \nTo hold your spot (there are 12 for new students and 3 for returning students)\, you can make a 50% deposit.  The balance owed depends on the date of payment in full. Final payment deadline is June 5th\, 2026. \n  \nCANCELLATION POLICY\n  \nStudents who have paid and cancel by April 5th\, 2026 can get a full refund minus a 5% administrative/inconvenience fee on the amount they have paid. \nStudents who have paid and cancel by May 5th\, 2026 will receive a credit for a future workshop within two years minus a 10% administrative/inconvenience fee. \nStudents who have paid and cancel after May 5th\, 2026 will not receive a refund or credit unless they have proof of an emergency situation or other reason out of their control\, in which case they will receive a credit for two years minus the 10% admin fee. \n  \nSEE YOU IN THE MUD!
URL:https://cobworkshops.org/event/5-week-full-build-for-all-levels-a-complete-cob-cottage-at-sitio-do-valverde-in-coruche-portugal/
LOCATION:Sitio do Valverde\, Coruche\, Portugal
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://cobworkshops.org/wp-content/uploads/CorucheCOB2026.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="CruzinCobGlobal":MAILTO:claudine@cruzincobglobal.org
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