BEGIN:VCALENDAR
VERSION:2.0
PRODID:-//Cob Workshops - ECPv5.14.0.4//NONSGML v1.0//EN
CALSCALE:GREGORIAN
METHOD:PUBLISH
X-WR-CALNAME:Cob Workshops
X-ORIGINAL-URL:https://cobworkshops.org
X-WR-CALDESC:Events for Cob Workshops
REFRESH-INTERVAL;VALUE=DURATION:PT1H
X-Robots-Tag:noindex
X-PUBLISHED-TTL:PT1H
BEGIN:VTIMEZONE
TZID:America/Denver
BEGIN:DAYLIGHT
TZOFFSETFROM:-0700
TZOFFSETTO:-0600
TZNAME:MDT
DTSTART:20250309T090000
END:DAYLIGHT
BEGIN:STANDARD
TZOFFSETFROM:-0600
TZOFFSETTO:-0700
TZNAME:MST
DTSTART:20251102T080000
END:STANDARD
BEGIN:DAYLIGHT
TZOFFSETFROM:-0700
TZOFFSETTO:-0600
TZNAME:MDT
DTSTART:20260308T090000
END:DAYLIGHT
BEGIN:STANDARD
TZOFFSETFROM:-0600
TZOFFSETTO:-0700
TZNAME:MST
DTSTART:20261101T080000
END:STANDARD
TZID:America/New_York
BEGIN:DAYLIGHT
TZOFFSETFROM:-0500
TZOFFSETTO:-0400
TZNAME:EDT
DTSTART:20250309T070000
END:DAYLIGHT
BEGIN:STANDARD
TZOFFSETFROM:-0400
TZOFFSETTO:-0500
TZNAME:EST
DTSTART:20251102T060000
END:STANDARD
BEGIN:DAYLIGHT
TZOFFSETFROM:-0500
TZOFFSETTO:-0400
TZNAME:EDT
DTSTART:20260308T070000
END:DAYLIGHT
BEGIN:STANDARD
TZOFFSETFROM:-0400
TZOFFSETTO:-0500
TZNAME:EST
DTSTART:20261101T060000
END:STANDARD
TZID:America/Vancouver
BEGIN:DAYLIGHT
TZOFFSETFROM:-0800
TZOFFSETTO:-0700
TZNAME:PDT
DTSTART:20260308T100000
END:DAYLIGHT
BEGIN:STANDARD
TZOFFSETFROM:-0700
TZOFFSETTO:-0800
TZNAME:PST
DTSTART:20261101T090000
END:STANDARD
TZID:America/Los_Angeles
BEGIN:DAYLIGHT
TZOFFSETFROM:-0800
TZOFFSETTO:-0700
TZNAME:PDT
DTSTART:20250309T100000
END:DAYLIGHT
BEGIN:STANDARD
TZOFFSETFROM:-0700
TZOFFSETTO:-0800
TZNAME:PST
DTSTART:20251102T090000
END:STANDARD
BEGIN:DAYLIGHT
TZOFFSETFROM:-0800
TZOFFSETTO:-0700
TZNAME:PDT
DTSTART:20260308T100000
END:DAYLIGHT
BEGIN:STANDARD
TZOFFSETFROM:-0700
TZOFFSETTO:-0800
TZNAME:PST
DTSTART:20261101T090000
END:STANDARD
TZID:Europe/Lisbon
BEGIN:DAYLIGHT
TZOFFSETFROM:+0000
TZOFFSETTO:+0100
TZNAME:WEST
DTSTART:20260329T010000
END:DAYLIGHT
BEGIN:STANDARD
TZOFFSETFROM:+0100
TZOFFSETTO:+0000
TZNAME:WET
DTSTART:20261025T010000
END:STANDARD
TZID:America/Mexico_City
BEGIN:STANDARD
TZOFFSETFROM:-0600
TZOFFSETTO:-0600
TZNAME:CST
DTSTART:20260101T000000
END:STANDARD
TZID:Australia/Sydney
BEGIN:STANDARD
TZOFFSETFROM:+1100
TZOFFSETTO:+1000
TZNAME:AEST
DTSTART:20260404T160000
END:STANDARD
BEGIN:DAYLIGHT
TZOFFSETFROM:+1000
TZOFFSETTO:+1100
TZNAME:AEDT
DTSTART:20261003T160000
END:DAYLIGHT
TZID:America/Puerto_Rico
BEGIN:STANDARD
TZOFFSETFROM:-0400
TZOFFSETTO:-0400
TZNAME:AST
DTSTART:20260101T000000
END:STANDARD
TZID:America/New_York
BEGIN:DAYLIGHT
TZOFFSETFROM:-0500
TZOFFSETTO:-0400
TZNAME:EDT
DTSTART:20250309T070000
END:DAYLIGHT
BEGIN:STANDARD
TZOFFSETFROM:-0400
TZOFFSETTO:-0500
TZNAME:EST
DTSTART:20251102T060000
END:STANDARD
TZID:America/Chicago
BEGIN:DAYLIGHT
TZOFFSETFROM:-0600
TZOFFSETTO:-0500
TZNAME:CDT
DTSTART:20250309T080000
END:DAYLIGHT
BEGIN:STANDARD
TZOFFSETFROM:-0500
TZOFFSETTO:-0600
TZNAME:CST
DTSTART:20251102T070000
END:STANDARD
END:VTIMEZONE
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20260523T080000
DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20260523T150000
DTSTAMP:20260414T173902
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;VALUE=DATE:20260518
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260523
DTSTAMP:20260414T173902
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:20260516T103000
DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20260516T173000
DTSTAMP:20260414T173902
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;TZID=America/Vancouver:20260514T153000
DTEND;TZID=America/Vancouver:20260518T110000
DTSTAMP:20260414T173902
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/Los_Angeles:20260504T080000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260510T170000
DTSTAMP:20260414T173902
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:BC
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;VALUE=DATE:20260501
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260511
DTSTAMP:20260414T173902
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:BC
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/Denver:20260425T080000
DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20260425T150000
DTSTAMP:20260414T173902
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;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260424T080000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260430T170000
DTSTAMP:20260414T173902
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:BC
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;VALUE=DATE:20260420
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260425
DTSTAMP:20260414T173902
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:20260406T080000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260412T170000
DTSTAMP:20260414T173902
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:BC
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;TZID=America/Denver:20260328T080000
DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20260328T150000
DTSTAMP:20260414T173902
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/Denver:20260322T090000
DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20260323T170000
DTSTAMP:20260414T173902
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;VALUE=DATE:20260314
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260323
DTSTAMP:20260414T173902
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
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20260221T080000
DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20260221T150000
DTSTAMP:20260414T173902
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;TZID=Australia/Sydney:20260208T160000
DTEND;TZID=Australia/Sydney:20260315T160000
DTSTAMP:20260414T173902
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/Puerto_Rico:20260118T170000
DTEND;TZID=America/Puerto_Rico:20260222T170000
DTSTAMP:20260414T173902
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=America/Denver:20260107T000000
DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20260107T000000
DTSTAMP:20260414T173902
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:BC
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://cobworkshops.org/wp-content/uploads/Screenshot-2026-01-07-151917.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20251116T160000
DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20251123T080000
DTSTAMP:20260414T173902
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/New_York:20251115T083000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20251123T203000
DTSTAMP:20260414T173902
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;VALUE=DATE:20251013
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20251018
DTSTAMP:20260414T173902
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;VALUE=DATE:20251012
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20251017
DTSTAMP:20260414T173902
CREATED:20250805T192401Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250805T193801Z
UID:9913-1760227200-1760659199@cobworkshops.org
SUMMARY:🏡 Reciprocal Green Roof: Structure\, Geometry\, and Living Roof Design
DESCRIPTION:🏡 Reciprocal Green Roof: Structure\, Geometry\, and Living Roof Design📅 October 12–16 (5 days)💰 $580 \nCurious about building a self-supporting roof system that’s both elegant and engineered to last? \nJoin us for this hands-on deep dive into reciprocal green roofs\, led by the talented Josh and Sarah of Clay Sand & Soul\, skilled natural builders known for their thoughtful design\, precise joinery\, and living roof expertise. \nWe’ll focus on the math\, mechanics\, and materials behind reciprocal roofs: spiral-framed structures celebrated for their strength\, symmetry\, and ability to support living systems. \nWhether you’re dreaming of a garden pavilion\, ceremony space\, or green-roofed retreat\, this workshop will give you the confidence and skill to build it right. \nWhat we’ll cover:\n\n\nReciprocal roof geometry and load-bearing calculations \n\n\nTimber selection\, angle cuts\, and center joinment \n\n\nFraming on cob and cordwood wall systems \n\n\nTension distribution and structural stability \n\n\nLayering systems for green roofs: waterproofing\, drainage\, insulation\, and soil \n\n\nIntro to roof planting and long-term maintenance \n\n\nYou’ll walk away with a full understanding of how to engineer\, frame\, and finish a reciprocal roof that’s both functional and stunning. \n\nThis workshop is part of our Fall Earthbuilding Series at Talking Water Nature Retreat\, a family-run gathering space on Suck Creek Mountain in Chattanooga\, TN. Together\, we’re building a bluff-top amphitheater using only natural and repurposed materials—this roof will be its crown. \n🌿 Pricing includes: \n\n\nAll tools and materials \n\n\nDaily breakfast\, lunch\, snacks\, and drinks \n\n\nOne homemade\, healthy group dinner \n\n\n💸 Discounts available: \n\n\n10% off for group sign-ups \n\n\n15% off for attending multiple workshops \n\n\n🏕️ On-site camping: $20 per tent🏡 Discounted cabin rentals available (limited availability) \n📩 Email: Bobbie@TalkingWaterTN.com🔗 Sign-up & workshop info: talkingwatertn.com📍 Suck Creek Mountain – Chattanooga\, TN (15 mins from downtown\, next to Prentice Cooper State Forest)🔗 Facebook share link: https://www.facebook.com/share/1H1dgCprih/ \n\n🛠️ Fall 2025 Earthbuilding Workshop Series at Talking Water\nEach workshop is a hands-on\, focused session. Join just one or come for the whole journey! \n🪨 Dry-Stacked Stone FoundationsFor drainage & erosion control📅 August 25–28 (4 days)💰 $480 \n🪞 Bottle-Log WindowsFor beauty & light diffusion📅 August 30–31 (2 days)💰 $315 \n🪵 Load-Bearing Cordwood Walls📅 September 13–14 or September 20–21 (2 days)💰 $315 \n🌀 Sculptural Cob Walls📅 September 5–14 (10 days)💰 $815 \n🪷 Natural PlastersBreathable\, weather-ready finishes📅 September 24–28 (5 days)💰 $580 \n🏡 Reciprocal Green RoofThermal mass & elegant structure📅 October 12–16 (5 days)💰 $580
URL:https://cobworkshops.org/event/%f0%9f%8f%a1-reciprocal-green-roof-structure-geometry-and-living-roof-design/
LOCATION:Talking Water Nature Retreat\, Chattanooga\, TN\, United States
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://cobworkshops.org/wp-content/uploads/395EFB88-06F7-4D60-942F-A12B31D3BCD4-1.png
ORGANIZER;CN="Clay%20Sand%20Soul":MAILTO:claysandsoul@gmail.com
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20251006T080000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20251010T170000
DTSTAMP:20260414T173902
CREATED:20250908T165458Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250908T165458Z
UID:9939-1759737600-1760115600@cobworkshops.org
SUMMARY:Clay and Lime Plaster Over Hempcrete
DESCRIPTION:✨ Join Us for a Natural Plaster Workshop in Parkdale\, OR! ✨ \nWe’re excited to announce the first session in our two-part natural plaster workshop series happening October 6th–10th at a beautiful 2\,000 SF hemp-lime home\, the first permitted of its kind in Hood River County. \nThis hands-on workshop will focus on applying the base coats of clay and lime plaster: the essential foundation for achieving durable\, flat\, and beathable walls that set the stage for refined finish coats in spring 2026. Led by internationally recognized plaster specialist James Henderson\, participants will learn mixing\, application\, and leveling techniques while exploring how natural plasters integrate beautifully with hemp-lime construction to create healthy interiors. \n👉 Cost / Compensation:\n• Beginners (limited experience): $600\n• Moderate experience (1–2 years): Free\n• Experienced plasterers (2+ years): Compensated based on skill level\n• Experience level and cost/compensation will be determined after a brief call. \n✨ Bonus: Register for this workshop and get 70% off the second workshop (spring 2026 finish coat session).\nProject designer John Hutton of Next Genesis Design will be on-site to answer questions about hempcrete\, design\, and building systems. \n📌 Spots are limited: reserve yours today!
🔗 Register & learn more: https://www.nextgenesisdesign.com/plaster-workshop-info
URL:https://cobworkshops.org/event/clay-and-lime-plaster-over-hempcrete/
LOCATION:BC
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://cobworkshops.org/wp-content/uploads/Next-Genesis-Plaster-Workshop-Flier.png
ORGANIZER;CN="Next%20Genesis%20Design":MAILTO:john@nextgenesisdesign.com
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20250926T090000
DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20250928T140000
DTSTAMP:20260414T173902
CREATED:20250918T203718Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250918T203718Z
UID:9942-1758877200-1759068000@cobworkshops.org
SUMMARY:Cob Oven Workshop
DESCRIPTION:This workshop is a great introduction to natural building materials and methods. We will build a wood-fired cob bread/pizza oven from start to finish. Students will build the stone foundation\, firebrick hearth\, cob structure\, and finish the oven with earthen plasters. We will also build an attached straw bale and cob wall and a cast in place concrete countertop. You will learn the skills to go home and build your own oven\, as well as take on other building projects with natural materials! The class is very hands-on but there will be time for focused discussions/presentations on a range of natural building topics. \n  \nWhat to expect:  \nOur days will be spent engaged in hands-on building and learning with natural materials. Expect a rich weekend of natural and community building with the group. We’ll work\, learn\, eat\, and relax with each other in a positive\, hard-working\, fun atmosphere. Conversation on natural building will provide constant background chatter throughout the weekend. Evenings are typically unscheduled so folks have time to enjoy the site\, explore nearby towns\, or relax around the fire. \nWe will make time for a few focused discussions on related natural building subjects such as straw-bale construction\, passive solar design\, wood framing\, roofing\, permits and codes\, and more. Michael may give an interesting slideshow presentation. \n  \nThe Site:  \nOur site is the Mones homestead\, a beautiful rural property with opportunities for hiking and exploring in the fields and woods. The property includes a house with toilet and shower facilities\, a fire pit gathering area\, and abundant camping space. The address will be provided upon registration. \n  \nMeals/Food preferences:  \nWe will serve meals from lunch on Friday through lunch on Sunday\, cooked on-site by staff. The food will be healthy and filling cuisine. Vegetarian and vegan options on request. Many of the ingredients will be sourced from local farms. Please indicate any food allergies upon registration. \n  \nSchedule:  \nThe workshop will begin at 9am on Saturday the 26th. We will break for lunch around 1pm and work again until 5pm. The evening is informal and unscheduled\, although a campfire hang-out will be available. Breakfast will be served at 8am with the workshop to follow. Camping participants may arrive Thursday evening to set up camp\, but no meals will be provided until lunch Saturday. \nInstructor:  \nMichael McDonough is a Troy\, NY based building contractor\, designer\, and educator. His work can be found at the North Carolina Museum of Life and Science\, Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival\, Oxmoor Farm\, and a number of happy homesteads around the east coast and upstate NY. He has taught over 20 natural building workshops. \n  \nWhat to bring:  \n* Camping equipment including tent\, sleeping bag\, flashlight \n* Work clothes and shoes. Slip on/off shoes are recommended\, such as crocks\, sandals\, etc. \n* Work gloves \n* Sunscreen\, bug spray\, hat\, water bottle\, rain gear \n* Notebook\, building plans or sketches to discuss \n  \nTo Register:  \nTuition is $550 and includes the camping fee\, workshop experience\, and all meals. There is an early enrollment discount. If tuition is paid in full before September 5th\, Tuition is $490. \n  \nPlease contact Michael via email\, text\, or phone call if you’d like to register. We accept paypal\, venmo\, cash\, or checks. \n  \nYou may register via paypal by sending the tuition to michael@risingearthbuilding.com \nOr venmo at @Michael-McDonough-140 \n  \nOr mail your tuition cash/check to the address below and we will confirm your registration via email. \n  \nRising Earth Natural Building \n403 3rd St. \nTroy\, NY 12180 \nCall or email with questions:  \n(518) 217 5592 \nmichael@risingearthbuilding.com
URL:https://cobworkshops.org/event/cob-oven-workshop-2/
LOCATION:BC
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://cobworkshops.org/wp-content/uploads/Natural-building-workshop-2025.png
ORGANIZER;CN="Rising%20Earth%20Natural%20Building":MAILTO:risingearthbuilding@gmail.com
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20250924
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20250929
DTSTAMP:20260414T173902
CREATED:20250805T184716Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250805T184716Z
UID:9896-1758672000-1759103999@cobworkshops.org
SUMMARY:🪷 Natural Plaster - Clay & Lime Finishes for Earth Walls
DESCRIPTION:🪷 Natural Plaster – Clay & Lime Finishes for Earth Walls📅 September 24–28 (5 days)💰 $580 \nReady to turn raw earth walls into polished works of art? \nThis hands-on workshop will teach you to create breathable\, durable\, and beautiful finishes using natural materials like clay\, lime\, sand\, straw\, and pigments. Whether you’re going for sleek and subtle or sculptural and expressive\, you’ll learn how to apply functional\, artistic plasters for cob\, cordwood\, or hybrid structures. \nWhat we’ll cover:\n\n\nMixing clay\, sand\, straw\, and natural pigments \n\n\nBase coats\, finish layers\, and prepping different surfaces \n\n\nBurnishing\, tooling\, and adding texture \n\n\nIntro to lime plasters for weather resistance \n\n\nSculpting\, patching\, and blending repairs \n\n\nNo prior experience needed – we’ll guide you from the trowel up! \n\nThis workshop is part of our Fall Earthbuilding Series at Talking Water Nature Retreat\, a family-run gathering place on Suck Creek Mountain in Chattanooga\, TN\, where we’re building a bluff-top amphitheater using all natural and repurposed materials. \n🌿 Pricing includes: \n\n\nAll tools and materials \n\n\nDaily breakfast\, lunch\, snacks\, and drinks \n\n\nOne homemade\, healthy group dinner \n\n\n💸 Discounts available: \n\n\n10% off for group sign-ups \n\n\n15% off for attending multiple workshops \n\n\n🏕️ Camping available for $20 per tent🏡 Discounted cabin rentals (limited availability) \n📩 Email: Bobbie@TalkingWaterTN.com🔗 Sign-up & full workshop details: talkingwatertn.com📍 Suck Creek Mountain – Chattanooga\, TN (15 mins from downtown\, next to Prentice Cooper State Forest)🔗 Facebook share link: https://www.facebook.com/share/1H1dgCprih/ \n\n🛠️ Fall 2025 Earthbuilding Workshop Series at Talking Water\nEach workshop is a hands-on\, focused session. Join just one—or come for the whole journey. \n🪨 Dry-Stacked Stone FoundationsFor drainage & erosion control📅 August 25–28 (4 days)💰 $480 \n🪞 Bottle-Log WindowsFor beauty & light diffusion📅 August 30–31 (2 days)💰 $315 \n📐 Load-Bearing Cordwood Walls📅 September 13–14 or September 20–21 (2 days)💰 $315 \n🌀 Sculptural Cob Walls📅 September 5–14 (10 days)💰 $815 \n🪷 Natural PlastersBreathable\, weather-ready finishes📅 September 24–28 (5 days)💰 $580 \n🏡 Reciprocal Green RoofThermal mass & elegant structure📅 October 12–16 (5 days)💰 $580
URL:https://cobworkshops.org/event/%f0%9f%aa%b7-natural-plaster-clay-lime-finishes-for-earth-walls/
LOCATION:Talking Water Nature Retreat\, Chattanooga\, TN\, United States
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://cobworkshops.org/wp-content/uploads/2025-Fall-Earthbuilding-Workshops-TWNR-3-4.png
ORGANIZER;CN="Bobbie%20Such":MAILTO:Bobbie@TalkingWaterTN.com
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20250920T160000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20250930T160000
DTSTAMP:20260414T173902
CREATED:20241025T213402Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20241025T213402Z
UID:9513-1758384000-1759248000@cobworkshops.org
SUMMARY:10 day natural building techniques
DESCRIPTION:This action-packed\, hands-on/feet-on workshop is for adults and youth ages 12+ accompanied by parents who intend to build their own cob home! Test your grit during 10 days at Cob Hill Natural Building School\, as Cat Taylor teaches the techniques and skills from the foundation to the roofing system. We will learn about various building styles: cob; bale cob; palletable cob. We will also cover many other natural building concepts like: site placement and preparation; dig a rubble trench; stack a stone stem wall; tamp subfloors; set windows; build up our walls and of course cob\, cob\, cob! Hands on experience covering soil testing\, foundations\, dig a rubble trench\, pier and beam\, stack a stone stem wall (dry stacking)\, cob building\, bale cob\, palletable cob\, timber framing\, windows and doors\, roof designs\, living roofs\, roof sheathing\, tree felling\, log peeling\, log milling (saw mill)\, Shou Sugi Ban(Japanese art of waterproofing wood). \nPrimitive tent camping sites are available near the build including access to hot showers\, plus 3 plant-based meals a day are included in your tuition! You will need to bring your own camping gear. (See FAQ section of naturalbuildingorg.com) Prospective attendees\, please be advised that we are unable to accommodate guests\, unregistered children under 12 or pets on site for the duration of the workshop; however\, there are nearby lodging options available for them including Daingerfield State Park\, as well as two boarding options within 30 minutes of Cob Hill. $1165 tuition includes a $200 non-refundable deposit to secure your spot. Only if NaturalBuildingOrg has to cancel the workshop for some unforeseen reason will this deposit be refundable. Save $100 automatically if your registration includes two or more people. Active duty military personnel and honorably discharged veterans with valid ID or DD214 may select the appropriate tuition tier to receive 20% off\, and eligible Cob Hill Lifetime of Learning (L.o.L.)
URL:https://cobworkshops.org/event/10-day-natural-building-techniques-2/
LOCATION:Cob hill natural building school\, hughes springs\, TX\, 75656\, United States
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://cobworkshops.org/wp-content/uploads/Cob-kitchen-front.jpeg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20250920
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20250922
DTSTAMP:20260414T173902
CREATED:20250805T185525Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250805T190045Z
UID:9906-1758326400-1758499199@cobworkshops.org
SUMMARY:🪵 Load-Bearing Cordwood Walls – Strong\, Simple\, and Beautiful\, 2nd weekend
DESCRIPTION:🪵 Load-Bearing Cordwood Walls – Strong\, Simple\, and Beautiful📅 September 20-21 (2 days)💰 $315 \nReady to stack wood and mortar into something that stands for generations? \nIn this hands-on workshop\, we’ll teach you how to build load-bearing cordwood walls that are structurally sound\, weather-conscious\, and full of natural charm. Whether you’re building a full structure or a garden wall\, you’ll walk away with the know-how to do it right. \nThis method is approachable\, sturdy\, and perfect for cabins\, saunas\, studios\, or integrating with cob and timber frames. \nWhat we’ll cover:\n\n\nSite prep and base layer setup \n\n\nMortar mixing and ratio basics \n\n\nLog selection\, trimming\, and stacking \n\n\nKey techniques for leveling\, spacing\, and alignment \n\n\nLoad-bearing integration and buttress reinforcement \n\n\nManaging shrinkage\, air gaps\, and water flow \n\n\nWe’ll be working on a real build\, using local\, repurposed cedar and hardwoods—learning the small details that make cordwood walls beautiful and strong. \n\nThis workshop is part of our Fall Earthbuilding Series at Talking Water Nature Retreat\, our family-run forest retreat on Suck Creek Mountain in Chattanooga\, TN. We’re building a bluff-top amphitheater using all natural and repurposed materials\, and this is one of the central elements. \n🌿 Pricing includes: \n\n\nAll tools and materials \n\n\nDaily breakfast\, lunch\, snacks\, and drinks \n\n\nOne homemade\, healthy group dinner \n\n\n💸 Discounts available: \n\n\n10% off for group sign-ups \n\n\n15% off for attending multiple workshops \n\n\n🏕️ On-site camping: $20 per tent🏡 Discounted cabin rentals available (limited availability) \n📩 Email: Bobbie@TalkingWaterTN.com🔗 Sign-up & workshop info: talkingwatertn.com📍 Suck Creek Mountain – Chattanooga\, TN (15 mins from downtown\, next to Prentice Cooper State Forest)🔗 Facebook share link: https://www.facebook.com/share/1H1dgCprih/ \n\n🛠️ Fall 2025 Earthbuilding Workshop Series at Talking Water\nEach workshop is a hands-on\, focused session. Join just one—or come for the whole journey. \n🪨 Dry-Stacked Stone FoundationsFor drainage & erosion control📅 August 25–28 (4 days)💰 $480 \n🪞 Bottle-Log WindowsFor beauty & light diffusion📅 August 30–31 (2 days)💰 $315 \n📐 Load-Bearing Cordwood Walls📅 September 13–14 or September 20–21 (2 days)💰 $315 \n🌀 Sculptural Cob Walls📅 September 5–14 (10 days)💰 $815 \n🪷 Natural PlastersBreathable\, weather-ready finishes📅 September 24–28 (5 days)💰 $580 \n🏡 Reciprocal Green RoofThermal mass & elegant structure📅 October 12–16 (5 days)💰 $580
URL:https://cobworkshops.org/event/%f0%9f%aa%b5-load-bearing-cordwood-walls-strong-simple-and-beautiful-2nd-weekend/
LOCATION:Talking Water Nature Retreat\, Chattanooga\, TN\, United States
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://cobworkshops.org/wp-content/uploads/Cordwood-Flyer-April-2025-Version-1.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="Bobbie%20Such":MAILTO:Bobbie@TalkingWaterTN.com
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20250919
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20250922
DTSTAMP:20260414T173902
CREATED:20250712T171557Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250712T171557Z
UID:9864-1758240000-1758499199@cobworkshops.org
SUMMARY:Clay Plasters\, Paints\, and Sculpting
DESCRIPTION:Clay Plasters\, Paints and Sculpting\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNumber of Students: 10 \nCost: $400 (includes all meals and camping) \n​Overview of the Three-Day Weekend  \nThis is a hands-on class designed to get you comfortable with basic clay plasters so you can take on projects in your conventional home\, a natural building\, or for art projects. You’ll learn how to source\, mix\, make\, and properly apply base and finish coat plasters from local/native sources as well as purchased materials including fine clays and pigments. We’ll also make and use clay paints and lime/clay plasters and use special mixes to make sculptural and decorative elements on the recently completed sauna. \nAbout the Site \nRosewater Ranch sits on 130 acres of high desert steppe and coniferous forest 30 minutes north of Reno\, NV. It features permacultured grounds\, organic gardens\, dairy goats\, a mushroom business\, a small community of residents\, Prema Farm\, a new earthen sauna we built in July\, and a cob cabin from our 2021 workshop. The property borders expansive national forest with miles of trails and offers stunning vistas and sunsets. \nLodging and Food \nCampsites\, van and RV sites are available at the site and are included with the workshop. Guests are welcome to arrive during the afternoon of Thursday\, September 18th. Class ends the afternoon of Sunday\, September 21st. Hot showers are on-site. \nDelicious home-cooked meals\, coffee and tea are provided and will be vegetarian with occasional meat options. \nThe Daily Schedule \nWe are aware that students make a big investment in a workshop like this. We honor your time and do the best we can to share our knowledge and experience. Expect long days with lots of building and learning. On some evenings we will show slides and films featuring our previous projects and that of other people and cultures. Believe it or not\, we also still like to make time for a campfire and some music. We always strive to make the workshop itself a comfortable\, memorable and fun experience. \nWe start Friday Morning\, September 19th with breakfast at 7:30\, and end with lunch on Sunday\, September 21st. \n7:30 breakfast \n8:30 plaster session 1 \n1:00 lunch \n2:30-6:00 plaster session two\, lectures\, discussion \n7:00 Dinner \n8:00 lectures/slideshows/campfire/free time \nInstructors \nLead instructor Kyle Isacksen has been building with earth since 2010 and teaching natural building since 2011 with House Alive and the Be the Change Project. Kyle has a background in construction\, teaching\, and simple living.  He’s worked as a framer\, carpenter\, and commercial roofer and recently finished building a “green” conventional house in his neighborhood in Reno. He was a science teacher for 7 years\, is a frequent speaker on sustainable living\, and is a contributing writer for Mother Earth News magazine and blog. Kyle enjoys basketball\, hiking\, reading\, and martial arts. \nKaty Chandler is the co-founder of the Be the Change Project and has lived in and worked with natural building materials for many years. She is a prolific gardener\, certified permaculture designer with over 12 years of hands-on implementation\, urban garlic farmer\, and math teacher.  She loves to dance\, laugh\, and pore over seed catalogs while cozied up to the wood stove on long winter nights. Kyle and Katy also have two teenage sons. \nRegistration\, Payment\, & Refunds  \nThis workshop requires a $150 payment to reserve your spot. Once a payment is made\, Kyle will reach out to you\, welcome you to the course\, and get you in the email loop with all the details. \nGo here to pay with Venmo or send a check for $150 made out to “Cobitat” and mailed to 2055 McCloud Avenue\, Reno\, NV 89512. \nPayment is refundable until 2 weeks before the start of the class. If you cancel with less than two weeks before the start of the class and your spot can be filled\, we will issue a full refund. If it can’t be filled\, we’ll issue a partial refund or put your payment towards a future workshop.
URL:https://cobworkshops.org/event/clay-plasters-paints-and-sculpting/
LOCATION:Rosewater Ranch\, 30 minutes north of Reno\, Nevada\, Reno\, CA\, United States
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://cobworkshops.org/wp-content/uploads/IMG_20240619_193301189-1-scaled.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="Cobitat":MAILTO:cobitat@gmail.com
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20250915
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20250920
DTSTAMP:20260414T173902
CREATED:20250619T154137Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250619T154255Z
UID:9845-1757894400-1758326399@cobworkshops.org
SUMMARY:Intro to Cob and Straw Workshop – East Tennessee
DESCRIPTION:Dates: September 15 – September 19\, 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 \n  \nPrice: $499 \nClick here to Register: https://www.thiscobhouse.com/intro-to-cob-and-straw-workshop-tennessee-september-2025/
URL:https://cobworkshops.org/event/intro-to-cob-and-straw-workshop-east-tennessee-5/
LOCATION:Greeneville\, Tennessee\, Greeneville\, TN\, 37743\, United States
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://cobworkshops.org/wp-content/uploads/intro-to-cob-and-straw-workshop-2024-7.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="Alex%20Sumerall":MAILTO:alex@thiscobhouse.com
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20250913T113000
DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20250914T113000
DTSTAMP:20260414T173902
CREATED:20250822T060117Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250822T060117Z
UID:9927-1757763000-1757849400@cobworkshops.org
SUMMARY:Cob Building Workshop
DESCRIPTION:Cob/ Natural building workshop. Meet other like-minded folks in a peaceful retreat-like setting. Learn hands-on practical skills building a small dome like structure\, Temazcal/Inipi. Inipi ceremony will be offered (a way to cleanse the body\, mind\, and spirit) camping\,  along with delicious meals. Some cabins available upon request for additional fee.
URL:https://cobworkshops.org/event/cob-building-workshop-5/
LOCATION:BC
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://cobworkshops.org/wp-content/uploads/cob-workshop-Sept.-2025-copy.1-1.jpeg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20250913
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20250915
DTSTAMP:20260414T173902
CREATED:20250805T185257Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250805T191534Z
UID:9901-1757721600-1757894399@cobworkshops.org
SUMMARY:🪵 Load-Bearing Cordwood Walls – Strong\, Simple\, and Beautiful\, 1st weekend
DESCRIPTION:🪵 Load-Bearing Cordwood Walls – Strong\, Simple\, and Beautiful📅 September 13–14 (2 days)💰 $315 \nReady to stack wood and mortar into something that stands for generations? \nIn this hands-on workshop\, we’ll teach you how to build load-bearing cordwood walls that are structurally sound\, weather-conscious\, and full of natural charm. Whether you’re building a full structure or a garden wall\, you’ll walk away with the know-how to do it right. \nThis method is approachable\, sturdy\, and perfect for cabins\, saunas\, studios\, or integrating with cob and timber frames. \nWhat we’ll cover:\n\n\nSite prep and base layer setup \n\n\nMortar mixing and ratio basics \n\n\nLog selection\, trimming\, and stacking \n\n\nKey techniques for leveling\, spacing\, and alignment \n\n\nLoad-bearing integration and buttress reinforcement \n\n\nManaging shrinkage\, air gaps\, and water flow \n\n\nWe’ll be working on a real build\, using local\, repurposed cedar and hardwoods—learning the small details that make cordwood walls beautiful and strong. \n\nThis workshop is part of our Fall Earthbuilding Series at Talking Water Nature Retreat\, our family-run forest retreat on Suck Creek Mountain in Chattanooga\, TN. We’re building a bluff-top amphitheater using all natural and repurposed materials\, and this is one of the central elements. \n🌿 Pricing includes: \n\n\nAll tools and materials \n\n\nDaily breakfast\, lunch\, snacks\, and drinks \n\n\nOne homemade\, healthy group dinner \n\n\n💸 Discounts available: \n\n\n10% off for group sign-ups \n\n\n15% off for attending multiple workshops \n\n\n🏕️ On-site camping: $20 per tent🏡 Discounted cabin rentals available (limited availability) \n📩 Email: Bobbie@TalkingWaterTN.com🔗 Sign-up & workshop info: talkingwatertn.com📍 Suck Creek Mountain – Chattanooga\, TN (15 mins from downtown\, next to Prentice Cooper State Forest)🔗 Facebook share link: https://www.facebook.com/share/1H1dgCprih/ \n\n🛠️ Fall 2025 Earthbuilding Workshop Series at Talking Water\nEach workshop is a hands-on\, focused session. Join just one—or come for the whole journey. \n🪨 Dry-Stacked Stone FoundationsFor drainage & erosion control📅 August 25–28 (4 days)💰 $480 \n🪞 Bottle-Log WindowsFor beauty & light diffusion📅 August 30–31 (2 days)💰 $315 \n📐 Load-Bearing Cordwood Walls📅 September 13–14 or September 20–21 (2 days)💰 $315 \n🌀 Sculptural Cob Walls📅 September 5–14 (10 days)💰 $815 \n🪷 Natural PlastersBreathable\, weather-ready finishes📅 September 24–28 (5 days)💰 $580 \n🏡 Reciprocal Green RoofThermal mass & elegant structure📅 October 12–16 (5 days)💰 $580
URL:https://cobworkshops.org/event/%f0%9f%aa%b5-load-bearing-cordwood-walls-strong-simple-and-beautiful-1st-weekend/
LOCATION:Talking Water Nature Retreat\, Chattanooga\, TN\, United States
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://cobworkshops.org/wp-content/uploads/Cordwood-Flyer-April-2025-Version.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="Bobbie%20Such":MAILTO:Bobbie@TalkingWaterTN.com
END:VEVENT
END:VCALENDAR