Message Board
Work Exchange & Work Parties
Work Exchange: Offer labor for education and experience.
Work Party: Ask for help on your building project in exchange for sharing your knowledge.
Top Events
Work Exchange & Work Parties
Work Exchange: Offer labor for education and experience.
Work Party: Ask for help on your building project in exchange for sharing your knowledge.
Hi!I’ m curently a student in environmental law in France.I’ m really interested in learning how to build a cob house!is anyone aware of any constructions in france, i would preferably learn through work-exchange!
many thanks.
marita
Bonjour de Bordeaux,
I’m also looking for cob/earthbag constructions in France to participate in- have you happened to find anything?
Thanks and best,
Anne
Hi
This is Cato, a wonderer holding a Mexican Passport. In mid-late September 2011, I will start building a small house using Earthbags and cob, in San Cristobal de Las Casas, Chiapas, Mexico.
If you visit my website, you will see that I am focusing on Earthbag Building with a social work twist. (I´ve volunteered my time and experience to train local farmers on the Earthbag Building technique). However, since I am alone, it has been difficult to secure the financing to finish the HealthClinic in Chipas.
I have decided to accept this new Small house project as a paid job as a means to finance myself (living expenses and all that). And then, be able to do more volunteer work in the near future in rural Chiapas. The house is for some friends with very limited finacial resources, where I will not get paid much, but I will hire local paid-labor, train them and offer them a new skill if they so wish.
Although I have some experience with Earthbags and Cob, I am not a teacher, nor an expert. I am in my learning curve and very enthusiastic about it. We will build a Dry Toilet and a rain water harvesting system (I have done the research, but it will be the first time I will build these things).
If you are in the area, or want to come to Chiapas, Mexico, and learn, exchange experiences, about Earthbag Building and Cob you will be most welcome. Of course, there will be no “participation fee”, just the honest offering to learn and work together for as long as you like. I can offer you a place to put your sleeping bag and a place to cook your meals. I can also help you to learn or improve your Spanish. San Cristobal is a nice town, and Chiapas is a well known region with many beautiful places to visit and many people visiting them.
I trust to hear from you soon.
Cato
Hi! I live in Arlington, Texas and I wanna learn cob, strawbale, and permaculture. I would not mind offering a free hand in exchange for a learning experience! I’m also looking for a permaculture co-op where I can grow and harvest my own fruits and vegetables.
Unfortunately because of gas, I can only afford to travel within the metroplex. Looking forward to working with you soon.
Did you ever find someone to learn with? I am in Arlington and in the same boat as you were several years ago. I want to learn. And mostly want to learn if I can get approval to build locally no was hoping you could point me in the right direction.
Hello, my name is Rob. I wish to share my muscle to someone willing to share experience in the field of cob and permaculture. I live in Calgary, Alberta, and I have easy access to city transit systems. Any takers please reply!
Hi! I’m in Calgary as well. I’m half tempted to join the mudgirl’s program in BC, and if I do, I can share what I learned when I come back. I’m trying to find a community so we can potentially help each other build homes. Environmentally friendly and hopefully affordable. I’ve been obsessed with cob or cob-fusion style over the last year. I’ve done a lot of reading, but I want hands on experience first. I’m not as strong, but I’m good at design, meticulous, and patient. If there’s a will, there’s a way~
Hi,
My name is Caleb and I live here in Indiana with my wife Adri. I am an artist with experience in Glass Blowing, Steel welding and have been researching natural building techniques for the past few years.
I am looking for ANY opportunities to volunteer on natural building projects. The only stipulation would be how far I would have to travel. If you are in the Midwest and need help with a project please contact me with your info.
THANKS!
Hi Caleb! Since we are all on the topic of working for the exchange of knowledge and experience… I live in Cincinnati and am dyyying to learn how to blow glass. If you have any project and perhaps need a hand, let me know!
(I know this is unlikely since I don’t know how, but it doesn’t hurt to ask.. right?)
Peace
Anna
Caleb I too am a glassblower with an interest in cob/ earthbag. I want to build an artist compound and glass studio out of cob. please contact me at billwcox@gmail.com
Caleb I also live in Columbus, Ohio as you know Cincinnati is only a short drive away!
Caleb we live in Charlestown indiana we are going to start building as soon as this winter season passes !!!! It is our first time but we are working closely with an engineer let me know if your interested !!! 🙂 we are 30 mins north of louisville ky 🙂
I am interested in learning to build with Cobb in summer of 2015 live in Bedford Indiana and would be glad to help you out in exchange for the experience
Hello Chasity! We live I southern Illinois, but moving to southern Indiana soon. I was wondering if you’ve finished your project? Would you be willing to share with my husband and I about your experience?
Hey Caleb!
I’m from the Cincinnati area and I teach cob building workshops. I would love to have you and your wife and anyone attached to this post down to my property. I just bought property last year and we are going to start the foundation within the next two months. This would be a great introduction into cob. Let me know. You can email me at cobbersgrove@gmail.com
Forgot to add, ok with travel.
Hello,
I’m an artist living in Chicago and was recently introduced to earth building. I’ll have January, and February (or possibly March) 2012 available to donate my time and help in exchange to learn the process. I know it’s kind of an odd time but was wondering if anyone will be working on projects then. I have mosaic and mural experience if it helps. I would love to hear from you.
Thanks for your time.
Allison Rae
Hey Allison,
Jan-March is mid-rainy season for us, so we won’t be cobbing, but we will probably be plastering the interior of our cob house and working on the interior in general – floors, shelves, cabinets, etc. If you’re interested you can read below for more details on us or get in touch with me at kristenregina@gmail.com. We’re located on the north coast of California. Best, Kristen
Hi Allison,
I also wanted to add that we definitely want to do some mosaic work in our house and we have been salvaging tiles whole and in pieces for the last couple years for this purpose. If you are interested, it would be great to have your expertise in this area!
Kristen
Hello,
I am from Maple Ridge, British Columbia and I was just introduced to cob building today. I couldn’t even finish the documentary on it before googling available courses. If anyone has a project on the go and I would love to donate my time to help out and learn the process. I run a licensed daycare and thought it would be great involving the children in building a structure for our outside area.
Hey Petra, We’re building a cob house in northern CA, but I’m guessing you are looking for a project in your area. I suggest you contact Pat Hennebery with Cob Works. He lives in BC on Mayne Island and usually spends the summers working on some cob project in the area. We took a course with him a couple years back. Best, Kristen kristenregina@gmail.com
Hey Kristen,
Northern CA sounds very inviting but time and money dictate my travel plans currently. Thank you for the info. I have email Pat and hopefully I can find something closer.
Happy building,
Petra
Hi! I am a 22 year old looking to do some form of work trade. About me, I help run a Hawaii based clothing company called In4mation brand! I like to surf and i also love raw foods! Looking to add onto my natural building experience. Currently i am working on converting shipping containers. Please throw me a message if you have any work trade opportunities! We can chop it up from there and see if we connect! Aloha!
maui_joel@ymail.com
I’m not sure why but this web site is loading extremely slow for me. Is anyone else having this problem or is it a problem on my end? I’ll check back later and see if the problem still exists.
Hi,
My wife and two children will be relocating to Asheville, North Carolina area in June. I am interested in living in the country on a piece of land and build a small cottage for my family. I have some experience in building a cob oven, cob bench in my own backyard in South Georgia.
I will be relocating with my job to Asheville and am looking for a small cottage to live in temporarily (6 months to a year) while working on building a cob cottage.
I enjoy gardening, mini-farming (chickens…) and would be willing to work out something with a landowner for cob-trade or lease. I would also like to incorporate some permaculture techniques within the mini-farm.
If you have a small shack, bungalow, ??, to have our family move into temporarily while working on our cob cottage, I would be willing to rent/lease for a reasonable price per month or if you have things you need done around the farm, I would be willing to work out some type of agreement with you.
Thank you.
Mark Iglesias (markiglesias@hotmail.com) or 229-434-9746
We will be doing a bunch of exciting natural building projects over the summer and would love to share our experience with you. We are looking for people who would like to spend time this summer learning and practicing natural building techniques as full or part time volunteers at InanItah. If your an experienced natural builder you may be eligible for a full trade residency. Please visit http://www.inanitah.com/living/volunteering/ to review our volunteer opportunities.
Thanks,
Erika
Hi Everyone!
I’m writing from Toronto, Ontario. I am jumping out of my skin to get involved with all things cob related and natural building in general. In my search for what’s available here for workshops and/or apprenticeships, my impression thus far is that the natural building movement is in its infancy in southern Ontario. I many not be looking hard enough, but options are slim here, so it seems.
Cob for me is more than a mere passing fancy. I’ve come to realize it’s an integral part of my life path. This is not about “career; it’s an matter of life and Being, and I want to be a master of it.
If there is anyone or any organization at all looking for extra hands for any cob projects in Ontario, please contact me: I’m yearning to learn, help, and get involved. I want to get DIRTY! I’m looking for any mentors that can point in in the right path. The west coast is calling me but I want to make productive use during my time left in Ontario.
Do know that there’s a small but passionate network of Aware individuals here who are yearning to learn cob, so for you teachers out there, this is an open invitation to conduct a 10 day cob workshop (or longer) in Southern Ontario. My network of friends want go beyond cob ovens (which is the only thing available right now for a workshop, and even that is a 6 hour drive away)… We want to learn how to build HOMES.
On behalf of all future natural builders in Ontario, thank you for hearing us out!
~ Galo Chan
P.S. feel free to add me on facebook. It’s proven itself to be an effective networking tool.
Hello kind people,
I am in working at a retreat center in Cornville, AZ and we are planning on building a cob oven/bench. We are looking for someone with expertise in the area that would want to help. We want to build an oven with benches and if it is possible – heat the benches.
Thanks and happy building!
Hello is there any natural building projects going on in the great lakes area or the north east ? Id really like to get some experience on building in this type of climate ? thanks – Brendan
we_will_getby@hotmail.com
HI EVERYONE!
Im an Australian landscape architectur setting out on an adventure of a lifetime! I plan on travelling the world learning and experiencing traditional indigenous cultures. Within this exploration I hope to gain knowledge of their specific building practices and agricultural/land regeneration methods. My first stop is central america (mexico) where I hope to do some sort of Cobb building workshop. Could anyone recommend a reputable organisation or workshop? I plan on being there in july. Thankyou!
http://www.proyectosanisidro.com/
Hi currently staying at website above (Sanisidro Project) as a volunteer, attending the various courses that are held, busy doing lots of natural building in the little school, learning Spanish as not many English speakers so sink or swim, lots of land restoration work as well as need for some one to sort out the school garden as in a bit of a state! The area itself is beautiful, town its in is not great and expect lots of staring! But close to lots of other beautiful and scenic places. Have a look at website want more info contact me – armartin55@hotmail.com.
Good luck. Andrew
Hi is anyone building in new england? Can dedicate as much time as needed. email at
consciousself@yahoo.com
does anyone know of someone in georgia, tn, who has built cobwood, and/or a rocket heater? dennis
onespecialvessel@yahoo.com
We are looking for volunteers for our Pine Ridge Reservation Build in Pine Ridge South Dakota!! 8322438782 we are building a 30×30 pallet house with light straw clay infill and earthen plasters!! Workshop starts July 23rd for volunteers but apprentices will start with me on July 16th prepping the build site, if you would like to do something with a real impact on the American landscape then help us build a home for an Native American family in need!! we will have cob elements, strawbale, rocket mass heater, rainwater catchment, solar water heating composting toilets and much much more!!
Would anybody be willing to take on a worker who’d volunteer free labor to get experience with cob? I’ve done rammed earth before, but it’s cob that I’ve always really been interested in. I live in Washington but would be willing to travel where ever.
Garrett
gpoliver@live.com
we are looking for volunteers for our Pine Ridge Reservation Build in Pine Ridge South Dakota!! 8322438782 we are building a 30×30 pallet house with light straw clay infill and earthen plasters!!
HI Kristen – gorgeous spot…. I was there just a few weeks ago. Just quite out of the way and that pass out the other side is hectic. But hey….who knows, I’d love to get there for a weekend if I can.
Cari
From 28th May to 4th June (and anyone who wishes to stay on longer is absolutely welcome to) a group of us will be heading off the New Mexico (in a glorius canyon above a little town called Magdalena) to complete building a little cob cabin that we started last September when a group of grads from the school of Natural building got together. I’ve attached some pics from the last time we built so you can see what we got up to. This time round we will be:
putting on the 2nd story, putting on a roof, hopefully building in a rocket stove and maybe even doing some plastering of the completed downstairs.
So upstairs we are going to be building in 2 car functional car doors with windows that we can wind down for cross ventilation, as well as some other windows and completing the walls. The north wall is strawbale so we’ll be continuing that and the rest is cob.
We are going to be putting an octagonal roof on – hopefully using a wheel hub. As we have also built in a trombe wall in the downstairs, we will be putting in a trombe wall so that we can release hot air as we pull cool air from the north side across to the trombe wall side to create cross ventilation.
The rocket bench will go in along the south and south east walls and as I mentioned we’ll hopefully even get to do some plastering – that all depends on how many of us there turn out to be.
We provide daily meals and we have plenty of beutiful space to camp, so you’d just need to bring your tent along. After June 4th we’ll be doing some inside carpentry work, putting in kitchen counters, shelves, cupboards etc…. for anyone who wants to stay on longer.
Let us know if you’d like to join us – mindoverfatter@comcast.net
Live lightly
Cari
PS…. I don’t know if there is a way I can post some pics but I have sent you some pics via e.mail
Hi, I’m a grad student who did her bachelor’s degree in ecology and environmental sciences. I would love to put my hands in the earth now! 🙂 I’m interested in natural / cob building. I’m currently living in British Colombia, on Vancouver Island, but I’ll be in California for the spring and summer too maybe (from mid-April). I am interested in workstudy / worktrade opportunities. Let me know if you need any help or know about someone who would teach me the basics in exchange of other works! Thank you!
Peace
Rachel
Hey Rachael,
You can contact us at kristenregina@gmail.com if you want to talk more about coming and helping out with our cob house building project. We’d love to have you!
Thanks for your interest!
Kristen (Petrolia, CA)
Hi Kristen, can you give me the name of the closest town? I’d love to maybe join you for the odd weekend – have done quite a bit of cobbing…we’re busy finishing off a cob cottage in New Mexico from May 28th thru June 4th. Cari
Hey Cari, We’re in Petrolia. Closest “town” would be Ferndale (1 hr drive) or Eureka (1.5 hr drive). Let us know if you will be in the area. And good luck finishing your cob cottage! Kristen
Hi Kristen- I can probably help you in Jun, July Aug.
have done a tiny bit of cob and it reminds me of making a very very big clay urn!!!
Tina at jazztina@hotmail.com
Hey Kristen! I live at a permaculture farm near Chico, CA where we’ve been planing some cob projects. We made a cob floor in our outdoor kitchen last fall and this year we’re doing an oven and possibly a small shack). I am planing a few weeks in August or September to escape the heat of the central valley and I’d really like to get involved with other cobbers and their projects. I’ve spent quite a bit of time in the Mattole headwaters, that area has a very special place in my heart! I’d love to get back out that way and share some skills with yall.
-Ryan
Hey Ryan,
Cool. We’d love to have you out. Our cobbing will start Aug 7 when we are hosting a workshop here with Michael G. Smith. After the workshop would be a good time for you to come. We’re pretty much having a work party most of the rest of August to get the walls up. So anytime after Aug 13. Aug/Sept is really a great time out here – as your probably know. You can get in touch with us at kristenregina@gmail.com or 707-629-3403 to talk about details.
Cheers,
Kristen
Ryan,
I live here in Chico and am planning to build a cob home for my family of six. If your in the area I would like you to look over my plans and give me feedback.
Thanks
Eric
thefairchilds7@gmail.com
We’re a family of four working to build a passive solar cob house. We have been collecting urbanite, salvaged materials, harvesting posts, clearing our land, etc. We could use help anytime now through the fall. We will be building the foundation April-May, working on plumbing, electric, framing windows and doors, etc. June-July, and then will be cobbing Aug-Oct (until the rain comes). We can offer tent camping on our land and lovingly prepared meals. We live right on the Mattole River in Humboldt County, just 3 miles from the Ocean. Great swimming holes in summer, beautiful place. Please reply if interested. – Thanks! Kristen
Hi Kristen,
I’m Rebecca, a 22-year old student about to graduate from a small east coast college. I’m really eager to get some hands on experience with cob and would love to help out with your project! Though I’ve done fairly extensive reading about cob, I have never built anything. I hope I can come and learn with you and your family. I am available from June until ??. I also have some permaculture experience if you are interested.
Could you get in touch by email?
rringle1@swarthmore.edu
Many thanks!
Rebecca
Hi, we are two students from Michigan looking to learn about green building this summer. As yet, we have no experience. We’re available May thru end of August. We’ve been emailing around trying to find the exact right opportunity and would be interested in hearing more about your building plans. Would you be able to email us with some more details? What exactly might you be able to teach us about? How many hours work per week will you expect? What would the camping situation be like? We look forward to hearing back from you.
Alex Brey and Erin Lindholm
abrey@umflint.edu
elindhol@umflint.edu
Hi Kristen. I’d love to help and learn with you and your family. I live in Arcata and have friends out your way, including Todd and Jessica. I’ll keep your timeline in mind and would love to meet you guys, maybe we already know eachother, and hope that I can be useful for your project and a positive addition to the creative process!
Hey Kristen,
I am a college student (a friend of Rebecca’s, in fact) on the East Coast at the moment. I have been interested in cob for a long time, but never have a big enough chunk of time available to get into it. I will be in the Philadelphia area most of the summer, but was wondering if you would welcome help for about a week in mid-August.
I would love to hear what you think! My email is hjones413@gmail.com. If you have a moment to email me, that would be great!
Thanks,
Hannah
Hey im moving to the dallas/fort worth TX area. Is anybody building anywhere close? Just need to get the right mix down.
thanks
Hello Matt! we are located in the Houston area, we are a young intentional community with cob/strawbale buildings in the works, we also have a couple of pallet houses with slip straw infill under construction. We will be open to internship later this year and will be notifying through our newsletter available on our website!!
Hi all,
We are building Abrazo House, a hybrid cob-straw bale house and ecological study centre, here in the green mountains of Northern Spain. We also have a lot of other projects going on – natural building, gardening, etc. We normally host volunteers for a minimum of one week from May to October. Volunteers are expected to come with a desire to learn and work.
If you think you may be interested, check out our website at http://www.abrazohouse.org/?page_id=385
Hope to hear from you soon,
Robert
http://www.abrazohouse.org
“Cob moves in mysterious ways.”
hi Robert, I am very interested and have looked at your website and sent you an e-mail. Many thanks, nantongo
nantongos@yahoo.co.uk
Labor for Education
We are looking for people in the North East Ohio area who are planning to build a living earth house using cob and strawbale construction.
Hey Jenny! I live at a permaculture farm near Chico, CA where we’ve been planing some cob projects. We made a cob floor in our outdoor kitchen last fall and this year we’re doing an oven and possibly a small shack). I am planing a few weeks in August or September to escape the heat of the central valley and I’d really like to get involved with other cobbers and their projects. In your post you said you’re in the Sierra Nevada Foothills…where exactly are you? and also, do you have a better idea at this point, how far into the summer you’ll be cobing? Thanks!
-Ryan
Hello Everyone!
My boyfriend and I just starting to clear land for our cob house. We have been collecting materials from Freecycle, craigslist and friends! This summer, starting in May we will be Cobbing! We are looking for people who want to help, and join in on the fun! We have a large area where you can set up a tent, and stay for a couple days or a couple weeks!
We will be working ALL summer long, and hope to get the roof on by August!
We will need lots of help to make this work. Please contact me if you would like to help.
I learned how to cob by helping out on a building in Santa Barbara, and it was a great way to learn. I camped out for a few weeks, and it was much cheaper than taking a class, plus it was fun to help someone build there house.
This house is being built in California in the Sierra Nevada Foothills, where the climate is hot and dry. There is a river within 5 min from here, with nice swimming holes. We will be bbqing all summer, listening to music while we build…nice relaxed atmosphere!
Hope to hear from you!
Jenny
Hi Jenny,
I’m really interested in your cob project! I’m planning to be out west this summer, and would love to help out! In theory, I could help all summer (with a bit of a break for a family vacation in MT). My email is beckeroo2 at gmail dot com.
Rebecca (currently in Philadelphia)
Hi. We’re two college students from Michigan interested in helping out with your project. We have no experience but are very enthusiastic about learning. We’re available from May thru September, and would ideally like to make the most of the trip by staying a while. Would you be able to contact me thru email? We think this sounds like just what we’ve been looking for, but we want to confirm the details.
alex brey and erin lindholm
abrey@umflint.edu
elindhol@umflint.edu
Jenny,
Hi. We’re two college students from Michigan interested in helping out with your project. We have no experience but are very enthusiastic about learning. We’re available from May thru September, and would ideally like to make the most of the trip by staying a while. Would you be able to contact me thru email? We think this sounds like just what we’ve been looking for, but we want to confirm the details.
alex brey and erin lindholm
abrey@umflint.edu
elindhol@umflint.edu
Hi Jenny!
Are you still looking for people to help this summer? I will be in California from mid-April and am interested in natural / cob building -no experience though…but learning fast ;). Can you provide me with more informations? About the schedule, when, where, accomodation, work, etc! The whole thing! 🙂
Thank you
Rachel
hi Jenny- this sounds like learning and having lots of fun at the same time. I am based in the UK but not sure what costs would be involved, apart from the air fare- could you kindly shed some light on the additional expenses. Can one hire or buy a used tent and other necessities at minimum cost. What is your nearest airport and how far is it from your place? Many thanks, nantongo
nantongos@yahoo.co.uk
Hi there, I am trying to gain some building experience and would love to help you with your home! I would be available to come camp out for a few weeks or perhaps even longer, just returning home to take care of a few things over the summer then coming back. Please let me know if you would be interested in having my help!
kfdegas@gmail.com
Hey Jenny! I live at a permaculture farm near Chico, CA where we’ve been planing some cob projects. We made a cob floor in our outdoor kitchen last fall and this year we’re doing an oven and possibly a small shack). I am planing a few weeks in August or September to escape the heat of the central valley and I’d really like to get involved with other cobbers and their projects. In your post you said you’re in the Sierra Nevada Foothills…where exactly are you? and also, do you have a better idea at this point, how far into the summer you’ll be cobing? Thanks!
-Ryan
Hey Bev… the dates are below, so make sure they’re in your calendar – and I’ll be posting any updates to our plans here along with mailing them out to those of you on my e.mail list.
take care and start dreaming of mud dancing!!! 🙂
Cari
Hey Kelly and other friends,
I am still dreaming of my high desert location
and want to come and help you , and yes I looooove playing with mud. Let me know more !! Bev in CT
Heya, am looking for volunteer experience in working with cob, rammed earth, plaster finishes, and other mud / clay based sustainable building in the Brighton, UK area. Would like to build my own home for myself and a growing family within the next few years and need hands-on growth.
Thanks!
Avi
Drum roll…..and applause….announcing phase 2 of our exciting cob cottage work exchange project:
Dates: May 28th to June 6th (so that includes a long weekend which should make it easier for some)
Where: High up in a breathtaking canyon above the little town of Magdalena, New Mexico
What we’ll be tackling this time around:
-the upstairs walls of the loft bedroom (more cob, and strawbale walls and we’re going to be embedding two car doors plus a shower door in as windows);
-putting on the roof with a little celestory window (as our architect Shelly calls it) to complete the air circulation cycle along with our already complete Trombe wall.
-hanging the front door and
-plastering the outside….
-and maybe, just maybe, there will be enough of us to be able to build in the rocket stove bench inside as well.
Whose welcome? Anyone whose loves adventure, loves playing in the mud – especially mud-dancing and who isn’t scared of hard work! Did I mention that during phase 1, I was awarded the name ‘slave-driver’! 🙂 And ps…Experience isn’t necessary – you’ll soon learn all you need to know.
this is the perfect location and time for me to help! i have been looking for a hands-on experience without having to pay money to do so. i will be in touch as the may draws near.
Hey Shane and Jed, we’d love to have you join us, if you want to send me your e.mail address, I can also put you on my mailing list. Take care, Cari
And PS… Sean…. if you don’t find what you’re looking for in the NE, feel free to join us in New Mexico. Last time we had one person from Alaska, two from Texas, one from Washington state, someone from Vermont, 3 people from Oregon and a couple from California…. so we came from all over.
I’d love to offer labor to anyone building in the northeast US. I don’t have experience (save from reading), but I’ll work hard.
I am interested in providing my labor for anyone building any alternative constuction house. I am hard working and have some knowledge in alternatives. Thanks Jed
I have a 20 day workshop coming up in March in Texas if your interested contact me 832 775 3930
Hi, I am located in central NC and am trying to line up work opportunities for next spring/summer 2011 in NC, SC, VA, or TN. Looking for work exchange or volunteer. My husband has extensive experience with landscaping, gardening, stone masonry, plumbing, and some carpentry. I am just a hard worker! We would love to gain some great experience in 2011 and meet some local lovers of cob 🙂 Many thanks and good health to you all!!
Hi Folks,
I have 53 acres in Orford, NH. I have just finished, or nearly finished, building a rocket mass heater and it is amazing. I am planning to build a cob cottage next summer and will be looking to host work parties, volunteers, workshops, etc….plenty of room to camp with all the free firewood you could want. Planning a couple of projects over the winter to build next year. Let me know if you are interested, stay all summer if you want.
Cheers
email terry.sackett@yahoo.com
Hi Terry,
I’m writing from right up the road (corner of Creamery & Town Shed). Although I’m far from being an expert, I attended two cob workshops this summer so could at least help you with getting the right mix and with building. I’m working on a small playhouse for the future Orford playground so maybe you could help me out with that! We met once by the way, I’m Peter’s Tse’s wife.
~Melinda
Hi Melinda,
Small world….even smaller town…hahaha…I will stop by sometime soon, I look forward to talking to you and getting some cob mixing advice…I would be happy to help with the playhouse, sounds like a great community project. Tell Peter I said Hi.
see you soon,
Terry
Hi Terry,
I am looking to learn about cob and I live in Southern NH. My boyfriend and I would love to help you out. I am an artist and have done a lot of reading up on cob. My boyfriend has experience as a landscaper and currently works in electronic field. Let us know if you would like our support!
Mary
Hey Mary,
I would welcome any help and support that I can get….I am in the process of planning a project to do and waiting for the snow to stop falling….my hope is to build a house this summer, but if that does not materialize, then I am going to do a less intensive project that I can gain some experience with…I will keep you posted.
thanks
Terry
Hi Terry,
I was wondering about the status of your cob project . . . I would love to help.
Mary
Hi Mary,
I am a little behind in my planning of my project, but it shouldn’t be long, at least I know what it is now….I have a tractor and I am going to build a cobwood shelter for it, should be starting in a couple of weeks.
Terry
Hi Terry!
How is the project coming? I have time available Tuesday and Wednesdays and on the weekends and would like to take the trip up to help in anyway 🙂 You can email me directly at Nutopia999@yahoo.com.
Best,
Mary
hey tom nice coming out this is mark had a good time. love your place nice visiting you.
Greetings earth builders. I have a surging interest in natural building, and like Mike below, I plan to buy some inexpensive land and build a cob cottage for my family, (we are all short!).
I have a background in plaster work, sculptural fabrication, arc and oxy-acetylene welding. I travel often between NYC and Atlanta, GA. I would love to get together with a group that’s planning to build with cob, straw bale, earth bag etc. and offer my labor and fabrication experience in exchange for knowledge. Best regards
So I live in Oregon near portland and I’m realy eager to help and learn the proccess of building a cob house I have lots of experience in flooring but thats about it my dream is to buy some cheap land build a cob house and live, but I need the knowledge of what to do.I’m very willing to give anyone free labor for this.I have a truck and lots of free time anyone need help
Looking to do earthen building addition to convention small 3 bedroom 2 bath house to accommodate family of 7. Will be able to provide labor help? I am located in Georgia USA
Hi you all ! So glad to have found this site. I want more
than anything to build a cob house in NM, so when the next work party happens I want to be there ! Also so curious to find like minded people to look into buying
land to build on, quasi community. . . am I dreaming?
Hi Bev… we had an absolute blast building phase 1 of our cob cabin in the land of enchantment, NM and would love to have you join us in May for when we put the upstairs on, build in the rocket stove bench and possibly even build the bathroom depending on how many people decide to join us. Please keep in touch and if you want to send me your e.mail address at mindoverfatter@comcast.net, I’ll add you to our mailing list, so that you’re kept in the loop with all the planning. Take care Cari
bev, i am a dreamer too… i also share ur dream and so does my hubbi and 4 kids. we r in maui but want to relocate to NM or somewhere we can afford land. i have been looking at places to do work trades and apprenticeships. it is alot of research but im very hopeful i can find the right place to learn. my hubbi is in construction so it will be very easy for him to learn the proper techniques to build an earth home. we want to be in a community but im seeing alot of veggi places and he eats some meat. also i have yet to see any info over the websites re permits and codes. i find cheap earth home building but i havent seen how much it will cost to make such a structure legal and i think that is an important piece of info to find in order to see our dream become reality. keep my addy, maybe we will meet u some day. best wishes and happy dreaming…
kelley
Hi Kelley, as you can see from my reply to Bev, you’re most welcome to join our merry band in NM next year in May. It may be a good time to also look for land. We bought our property through http://www.oldwestland.com/ and were really amazed at how reasonable land prices in NM still were. If you e.mail me (my address is in my message to Bev) I can e.mail you links an some info on NM building codes and I could also send you pics of the octagonal cabin we’re half way through building. They are one of the few states where natural builders have successfully lobbied to have some alternative ideas about getting earthern houses passed. Take care Cari
Hi my name is Tom Tischler. I have a 31 acre remote property in the Sierra foothills about 150 miles east of San Francisco, CA I would like to offer work trade living arrangement. I would like to build Indian Hills Farm into a nonprofit educational center. I have 8 years experience living on a solar powered property and a lifetime of woodcraft. I can offer housing for a limited number of people with 2 complete kitchens. I want to remodel one of the houses using cob. I also want to plant organic crops to sell at the local farmers market. I can teach you about off grid life and all that goes into it. contact Tom @ ttischler@gotsky.com
My name is Andrew Martin, I live in Ireland. I have recently given up my Design Technology teaching job with the intention of pursuing a career in natural building and design. I’m looking for an apprenticeship or to gain experience in natural building anywhere in the world, from mid October onwards.
I have a keen interest in DIY and some of the jobs I’ve worked on/have experience of are:
• Complete renovation of two houses.
• Lots of painting/decorating/papering/tiling.
• Installed fireplaces, two bathroom suites (currently refitting two bathrooms), kitchen, staircase balustrade, outdoor bathroom, internal doors, partitions and radiators in preparation for central heating system.
• Re-roofed garage sheds, attic insulation, built extension to garage, some electrical work, brick work (bbqs/small walls).
• Full clean driving licence and experience of using agricultural and some plant machinery.
• Just built a cob oven with shelter which I’m in the process of putting a living roof on.
I look forward to hearing from you
Best wishes
Andrew
Hi Andrew, it’s a courageous move trying to secure a livelihood in natural building and it certainly isn’t easy – I’m really trying! I’ve just finished a long-term apprenticeship in Ireland so I have a fair idea of the activity there:
In Ireland, the most active group of natural builders are to be found at “The Hollies”; http://theholliesonline.com – what you see online may not be everything that is going on, so enquire with them about any other building projects. I know of several private buildings going up now in various counties (these builders may want to remain under the radar though).
Internationally, “Natural Building Network” maintains a pretty comprehensive list of apprenticeships; http://nbnetwork.org/
Mostly focussed in the US, but also internationally, “Cob Cottage Company” are THE hub for US natural building projects. Again, enquire about other opportunities not listed on the site; http://www.cobcottage.com
In Canada, these are the big guys; http://ourecovillage.org/
Let me know how you get on with your search and I’ll try my best to answer any questions if you have them. I’m in the same boat as you right now! I have a fair bit of experience in design, roundwood framing, stone walling, cob, living roofs, lime finishes and energy/water supply. The trouble is finding the initial paid position to get a foot-hold and your “show-piece” built.
Best of luck, A.
Thanks so much A for your reply, I’ve had a look at all the websites and contacted a few which have been really helpful. I’ve just found a three month apprenticeship in california for november, after that will see where we are with visa situation – just delighted to be escaping the irish winter! I wish you best of luck with your endevaour and will pass on any info we find as we go along – what’s your email address? Mine is armartin55@hotmail.com
My land in Southern Ohio is perfect for cob…there is lots of clay and some sand naturally in the soil. I have a cabin on there already, w/elec and water, and was going to build a cob cabin, but lost job and must sell. 9 acres, creek, lots of trees, 90 miles south of Columbus OH and 90 miles east/southeast of Cincinnati. 31,900 will send photos on request. tinalarkinmusic@gmail.com
Hi… anyone wanting to get some hands on cob experience – experienced or not you’re welcome to join us. A a group of ‘grads’ from Cob Cottage company are going to get together to build a cob cottage from top to bottom between Sept 25th and Oct 5th in a gorgeous canyon in New Mexico – about 1.5 hours west of Albequequq off hwy 60. You’d need a tent. We’ll provide simple meals. Love to have some of you join us. Cari
I want to learn more about natural building hands-on. I am strong, smart, energetic, and enthusiastic about natural building, and I have more time than money. I live in Whatcom County, Washington.
Hi, I’m looking for any type of work exchange in natural building. I would love to help you build your cob house. I’ll give you my strong hands, energy, and patience in exchange for the building experience. Free work — what more can you ask for!
Hey Kristin – see our invitation above to join us in NM. It’s going to be a fabulous experience.
Willing to work for experience, the harder the work the better!
I am an organic landscaper, certified permaculturist, and school garden coordinator wanting to expand my knowledge and dive into the world of natural building. It would be ideal to find an internship in the Portland area, but I am willing to travel too. Please let me know if you are interested in doing a work trade.
I am looking for experience room and board while on site in exchange for work I am a potter /sculpture my husband is a builder we are wanting to get off the grid. We attending a cob workshop in KY in Sept . Wanting New England cob workshops ASAP.
G&G
Hopi Tutskwa Permaculture, based in Kykotsmovi Village, AZ will be hosting a Cob work week on August 16-20, 2010. This week we will finish wall systems for a home in Kykotsmovi Village. This is a great opportunity for those interested in learning about cob building. Home being built right next to finished cob dwelling. For more information please contact Lilian Hill @ (928) 637-5468.
I just attended my first cob workshop and am looking for more cob building experience. Anyone looking for extra hands in New England (esp. VT, NH, or MA)?
I have 53 acres in Orford, NH…I am building with cob, I just finished a rocket mass heater and I love working with the medium….I have not taken a cob workshop, but have read quite a lot about it and would love some help with more labor and more knowledge in exchange for the perfect site for building, the subsoil is perfect, just screen, mix with water, mix in straw, sculpt…I am not sure that I am doing it right, but my rocket stove is awesome, I am so excited every time I light a fire…it seems like I will never have clean fingernails again.
( :