residential weekend course cob building

venue: Redfield Community, Bucks

The course will aim to introduce methods of earth / cob building, and will include theory and practice with short demonstrations; however, the emphasis will be on hands-on learning. You will find space for fun and creativity and expect a workout for the body and mind! Participants should leave feeling confident in their ability to build with cob and to make and apply an earthen plaster.

During the weekend you will:

• explore the advantages of building with earth in general
• learn the essential aspects of building with, as well as ways of sculpting and finishing cob
• learn how to make and apply an earthen plaster, which will include some cob bas relief sculpture
• learn about materials, where to locate them and how to test them
• learn about relevant tools
• learn about earth ovens, including building, firing and cooking
• see a slide-show which will give you some inspiring ideas for your own cob structures
• learn more about the possibilities that this versatile material has to offer

NB: this course will continue into Sunday afternoon to complete the cob project. You are very welcome to stay and help, or of course you can leave after lunch if you wish.

more on cob building

building the cob walls of an earth oven

high-tech method of mixing cob!

plastering detail