residential weekend course

cob building


venue: Redfield Community, Bucks

This course is run by Earthed.

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 start a small cob structure of their own and to make and apply an earthen plaster.

Practical sessions will cover:

  • materials, where to locate them and how to test them
  • mixing cob successfully by foot and using machinery; how to adapt your mixes to suit the conditions and elements in the design
  • sculpting with cob; how to create free flowing forms, integrated niches and decoration
  • different techniques of building and trimming walls - both freeform and using forms

Theory / design sessions will cover:

  • brief introduction to the philosophy and history of cob and other natural building methods
  • the practical and environmental benefits of cob building
  • simple roof designs for small cob structures
  • siting, foundations and drainage for small cob structures

During the weekend there will be a visual presentation of cob from around the world, from the functional to the fantastic. Magical and inspiring buildings to fire your imagination.

The build part of this course consists of a wall containing bottles, and continues until 5pm on Sunday afternoon, although of course you are free to leave after lunch if you prefer.

NB: this course doesn't cover roofing and foundations, which are covered in a separate course.

dates: see 'book online' below

more on cob building


how to book:
 

if you can't open the booking form, you need Acrobat Reader - it's free

arrive:
 
Friday evening at 6.30 for dinner at 7.30
depart:
 
Sunday 5pm
directions:
 
click here for directions by bicycle, public transport and car
what to bring:
 
pen and notebook; towel; work clothes or overalls; boots / wellies (meals and bedding are provided)
NO DOGS PLEASE
let us know:
 
if you are vegan or have any food allergies, or any special needs
accommodation:
 
3-4 people sharing single-sex rooms
prices:
 
£190 high-waged; £170 waged;
£150 student / unwaged
Refundable up to two weeks prior to course (minus £30 admin fee)
No refunds for cancellations within two weeks of course
car sharing:
 
visit our car sharing forum to offer or request a lift
 

 

 

 


building the cob walls of an earth oven

 

 

 

 

 

 


high-tech method of mixing cob!

 

 

 

 

 

 


plastering detail