We have been conducting workshops since 2002, and are excited to be offering a wide variety of workshops and learning opportunities, both online and in person, and in collaboration with others.

WORKSHOPS

  • Rocket Stove Cooker

    Oct. 4th, 5th and 6th

    In this workshop we will be building a Rocket Cook Stove. While this version of a Rocket Stove uses similar technology as a more traditional Rocket Mass Heater (RMH), it is specifically designed for cooking rather than heating. The one we will be building in this course will be built with earthen building techniques, including both cob and adobe.

  • Build Outside the Box

    REGISTRATION WILL OPEN LATE NOVEMBER

    We are excited to announce the 4th launch of this course! This is a perfect course for people interested in getting a big picture overview of natural building systems and options, from a wide range of instructors.

    We are also offering a $100 discount, use code COB100.

  • 2025 Workshops

    Schedule coming soon!

    Each year we offer an assortment of different earthen building workshops. Most workshops are on the property where we live, all are kid and family friendly, and change each year based on what projects we are doing, and what interests people have. If there is a workshop you are hoping we will offer, please reach out and let us know!

PAST WORKSHOPS

  • Earthen Walls

    July 27th - July 30th

    There are many ways of building with earth to create everything from homes to ovens to garden walls to interior finishes. In this class we will use the same basic materials; clay, sand and fiber, to create a variety of different earthen building systems, including cob, adobe, Light straw clay, redwood bark clay, wattle and daub and earthen plasters.

  • Natural Plaster

    Sept. 14th - 16th

    Join myself and Yoshi Makino for a 3 day deep dive into learning about natural plasters and finishes.  We will cover plasters that are appropriate for an earthen building, as well as plasters and alis's that can go over the drywall in an existing home. From earthen base coats to fine finishes, we will cover a wide range of techniques.

LOCATION

Over the past 2 decades we have worked and taught all over the world. Currently we are staying close to home in Mendocino County, CA, where most of our time is spent raising our 1 year old. Most of our workshops are on the land where we currently live unless otherwise noted, in the oak woodlands of the ancestral territories of Pomo people.

Camping is available on site.