Introduction to Cob and Earthen Construction

Offered: Wednesday, July 9 - Saturday, July 12

Location: Commonweal Garden

Instructors: Penny Livingston, Art Ludwig and friends

Come play in the mud!

Join us at Commonweal Garden for this hands-on workshop and gain experience with Cob Construction and Natural Finishes. We will focus on the building of a small spiral cob structure, along with, the completion of a hybid straw structure - straw bale/light straw clay/straw wattle. We will explore the art of earthen plasters and learn the details of finishing a building to accomplish elegance, form and style. Other natural building techniques will also be explored.

Presentations include:
- Siting a building
- Design considerations for natural buildings including details on foundations and drainage, living roof design, windows, doors, utilities, etc.
- Overview of various combinations of natural materials and how they behave
- Onsite round wood construction, cord wood, straw bale, light straw clay, straw wattle, wattle & daub, earthen paints and plasters

Hands on experience includes:
- Construction of a small cob structure
- Living roof design
- Making and applying natural finishes and plasters to earthen buildings
- Finishing details for a cord wood + cob structure
- Finishing details for a Straw Bale/ Light Straw Clay/ Straw Wattle Hybrid

Course Logistics:
The workshop starts at 9am on Wednesday, July 9, and ends at 5pm on Saturday, July 12. On-site camping and organic meals are included in the course fee. You are welcome to arrive on Tuesday, July 8 after 5pm to set up camp. (Dinner on Tuesday evening is not included.)

Course Fees:
Includes onsite camping and delicious organic meals

$350 Full Tuition, registered and paid in full by June 27

$300 Early Bird Special, registered and paid in full by June 6

Special Fee:
Register for both the Water Wizardry and Natural Systems Design & Introduction to Cob and Earthen Construction workshops

$600 Full Tuition, registered and paid in full by June 27

$550 Early Bird Special, registered and paid in full by June 6

Refund Policy
Cancellations up to 2 weeks before the course begins will be refunded, excluding a $50 processing fee. No refunds are given after this time.

How to Apply
Register on-line and pay via credit card or register and pay via check by downloading this form and sending it to the address below:

Regenerative Design Institute
P.O. Box 923
Bolinas, CA 94924

For questions or additional information, contact:
415-868-9681 voicemail or email us