[Cob] Introduction to Cob Weekend Workshop, Santa Barbara/Goleta, CA October 18-19

[Quail Springs Permaculture]

Introduction to Cob Weekend Workshop
Getting to know earth as a building material

INSTRUCTOR: Paul Swenson of Quail Springs Permaculture

DATE: SAT-SUN, October 18-19th, 9am-5pm

FEE: $135 by Oct. 1, $155 after Oct. 1
This workshop is limited to 10 people.

LOCATION: The Center for Urban Agriculture at Fairview Gardens,
598 N. Fairview Avenue, Goleta, CA 93117

To Register or Learn More:   

Visit: http://www.fairviewgardens.org/2014/08/21/introduction-to-cob-getting-to-know-the-earth-as-a-building-material-1018-19/
Call: Fairview Gardens 9am-5pm, M-F: 805-967-7369


A two-day, intensive, hands-on experience with earthen building materials where we will delve into the fundamentals of clay, sand and straw, the key ingredients of “cob” and earthen plaster.

Cob building combines clay sediment, sand, fiber, and water, and is hand sculpted to form walls, benches, ovens, and fireplaces. Cob building makes use of readily available, affordable, non-toxic materials to build beautiful, organic structures.

We will discuss how to find and choose appropriate soil for construction, how to create various mixes, how to integrate earthen materials to wood, and how to use earthen materials to build walls, sculpt niches, shelves, and furniture.

Paul Swenson is inspired about sharing earthen building, with a special focus on earthen ovens and with a spirit of tending community.  Paul is a founding team member with Quail Springs Permaculture where he has helped develop the site, community and its offerings since 2005. He discovered the beauty, function, and joy of natural building in 2005 while building the foundation and wall system of a cob house with the guidance of Betty Seaman of Spirit Pine Sanctuary.  He has been building and baking with earthen materials ever since. Paul’s teaching style is empowering and puts people at ease, with an emphasis on self-discovery, enjoyment, creating community. To share your interest in commissioning a cob oven build, hosting a cob oven workshop at your home, or general interest in earthen building, please contact paul at quailsprings.org