Intro to Cob and Earthen Building Materials
Join us for an immersive 2-day natural building experience. There are many ways of working and building with earth to create everything from homes to ovens to garden walls to finishes on existing structures. In this class we will use the same basic materials; clay, sand and fiber, to create a variety of different types of earthen building systems, including cob, adobe and earthen plaster.
DATE: Sept. 25th, 26th & 27th 2026 ( 3 DAYS)
LOCATION: Willits, CA
INSTRUCTOR: Sasha Rabin
COST: $525 - Early bird discount rate - register before August 15
$575 - Regular rate after August 15th
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Cob
Adobe
Light straw clay
Wattle and daub
Understanding your materials
Natural building in regards to building codes
The course is appropriate for both first-time builders and for professionals in the building trade who are interested in natural materials. We will discuss how to find and choose appropriate soil for construction and how to create various mixes.
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We are very excited to be inviting students for the first time to our new land project we are starting!
We are still in a bit of disbelief that a small group of us are stewarding this incredibly beautiful, magical piece of land. There are 2 creeks on the land, one of which will likely still have water in the fall.
These fall workshops will be the first workshops we have hosted on this land. The land is still very undeveloped, and fairly wild. We do not yet have electricity. This might not be for everyone!We do have running water (city water) and our driveway is off of a paved road, so it is not super remote. It is only 10 minutes form downtown Willits, and about 5 minutes form the Willits hospital.
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Friday the 25th
Start time: 10 am on the 25th
10-11 orientation and intros
11-12:30 teaching/ building
12:30-1:30 Lunch
1:30- 5:00 teaching/ building
6 DinnerSaturday the 26th
7:30-8:30 breakfast
9- 12:30 teaching/ building
12:30- 1:30 Lunch
1:30-5 teaching/ building
6pm DinnerSunday the 27th
7:30-8:30 breakfast
9- 12:30 teaching/ building
12:30- 1:30 Lunch
1:30-3 teaching/ building
3-4 Wrap up/ any unanswered questions -
This location is very rustic! (see more in section above titled ‘Site’). There are basic camping sties available on site, and we are only 10 minutes from downtown Willits, which has a plethora of hotels, airbnbs, and other lodging options with more amenities.
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Meals are included starting with lunch on Friday, through lunch on Sunday. Much of the food is sourced form local, organic farms.
Specific dietary restrictions are accommodated!