Learn how to build using cob – a versatile, durable, low impact material.

A natural building material that has been used in the UK and around the world for hundreds of years, cob is a highly versatile way of building that can be sculpted to create beautiful, unique structures. Get to grips with the theory and practice of building with cob on this highly practical two-day course.

Key information

• Duration: two days
• Date: Saturday 21 – Sunday 22 June 2025
• Start and finish times: starts at 10am and ends at 4pm on the last day
• Course fees: £325 – includes: lunch, tuition, and all materials
• Full board accommodation is available for this course: £97 for a single person bedroom. (This option will become available once you click “Available” or “Book Now” below)
• What to bring: as this is a highly practical course, safety boots are required and waterproof clothing is advised
• Terms and Conditions:
  • you must be 18 years or over to attend our courses.
  • For full list of terms and conditions click here

What you will learn

Get your hands dirty as you discover the joy of building with cob.

This hands-on practical course will help you decide whether cob is right for your project.

You’ll learn how to choose the right soil and carry out simple soil testing, and you’ll explore mixing methods for large and small scale building, including mixing with machine and by hand/foot.

Start from the ground up as you look at the different types of foundation used and then get stick into mixing, laying and compacting the cob.

We’ll also look at designing in openings such as windows and doors, and we’ll look at finishings for the tops and sides of walls and openings.

A fun hands-on weekend that will give you the confidence to start building with cob.

Meet your tutor

Your tutor for this course is experienced cob builder Ken Neal.

Ken has worked for the last 42 years as a freelance Building Design Consultant, specialising in low energy and sustainable house design. In 2004 he moved into his self-built cob house and turned an 800 square foot bungalow into a low energy timber framed house of 2300 sq ft over three floors.

Ken has a Higher National Diploma in Civil Engineering, a PG Diploma for the 2010 CAT MSc: Advanced Environmental and Energy Studies course and is a long term member of the AECB. He has been running courses on cob building, cob oven and clay rendering since 2004.