4-Day Cob Playhouses, Sheds & Garden Walls
How to build cob sheds, playhouses, gazebos and garden walls. Scroll down for testimonials and a detailed description of the course.

23 - 26 June 2016 (inclusive)

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Full Price €315.00 EUR Unwaged/Student €285.00 EUR

 

"I couldn't recommend this course enough to anyone. It was fantastic. It has taught me so much from using natural resources to building a house! The course is 10 out of 10, even better! To leave here 4 days later with the knowledge that Colin and Féile have given me is something I cannot thank them enough for. A fantastic family with an amazing home and they couldn't have covered the course any better. I will be back as soon as possible. Thank you so much for everything."
Ayla Rennicks, Dublin

"I learned more useful things in these 4 days than I did in 4 years of college; not just from the course itself but also from the other people who attended the course. 5 stars all round ... really truly and honestly :). Defo will be back for another course next year. The Beach Bar is awesome too."
Evan Jones, Rush, Co. Dublin

"For somebody who has read a lot about the theory of building with natural materials, I found the course extremely empowering. I now feel very confident to build some of my own cob structures. Also, the instructors were lovely people who were always happy to answer any questions."
Peter Ashmore, Kildare

"I absolutely loved all aspects of the course. I feel I have learned a great deal and am going home with the confidence of having a go at a small project like a playhouse and garden wall .. and involving my children. I'm really pleased that I've had a taster of stone walling as I've always loved to be able to do this. Thank you for your hospitality and opening up your house to us; you made us all feel very welcome."
Claire Mulholland, Lisburn, Northern Ireland

"After finding the Introduction to Cob Course on the internet, I signed up straight away. I found it so informative and interesting that I had to stay on for the 4 day workshop. I am much more confident in starting my own project now ... I will keep you posted guys!"
Johnny Donohoe, Cavan

"I love the hands on focus - opportunity to embody the learning, supported by enough theory to head off experimenting, building and finding more information Good fun and appreciate the openess to what people need and want to experience relevant to their own projects.... Also great lunches, biscuits, tea and coffee."
Hannah Mole, Strokestown, Co. Roscommon

"I have gained so much knowledge from the garden structures course and now feel confident I could tackle a structure on my own thanks to the skill and expertise of Coln and Feile. The course was so much fun and full of useful tips and information. Colin and Feile are lovely, welcoming people who make you feel right at home and their hospitality was outstanding. I would recommend a Mud and Wood Course to anyone wishing to build out of natural materials, whatever your level of skill. I will definitely be back for more!."
Louise Gallagher, Armagh.

 

Course information is below Testimonials. Click Here to Skip Testimonials

On this 4-day course, students will get hands-on practical experience in how to build cob structures, without having to worry about building regulations, insulation, etc.

Students will learn how to analyse soil and turn it into a viable building material. We will look at foot-mixing and hand-building for small scale work. For bigger projects, there will be digger-mixing demonstrations and detailed guidance for building formwork. We will teach techniques for building the stone base and how to roof your cob strutures too.

The course will be taught by Colin Ritchie, carpenter and earth-builder, and Féile Butler, architect (MRIAI) and earth-builder, in the grounds of their own earth-and-timber-frame house, completed in 2011. Classroom-based lectures will take place in the house.

What to Bring:

This is a very practical hands-on course with all workshops taking place outdoors. Bring good waterproof clothes and footwear. You will get mucky.

Bring a notebook and pen for theory. A hardback notebook or a clipboard is advisable if you want to take notes during outdoor workshops. Handouts will be provided.

If you have them - bring a hammer, saw, measuring tape, cordless screwdriver, spirit level and pencils. We have extra tools on site, but if you have your own, you will not have to wait around to use tools.

Please label all personal items before arriving on the course.

Cancellation Policy:

• 100% refundable up to 4 weeks prior to course start date, minus administration fee of €20.
• 50% refundable up to 3 weeks prior to course start date, plus administration fee of €20.
• No refunds for cancellations within 3 weeks of course start date.

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