Cob Building Workshop

Get down and dirty with our 4-day Cob Building Workshop, a hands-on practical and muddy experience that’s guaranteed to be addictive!

Come and join us for a fun-filled event where you can meet like-minded people and build long-lasting friendships while working with cob and learning how to build, all in the magnificent setting of the Kammanassie mountains overlooking the Langkloof valley and Outeniqua mountain range.

 

 WhatsApp the word “COB” to 079 114 1938 to find out more about this amazing experience, or if you wish to enrol. We look forward to chatting with you and to welcome you to Renewal Retreat.

DATE: 1-4 May 2025

🌍✨ Calling all humans who want to build a sustainable future! ✨🌍
Join us for a Cob Building Workshop where you’ll learn how to build with natural materials provided by Mother Nature! This hands-on experience will empower you with the skills and knowledge to create your own structures, build self-sufficiency, and connect with a community of like-minded people from all cultures.
No experience required—just bring your curiosity and creativity!
💪 Let’s build a better world, one cob at a time. 🌱”

The aim of this workshop is to build the walls of our ASPEN Hall (ASPEN as a concept is frequently tied to nature, peace, and renewal) at Renewal Retreat

Aspen Hall

Requirements:

  • Physically able to “stomp” the cob, slap balls of cob onto the wall and to carry buckets, push wheelbarrows of materials etc., for the 4-days.
  • Willingness to participate in the preparation of meals and refreshments.
  • To have FUN while learning.

What you can expect:

  • An introduction to cob and its history
  • Testing soils
  • Adapting cob mixes for local conditions
  • Mixing (“Stomping”) cob successfully by foot
  • Building with cob
  • How to keep the walls straight
  • Plastering a cob wall

Meet your hosts:

Colleen, Michael and Marié

Colleen and Michael Thornhill purchased “The Farm” (Renewal Retreat) at the beginning of 2015, and was later joined by Marié Fick.

We look forward to share our knowledge and experience with you, and to build a bond with like-minded individuals that will share and enjoy our sacred space at Renewal Retreat

We Supply:

  • Bedding
  • Bath towels
  • Plant-based meals
  • Delicious mountain spring water
  • Refreshments

Accommodation:

  • Accommodation – shared (Heath House Backpackers) – There are 8 x Single beds in the room (4 x Bunk Beds) each with a “privacy” curtain for the guys.

  • Private sleeping arrangements available for the ladies.

Heath House Dorm Bunk Bed Privacy

What to bring:

  • Gumboots, or any other shoes to stomp the cob with
  • Older clothes that will get stained by the mud / clay
  • Work Gloves (Preferably rubber)
  • Rain gear (unless you are happy to get wet if it rains)
  • Hat
  • Water Bottle
  • Swimming costume and a towel (To swim in the dam)(Weather permitting)
  • Toiletries (no perfumes please)
  • Medications (If needed)

The planned daily schedule will be:

 

7:00-7:45 Mindful walk and Qigong sessions (Optional)
8:00-8:45 Breakfast
9:00-1:00 Cob Building
1:00-2:15 Lunch
2:30-5:00 Cob Building
5:00-5:30 Free time
5:30-7:00 Dinner

Terms and conditions:

  • During the workshop, ladies who are unable, or unwilling, to participate in the group activities will be requested to leave the workshop. (No refunds)
  • All fees to be paid prior to arrival (EARLY BIRD full payment of R1,000 to be received by 31 March 2025, thereafter it will be R1,250.00)

For more information about Renewal Retreat: https://renewalretreat.co.za

TO APPLY TO ATTEND THE WORKSHOP – COMPLETE THIS FORM