Building with Natural Materials

Discover how to create beautiful, durable structures using materials provided by nature. Our natural building course teaches practical skills in working with earth, stone, and other sustainable materials found locally or produced on the farm.

Natural Materials We Work With

Typical materials regarded as ‘natural’ and used in construction include:

• Wood
• Clay
• Stone (including marble, slate etc)
• Lime (for mortar)
• Wool (carpets)
• Straw (insulation)

What You’ll Learn

Cob Building Techniques
We teach you how to build cob structures from a cob stove to a full cob house.

Cob building is a natural building medium consisting of a mix of soil, straw and water. It’s a sustainable, affordable, and durable building technique, particularly well-suited for creating organic, curved shapes. Cob buildings are known for their thermal mass, providing cool summers and warm winters, and their fire and termite resistance.

Stone Construction
Stone is one of the most durable natural building materials. It requires minimal processing and has a long lifespan. Stone can be used for foundations, walls, and flooring. Its natural beauty and strength make it a popular choice for sustainable construction.

Sheep Wool Insulation
Sheep wool insulation is favored for its natural thermal qualities, its sustainability and its ability to regulate humidity and moisture resulting in healthier indoor environments and saving money. It’s a renewable resource with a low environmental impact, and it’s known for being fire-resistant and sound-absorbent.

Hands-On Experience
Get practical experience mixing, shaping, and building with these time-tested materials. Learn the techniques that have sheltered humanity for thousands of years, adapted for modern sustainable living.