Discover how to use one of the world’s oldest and most sustainable building materials, clay. This two-day course offers a hands-on introduction to techniques like cob building, wattle and daub, and creating clay bricks, giving you the skills to start your own natural building projects.
Who is this course for?
If you’re curious about natural building and want to learn practical ways to work and build with clay, this course is for you. Whether you’re dreaming of building a wall, creating sculptural features, or incorporating natural materials into your home, you’ll leave with the confidence and knowledge to get started.
You can also purchase this course as a gift here.
What will you learn?
Clay has been a trusted building material for centuries, valued for its versatility and sustainability. Over this weekend course, you will learn:
How to source and prepare natural clay.
Mixing cob, a blend of clay, sand, and straw, for building.
Shaping and creating clay blocks using forms.
Building with wattle and daub techniques.
Sculpting freeform wall and structures with cob.
Techniques for applying clay finishes and plasters.
What will you take away?
By the end of the course, you will have hands-on experience with clay construction and a solid foundation in these age-old techniques. You will feel ready to take on your own projects, whether it’s a simple clay feature or a larger structure.
You will also connect with others who share your passion for sustainable building and leave with plenty of inspiration for future creations.
How is the course structured?
After breakfast and introductions, we will begin with an overview of natural building, focusing on clay’s role in traditional and modern construction.
Day 1: Start with the basics, learning to mix cob, create clay bricks, and work with wattle and daub. We will take time to ensure everyone feels comfortable with the techniques.
Day 2: Build on your skills through practical projects. We will work collaboratively to create and finish a small clay structure, guided by expert instruction.
By the end of the weekend, you will have a comprehensive understanding of clay’s potential in construction and the confidence to continue experimenting at home.
What’s included?
The course fee covers tuition, the use of tools and materials, and two wholesome and nutritious daily meals each day curated by our on-site chef, as well as tea, coffee and cake when it is most needed.
Staying with us at The Common Knowledge Centre
At The Common Knowledge Centre we now have a range of accommodation options on site to suit all budgets and needs. When you stay with us, you’ll be supporting our newly established guesthouse and be close to the action. We recommend arriving the evening before your course. You can view available accommodation on our booking page.
More information
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We will provide you with a loan of a hi-visibility vest for use when on-site. For your own safety, no loose-fitting clothing or shorts are permitted, and you should wear long sleeves.
The following safety gear is required and mandatory to participate in the course:
Steel toe-capped boots. No trainers, shoes or wellies will be allowed on site due to risk of injury.
Protective gloves
Safety glasses
Knee pads are also useful and will provide greater comfort.
You may already have some of these items or want to pick them up yourself. These items are available in our optional Site & Safety Kit which is available to purchase when you arrive at Common Knowledge.
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For more information about booking a course, accommodation options, and preparing for your course at Common Knowledge, see our
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Course Instructors
