Build with earth. Learn by doing.
A three-day, hands-on natural building workshop in Piddinghoe, where soil, straw and structure come together to form a complete outdoor cooking space.
Spend a day — or several — learning the craft of natural earth building while helping construct a beautiful outdoor cooking and gathering space.
In this practical workshop, you will work with earth, sand, straw, straw bale and hazel to build a functioning cob oven, outdoor kitchen counter and sculpted seating area.
Participants will take part in the full process — from mixing cob and identifying clay-rich soils to shaping the oven dome and creating natural seating.
Day 1 - Set out & Foundations - Marking out the build and forming the plinth.
Day 2 - Structural Build - Constructing the core form and base structure.
Day 3 - Forming clay around the completed form/structure
The workshop is guided by experienced natural builders Michael “The Baker” of Swallows Nest Earth Building School (Georgia) and Julz Baker of Unearthed, who will demonstrate traditional techniques and explain how to work with low-impact materials often found directly on site.
Participants may attend 1 or 3 days, making the workshop flexible depending on availability and interest.
Group sizes are intentionally small to ensure everyone has a genuine hands-on role in the build.
No previous experience is required.
What We Will Build
Wood-Fired Cob Pizza Oven
Construct a thermal cob oven dome using a sand form and learn the principles of heat retention and efficient oven design.
Outdoor Kitchen Counter
Build a hybrid cob and straw bale countertop forming part of a functional outdoor cooking area.
Sculptural Outdoor Seating
Create beautiful seating using cob, straw bale and willow to form a natural social gathering space.
Skills You Will Learn
• Identifying clay-rich subsoils suitable for cob
• Mixing cob using clay, sand and straw
• Constructing a wood-fired oven dome
• Working with straw bales in natural structures
• Sculpting organic outdoor seating and features
• Using low-impact natural building materials
Tutors
Michael “The Baker”
Founder of Swallows Nest Earth Building School (Georgia) with decades of experience teaching traditional earth building techniques.
Julz Baker – Unearthed
Founder of Unearthed, specialising in natural building, clay plasters and practical site construction.
Who This Workshop Is For
• People interested in natural building
• Homeowners wanting to build a cob oven or outdoor kitchen
• Designers, builders and makers interested in earth construction
• Anyone curious about sustainable building techniques
No previous experience is necessary.
What To Bring
• Outdoor work clothes
• Sturdy footwear
• Waterproofs if needed
• Gloves (optional)
• Lunch and refreshments
Camping
Camp on-site. Compost toilets and shower available.
Booking
Places are limited to ensure everyone has a full hands-on building experience, so early booking is recommended.