March 26–28, 2027
Tadelakt Workshop
with Clayton Williams (@buildswithclay)
Registration information coming soon
Earth Building Workshops
Chattanooga, TN
Come learn to build with the ground beneath your feet — cob, cordwood, earthen and lime plaster, and natural finishes — on a working nature retreat in the Appalachian woods. No experience needed.
What Is Earth Building?
Building Naturally, the Old Way.
Natural building means making shelter from minimally processed, local materials: earth, sand, clay, straw, timber, stone, and lime. Earth building is the heart of it, using the soil under your feet to shape walls that are warm, breathable, non-toxic, and beautiful.
🏔️ Rare in Appalachia. Most earth building in the U.S. happens in the dry Southwest. Doing it here in the humid Southeast takes a good hat and good boots: deep roof overhangs and raised stone foundations that let earthen walls thrive in our mountain climate. We’re among the few teaching it in the region, and our goal is to put this craft in as many hands as we can.
2027 Season
Upcoming Workshops
April 4 & May 2, 2027
Adobe Brick Making Workdays
with Bobbie
Registration information coming soon
April 21–27, 2027
Hempcrete & Cordwood Workshop
with Bobbie
Registration information coming soon
May 15–16, 2027
Adobe Bench Earthbuilding
with Bobbie
Registration information coming soon
Fall 2027
Fall Workshops
Cordwood, ferro cement, and traditional plaster
Registration information coming soon
Already Built
Past Workshops
How It Works
What to Expect
1
A Hands-On Weekend
Most workshops run two days, starting around 9 AM. You’ll spend your time building, not just watching — with demos and Q&A woven throughout.
2
No Experience Needed
Come as you are. Our small groups are beginner-friendly, and you’ll work shoulder to shoulder with folks of every skill level.
3
Make a Weekend of It
Add a cabin stay and settle in on the bluff. Mornings on the trails, evenings by the fire, and real skills to take home.
4
Leave with Real Skills
You’ll walk away understanding soils, mixes, and finishes well enough to start your own natural-building project.
Good to Know
Cancellations
What is your cancellation policy?
- Full refund (minus processing fees) within 14 days of booking.
- 75% refund up to 30 days before the workshop.
- Regardless of cancellation date, if we can fill your spot, we’ll refund you the cost covered by the new guest.