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Coming to Cob Hill Natural Building School has really opened my eyes to the possibilty of building my own home. Learning how to work with Cob was awesome and seeing how you can turn mud into a structure that you can live in was incredible. But you don't just learn how to work with Cob. You learn how to work with tools, chainsaws, mill lumber, frame, and so many tips and tricks to make things easier while building. Cat, and Danny are great teachers and have a way of explaining that makes it easy to learn, plus they have great spirits. And Yogita brings it home with the meals that she provides to keep you energized with good nutrition. I would definitely recommend spending time here, it's hard work but relaxing at the same time. I'll be coming back.
Scott Hall - October 2025
I have nothing but amazing things to say about y'alls workshop. This course is transformative, enlightening and frankly eye-opening. Had I had a day or two off more I maybe would have been able to rally a bit more. But, I think the push and the hard work helped to strengthen my resilience. I cam here thinking I was strong and a hard worker, but now I know I have the strength to build and walk towards and DO anything.... no more pushing scary things off. I Can now. I will now. And for that I thank you. I've always thought I needed a man for.... now I have many. Though I now know what I needed all along was someone to say "I know you can". So beyond simple mentorship I have just added to my family.
Much love to you all. I will be seeig y'all soon, though soon won't be soon enough.
This was an awesome experience and opportunity. I learned so much! I was anxious coming into it knowing NOTHING! But everyone was so kind and patient. They really empowered me to just go for it. They explained and answered questions well. I'm leaving here confident in my ability to get started on my own build. I came to learn to natural build. I'm leaving with that ability and so much more. This was an emotional, healing experience. I made great friends, memories I will treasure for a lifetime.
Side note - the food was amazing!
Tammy Robinson - June 2025
It was hard to know what I was signing up for when I first found the naturalbuildingorg website. All I knew was that I have been interested in learning about natural building and had dreams to use it somehow in the future. I learned so much more than I could've imagined!
This workshop, like you guys expressed, taught me such a well-rounded skill-set to prepare myself for basically any type of building and craftsmanship, not just natural building. I am someone who doubts the legitimacy of my own knowledge or skills when it comes to something like this. I don't trust myself to do it correctly. You helped me find all the ways that I can do something correctly, and even make a mistake turn into something great. I have a lot more confidence in myself to pursue a vision that I have.
I think the hardest part for me over the 3 weeks was the mental part. I had enough physical energy, but I noticed myself losing some motivation as the days went on. Part of that is my personal needs. I generally center myself and feel grounded when I can do things on my own time for myself. I value solitude and being around strangers for 3 weeks was a challenge to that. I'm glad to challend myself but just something I noticed. Another thing that was a bit of a bummer was not fully completingour build with loors and plaster. Once I found out that we weren't going to get to that, I lost some motivation to see the project through. I think knowing the realistic goals of what we can get done in the time alloted would be helpful.
You all are an inspiration. I appreciate all that you put into making this place so magical and these workshops possible. I had such a great time playing in the mud! Being a big kid making a fort in the woods!
Thank You!
Cob Hill is a very unique place. The people are not normal. They are unique and extraordinary and talented and weird. I wasn't sure what to expect from the experience of a 21 day course here. I feel like I got exactly what I needed though. A shared mission with a kind, hardworking group of people to build a house of clay and straw and stone and wood. To prove we could. To learn new skills. And honestly to connect more deeply with what it means to be human. Living in reciprocity with the land, only taking what we need and doing as little harm to people and the planet as possible in how we meet our basic needs. Cat and Danny and Sean all gave so much of themselves in teaching us. Yogita and Sylvia made this place feel like home with the delicious meals they made. I am really just so grateful for everything. Very glad I came to Cob Hill.
I have had such a wonderful experience. It truly is a blessing to find yourself. Thank you for opening your door to me and equipping me for the road ahead.
Carsen - June 2025
Attending the Natural Building Certification Course in June 2021 at the Cob Hill Natural Building School in Hughes Springs, TX, was transformative on both personal and professional levels. The most impactful aspect of the course was the people; from the course directors and staff to the volunteers and fellow students, the course provided me with lifelong friends, mentors (both civilian and retired military), and sources of inspiration. As an active duty military member, Cob Hill’s focus on providing support, through natural building education on how to build affordable, environmentally friendly homes, to active duty military and disabled veterans, is deeply appreciated. Cob Hill differs from other non-profits I have volunteered with in that Cob Hill equips people with tangible skills, as opposed to items or services, that individuals can continuously refine (and use to benefit their respective communities) through Cob Hill’s lifelong learning program. I wouldn’t trade anything for my experience at Cob Hill.
As far as the healing aspects of the natural building process. I have an on call job that exposes me to many interesting and difficult things, without going into detail. I would say without exaggeration that this build kept me alive. I worked through a lot of stuff while I was digging the rubble trench, and placing the stones.
I learned a lot about myself, and these natural building principals. I feel like I owe the people and cultures that have preserved this indigenous building technique, especially NaturalBuildingOrg.
Honestly, if I had just read books about how to do this, I probably never would have attempted it
The Cob Hill Workshop I attended was such an incredible, life affirming experience.
I learned so much in 4 days! I feel empowered with skills now to create beautiful Earthen floors and versatile wall plasters in practical and creative ways.
The generosity of heart with humor and wealth of knowledge from both Cat, our host, and Athena, our workshop instructor, proved to be invaluable and enjoyable.
All of the volunteers were helpful, available and so kind and enthusiastic.
The beautiful, peaceful setting in the Piney Woods creates the best classroom.The Flora, Fauna and History of the land was felt as a deep connection. Playing with Mud is truly healing.
I look forward to taking more workshops and volunteering to help Cob Hill grow and create their visions. I am now more enthusiastic than ever to build in harmony with nature….and have Fun!
The rescued horses warmed my heart and were a pleasure to spend time with.
The sense of instant community of kindred souls is priceless.
Thank you Cob Hill and Athena/ Canelo Project!…..Peri B Aug 2022