Cob Oven Workshop - Learn how to make one with hands-on workshop

Join us for a wonderful 3-days on the land to learn from a master how to make a cob oven. We will build a community oven and you will be able to learn all the technics and steps to make your own too!

A cob oven, also known as an earth oven or clay oven, is a traditional outdoor oven that is typically made from a mixture of clay, sand, and straw. It is a simple and efficient oven design that has been used by various cultures throughout history.

The construction of a cob oven involves building a base or foundation,  usually made of stones or bricks, and then creating the oven structure by shaping the cob mixture into a dome shape. The cob is typically applied in layers and left to dry and harden before further layers are added. The oven can be built with a door or opening for placing and removing food.

To use a cob oven, it is first heated by building a fire inside. The fire is allowed to burn until the oven walls absorb and retain enough heat. Once the fire is extinguished and the oven is at the desired temperature, the ashes are removed, and the food can be placed directly on the oven floor or in containers such as pots or baking trays.

The retained heat within the oven cooks the food, making it ideal for baking bread, pizza, roasting meats, and other similar dishes.  Cob ovens are popular among those who enjoy outdoor cooking and sustainable living. They are relatively inexpensive to build, using locally available materials, and they provide an excellent way to utilize renewable energy sources, such as wood or biomass, for cooking.

Additionally, the thick walls of the cob oven can retain heat for a long time, allowing for prolonged cooking or even slow-cooking methods.  Overall, cob ovens are a fascinating and efficient way to cook food  using natural and traditional materials, connecting people to the  age-old practice of earth-based cooking

The workshop includes the 3-day in-person teachings but you can decide to only come for 1,2 or 3 days.

An option to camp on the land is available through Hipcamp.com at https://www.hipcamp.com/en-US/land/new-york-the-sanctuary-3-5x5h10xv

Our Teacher / Master Cob Oven Maker

Camilo is a purpose-driven builder and teacher dedicated to enriching lives through impactful service.  He apprenticed at Cob Cottage Company and SustainableU in Oregon, where he learned to build with Cob.

His construction experience includes building an earthen cottage using a variety of natural building methods, as well as building several earthen ovens.

Camilo has taught numerous workshops with diverse groups and has been involved in commissioned natural building projects nationwide.