About Our Practical One-Day Workshops

Over the past eight years our workshops have attracted a range of people including homeowners, professional builders, architects, surveyors and those who wish to self-build.

The aim of the workshops is to give course members knowledge and
understanding of cob building and uses of lime. This will enable people to either undertake work themselves or to instruct contractors with confidence.

The cob and lime days are a mix of practical instruction and hands-on
experience. We cover aspects of build and repair, for example, mixing cob, making blocks and building with mass cob. The lime days includes slaking lime, mixing mortar and limewash. We also cover pointing, plastering and rendering.

Practical Cob Day Programme

9.30	The workshop begins at the Clinton Hall, Merton with introductions, coffee Introductory talk and presentation.
10.30	Workshop continues at Pinkhill Farm, Merton. The farm has a range of old stone barns. Perfect for demonstration and hands-on work. Choosing sands, types of lime. Hair for mortar Mixing mortars
11.15	Pointing, plastering & lime washing
12.45	Lunch and time to raise questions and talk about individual projects and repairs.
14.00	Workshop continues at the site of a new build cob house in Merton. Suitable soils, What soil type is required for successful cob building and how to find out? Mixing cob, making cob blocks and building in mass cob.
15.15 – 16.00	Appropriate renders and finishes

Practical Lime Day Programme

9.30	The workshop begins at the Clinton Hall, Merton with introductions, coffee Introductory talk and presentation.
10.30	The workshop continues at Pinkhill Farm, Merton. The farm has a range of old stone barns. Perfect for demonstration and hands-on work. Choosing the correct sand, types of lime Hair for mortar Correct storage and shelf life of lime putty mortar and Natural Hydraulic Lime Slaking lime and mixing mortars Pointing
12.45	Lunch and time to raise questions and talk about individual projects and repairs.
14.00	Rendering techniques, hand harling and plastering Protection and curing
15.15 – 16.15	Mixing limewash and limewashing

Please note although the start time is 9.30 other times are approximate.

For further information regarding our courses or to make a booking please contact us either by e-mail or telephone on 01805 603587

Price £75 including VAT and lunch

We supply all tools, equipment and materials.
Most of the day is spent outside so please wear suitable clothing and footwear.

course members pointing old stone barn.

Jerry leading a group as they begin to mix cob.

Tamping cob on a wall.

Mixing haired lime mortar.

Helping course member to lime plaster.