TOUCAN COB OVEN WORKSHOP

Earth Building in the Costa Rican Jungle

COB BUILDING

What is Cob?

Cob building is a traditional construction method that involves creating walls by mixing earth, sand, straw, and water to form a sturdy and durable material known as cob.
The word Cob means mud balls.
This earth mixture is then applied by hand in layers onto a stone or rubble foundation, forming solid walls that are thick and wellinsulated. Cob buildings can be found all over the world and have been used for thousands of years.
Cob is a highly sustainable building material made from natural and locally available resources. It requires minimal processing and produces little waste. It’s highly energy efficient and has an excellent thermal mass making it suitable for storing heat and regulating indoor temperatures.
Building with cob is basically like building mud castles for adults!

PROJECT’S MISSION

The Toucan Cob Oven’s mission is to evolve and expand the earthwork projects at Eco Maste in a fun, creative way. The project aimed to connect with the elements and materials of the earth while learning and exchanging skills. Creating a cob oven in the shape of a toucan was a beautiful and creative way to pay homage to the animal kingdom. The completion of the project now serves as a hearth for cooking, bringing people together, and cultivating connections.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF NATURAL BUILDING?

Using Cob to create structures is a form of natural building. In general, natural building refers to the utilization of locally-sourced, renewable materials such as clay, straw, wood and stone to create structures and homes
The basis of natural building is the need to lessen the environmental impact of buildings and other supporting systems, without sacrificing comfort or health.
Building with cob is a highly sustainable alternative to modern techniques. The natural materials energy efficient, non toxic, cost effective and resilient. Natural building provides an opportunity to be in direct connection with the earth and the humans who are working on the project. Building with cob is a beautiful way to cultivate community, be creative, and learn from one another.

Video

Get Involved

Immerse yourself in the lush jungle oasis and get your hands in the earth at Eco Maste in Costa Rica
Learn about natural building, herbalism, medicine making, permaculture principles, soil health, syntropic farming, ancient wisdom, lunar farming, honoring the elements and more.