Since the beginning of 2024 I have embarked on a journey of self-discovery and learning.
After finishing a crash course in agroecology in August, I went for a five-week intensive natural building workshop in the Azores. From September to October, I've learned how to build with cob (as well as wood and stone), alongside seven other students. The workhsop was led by Viva (Cruzin Cob Global) and it took place at Quinta do bom Despacho on the island of Sao Miguel.
After finishing a crash course in agroecology in August, I went for a five-week intensive natural building workshop in the Azores. From September to October, I've learned how to build with cob (as well as wood and stone), alongside seven other students. The workhsop was led by Viva (Cruzin Cob Global) and it took place at Quinta do bom Despacho on the island of Sao Miguel.
What you see below is a recap of what was done during this five-week workshop.
"The materials common to many types of natural building are clay and sand. When mixed with water and, usually, straw or another fiber, the mixture may form cob or adobe (clay blocks). Other materials commonly used in natural building are: earth (as rammed earth or earth bag), wood (cordwood or timber frame/post-and-beam), straw, rice-hulls, bamboo and stone.
The term cob is used to describe a monolithic building system based on a mixture of clay, sand, straw and earth. The construction uses no forms, bricks or wooden framework; it is built from the ground up. Various forms of "mud" building have been used in many parts of the world for centuries, under a variety of names, and date from at least 10,000 years ago. Cob building began use in England prior to the 13th century, and fell out of favor after World War I, although it is seeing a resurgence today. Cob is one of the simplest and least expensive building techniques available, though it is typically very labor-intensive. Cob's other great advantage is versatility; It can easily be shaped into any form. "
"A reciprocal roof is a class of self-supporting structure made of three or more beams and which requires no center support to create roofs, bridges or similar structures. Reciprocal roofs tend to be constructed in one of two ways. If built using dimensioned timber, each rafter is usually jointed into the previous one. More commonly, these roofs are constructed with roundwood poles where each rafter is laid upon the previous one. In both of these approaches, the roof is assembled by installing a temporary central support that holds the first rafter at the correct height."
Building this structure isn't the easiest thing, or at least it requires some understanding an planning ahead. Viva and Tania had done it 3 or 4 times prior to the workshop. All the primary and secondery beams have to be clearly marked and everyone has to know what's there job.
On my side of things, all this was made possible thanks to the very special help of more than 70 contributors. These workshops and all the costs associated to attending AND documenting them can go up pretty fast, but the return on investment is immense.
In my first crowdfunding video, I've explained how being a commercial photographer for the past 15 years opened my eyes on the incoherences of this world and why it was imperative that we create alternatives and participate in existing ones.
Mauritius is a small island, and just like the Azores (an archipelago composed of nine volcanic islands), it is particularly vulnerable to the effects of climate change. Our ways of building and inhabiting our land, have to evolve and include these alternatives. This is how we reinvent our relationship with ourselves and with this common land. If like me you are thirsty for new ways of doing things, remember that we can all somehow "take the lead" and become agents of change in our own ways.
1st picture of the workshop...
2 days before taking off
This outdoor kitchen is the first of many builds on my natural building journey. In February 2025, I'm embarking on a 5-week advanced natural building workshop in Kenya. In this workshop I’ll learn and participate in building a 14m²/150ft² cob community round house, which will serve as a community center for Agatha Amani House Farm, a sanctuary for survivors of domestic violence. This space will be used for Council Circles, Healing Work, classes, trainings, meditation, and more.
This project is deeply meaningful to me because it embodies the values of empowering communities through sustainable living. Agatha Amani House provides a safe space for women and children and integrates permaculture into its operations, teaching residents to care for the land and develop self-sufficiency. The shelter’s mission is to break the cycle of violence and poverty by offering counseling, skills training, and support programs that empower survivors to rebuild their lives.
Why This Workshop Matters:
This 5-week workshop is the logical next step in my eco-building journey. Having just completed a workshop on building an outdoor kitchen, this upcoming project is a full cob structure, offering an opportunity to learn the entire process of building from foundation to roof. It will significantly expand my skills, preparing me to lead and contribute to similar projects in the future.
Your contribution will help spread eco-friendly building practices in Mauritius and beyond!
I’m open to collaborations with companies and institutions that share my vision for sustainable development and community empowerment.
Promotional video for the fundraising I did to finance my 1st natural building course with Cob Cruzing Global