Natural Building: Techniques and Benefits

Natural Building: Techniques and Benefits
A charming cob shed, showcasing hand-sculpted earthen walls in the "Palletable Cobin" style. This eco-friendly structure is a testament to sustainable craftsmanship, blending beauty and function in perfect harmony.

Introduction to Natural Building: Techniques and Benefits

Natural building is an age-old practice with modern relevance, offering sustainable, affordable, and creative ways to construct spaces that harmonize with nature. In a world increasingly focused on reducing carbon footprints and embracing eco-friendly lifestyles, natural building techniques provide practical solutions for resilient, community-focused living.

At DiHG Eco-Prise, we believe in empowering communities with the skills to build sustainably. Through hands-on workshops, we not only teach natural building but also foster collaboration and creativity. This year, we’re excited to invite you to join our six natural building workshops as we construct a Tool Lending Library at the Riverside-Corona Resource Conservation District (RCRCD).

Let’s explore what natural building is, why it matters, and how you can get involved.


What Is Natural Building?

Natural building refers to construction methods that use locally available, minimally processed, and eco-friendly materials. Unlike conventional construction, which relies on resource-intensive materials like concrete and steel, natural building embraces renewable and recycled materials such as:

  • Cob: A mixture of clay, sand, straw, and water, ideal for sculptural walls.

  • Adobe: Sun-dried bricks made from mud and organic matter.

  • Straw Bales: Highly insulative and energy-efficient, used as walls or infill.

  • Earthbags: Sturdy and versatile, filled with soil and stacked to form durable structures.

  • Timber and Bamboo: Renewable materials that offer strength and flexibility.


Benefits of Natural Building

  1. Sustainability:

    • Natural materials have a lower environmental impact compared to manufactured alternatives.

    • Many are locally sourced, reducing transportation emissions.

  2. Affordability:

    • Using readily available materials like earth and straw makes natural building accessible for individuals and communities.

  3. Energy Efficiency:

    • Natural buildings are excellent at regulating temperature, reducing reliance on heating and cooling systems.

  4. Health and Comfort:

    • Non-toxic materials improve indoor air quality, and the breathable nature of many materials prevents mold and moisture issues.

  5. Community Engagement:

    • Building naturally often involves group efforts, creating opportunities to share skills and build connections.

  6. Artistic Expression:

    • Natural materials allow for creative, one-of-a-kind designs, blending functionality with beauty.


Learn Natural Building with Us

If you’ve ever dreamed of learning to build sustainably, now is your chance! Over the course of six workshops, we’ll teach participants how to design and construct using natural materials, culminating in a Tool Lending Library at RCRCD—a resource to support local sustainability efforts.

What You’ll Learn:

  • Fundamental natural building with cob in the palletable cobin style.

  • How to source and prepare materials sustainably.

  • Hands-on skills to build collaboratively with others.

Workshop Schedule:

  • The workshops are spread over several weekends to accommodate busy schedules.

  • Each session builds on the last, but participants are welcome to join individual workshops.

Why Your Support Matters:
Our natural building projects are entirely self-funded, and we rely on donations from attendees to make them possible. 100% of your donations go directly to supporting our educational programs, materials, and community initiatives. By attending a workshop, you’re not just learning valuable skills—you’re actively contributing to environmental education and resilience in our region.


Get Involved

Natural building is more than a construction method; it’s a way to reconnect with nature and your community. Whether you’re curious about sustainable living, eager to make a difference, or looking for hands-on learning opportunities, our workshops are a perfect place to start.

Ready to Join?

  • Visit dihgeco.org to sign up for the workshops.

  • Can’t attend? Support our mission by making a donation to help us continue offering programs like this.

Together, let’s build a future that’s sustainable, resilient, and inspiring—one project at a time.