Join us for a living, reciprocal roof workshop in the mountains of Chattanooga, Tennessee
October 12-17 2025
What will you learn in this 5 day intensive workshop?
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Learn the Nitty Gritty of Reciprocal, Living Roof Design
In a lecture format, complete with visual supports and laying out the full size rafters on level ground prior to roof placement, we will teach you the basics to building a successful reciprocal living roof. We will also go over the specific layers in a living roof system. All lecture material is shared with students via a PDF for their future reference.
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Install the reciprocal roof while also leveling up on your carpentry skills!
While installing the roof onto a completed 175 sf monolithic cob building, we will be doing a lot of carpentry. All students will learn how to safely use: circular saw, table saw, chop saw (miter saw), measuring tape & speed square, reciprocating saw (“sawzall”), battery drill, battery impact driver, bigger corded drill, metal grinder, jigsaw, lots of other fun hand tools essential to carpentry.
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Build the living roof system
As a team we will place the padding, waterproof membrane, drainage system, and soil substrate on the reciprocal roof as well as demonstrate how to flash your downspouts and a water-tight skylight design.
If you have any questions about this workshop, feel free to email us at students@claysandsoul.com
Note that registration for this workshop will be done directly with Bobbie from Talking Water Nature Retreat. Please check out her website linked above on the ‘Register Here’ button to learn more about their beautiful space and/or email her directly at Bobbie@TalkingWaterTN.com
We look forward to working with you!
Join us this winter for a 5-week cob workshop in Manatí, Puerto Rico
January 18-february 22, 2026
What will you learn in this 5-Week intensive workshop?
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Build a solid foundation
Learn the importance of “good boots” when building a structure. Drainage, stability, and stacking a range of materials to support the cob.
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Make great cob
Find, test, and formulate clay, sand, and straw from local sources to make cob capable of supporting roof structures.
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Sculpt the walls
Unleash your artist within upon the cob wall canvas adding 3D sculptural elements
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Make natural plaster
Learn how to formulate and apply breathable and non-toxic clay and lime plasters that protect earthen walls.
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Make pigmented finishes
Learn how to formulate clay paints, lime washes, and lime fresco to bring walls to life with color.
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Build a Reciprocal Roof
Learn how to design and erect a reciprocal roof structure capable of supporting a living roof
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Create a living roof
Learn the layers of a functioning living roof, from the waterproof membrane, to the drainage layer, to the growing medium, to the downspouts.
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Pour an earthen floor
Formulate and pour an earthen floor, learning how to oil and wax it for a resilient finish
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Build community
Build friendships and bonds through group fire circles and sharing activities that center community living.
Now Accepting Clients, Hosts and Students for Builds and Workshops
Clay Sand Soul is a natural building company seeking to spread awareness about the viability and benefits of building with earthen and low impact materials through hands-on educational workshops and small residential builds. Reach out to us through the links below if you’d like to get involved!
