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Past Workshop: Cob Pallet Wall Workshop (Completed 2025)


  • Cob Therapy Ithaca NY United States (map)

We had an exciting 2-day hands-on workshop where we constructed cob pallet walls for a 24x32 foot post-and-beam barn! We transformed reclaimed pallets into a sturdy, insulated, and beautiful earthen wall system, a powerful technique in natural building.

Why Pallet Walls?

The pallet wall system is a perfect blend of sustainability, affordability, and functionality. By repurposing discarded shipping pallets, we create a strong yet lightweight framework that allows us to build high-quality, low-cost structures with minimal environmental impact. Pallet walls provide the perfect "skeleton" for infill materials like cob, straw, or light clay, making them a versatile choice for natural builders.

What we Learned:

Pallet Wall Framing – How to frame windows and doors within the pallet system.
Wall Foundations – Understanding the essential groundwork to ensure strong, long-lasting cob walls.
Mixing & Applying Cob – Get your hands (and feet) dirty while learning to create and apply the perfect cob mix.
Thermal Mass & Breathability – Why earthen walls create healthy, comfortable living spaces.
Natural Building Techniques – Blending tradition with innovation to build structures that are beautiful, sustainable, and functional.