I was lucky enough to attend The Natural Building Cob Certification Course in June, 2022. I can't say enough about Cat and her crew. Cob Hill is a magical place on a gorgeous property embodying hard work and self-sufficiency. Cat's teaching was inspiring, practical, entertaining and pretty well without limitation --- if you want to learn it, she will give you the opportunity. The genius set-up of multiple structures in various stages of completion gives students actual hands-on experience with every phase of a build - from the trench to the living roof. We were even allowed the creativity to select our own site and do the preliminary design work on a new structure - paving the way for the next group of students. Cob Hill's Lifetime of Learning Alumni program is unheard of... I do not know of any other natural building school that offers dramatically discounted courses to past students. This clearly demonstrates where Cat's heart truly lies and her intention to teach, empower and change people's lives -- As if it weren't obvious enough through her commitment to building free homes for veterans (an element our group was also privileged enough to participate in). All told, Cob Hill is the absolute best place to begin and continue your natural building learning journey. I will be back. Thanks so much!!
Sara Lococo, Prince-Edward Island, Canada - August ‘22
21 Day Natural Building Certification
“If you leave this program and you can’t build a house, then I have failed you” - Cat Taylor
Much like her namesake, Cat Taylor has lived many, many lives. In this current one, she empowers others (specifically disabled veterans) to build their own home using natural materials.
Cat is a force; this woman is easily one of the most hard-working, resilient, and patient people that I’ve had the privilege to learn from. She is also ridiculously silly, and manages to make even the most arduous task feel light and light-hearted.
Lauren Pascarella - August ‘22
21 Day Natural Building Certification
I have had the opportunity to participate and teach at Cob Hill during two workshops.
Cat Taylor is a professional, enthusiastic and fun instructor with many talents and a big heart.
I consider her one of my heroes who has inspired me and many others with her grit, passion and ability to create positive ripples in the world.
Cob Hill is a special place where I have communed with people and nature in a beautiful and powerful way.
I highly recommend this school if you want to learn all aspects of natural building and have a great time time too.
Camilo Cadavid - July ‘22
Our Cob Oven Teacher
I finished the 10-day Natural Building Basics workshop with Cat, and it was wonderful! The group who came to attend the workshop was made up of caring and kind people. We worked really well together, building quite a lot in just a few days. Cat is full of energy, humor, and knowledge, and creates an incredibly welcoming and warm atmosphere. This makes learning a fun and relaxing process. We laughed as much as we built. There are many new skills to practice while building cob, all of which turn out to be doable! Overall, I truly enjoyed myself. The entire ambience was beautiful. The location is within a forest which seems to breathe life. Such a blessing to experience it. Thank you, Cat and all others who made this workshop come together!
Irina - Sept ‘21
Attending the Natural Building Certification Course in June 2021 at the Cob Hill Natural Building School in Hughes Springs, TX, was transformative on both personal and professional levels. The most impactful aspect of the course was the people; from the course directors and staff to the volunteers and fellow students, the course provided me with lifelong friends, mentors (both civilian and retired military), and sources of inspiration. As an active duty military member, Cob Hill’s focus on providing support, through natural building education on how to build affordable, environmentally friendly homes, to active duty military and disabled veterans, is deeply appreciated. Cob Hill differs from other non-profits I have volunteered with in that Cob Hill equips people with tangible skills, as opposed to items or services, that individuals can continuously refine (and use to benefit their respective communities) through Cob Hill’s lifelong learning program. I wouldn’t trade anything for my experience at Cob Hill! - Ryan F