One of the least expensive methods for building a house is to use a mixture of clay, sand, and straw to make little loaves, called “cobs”, and form them into the wall while they are still moist. This method of building is labor intensive, but the labor often is satisfying and has the potential to foster teamwork and a sense of community among the crew working on the project. The end result is a beautifully sculpted house, with curving walls that seem you hug the occupants and provide a strong sense of security. The walls are typically 12-18 inches in depth, and act as a heat capacitor to store solar heat during winter days, and release that same heat at night. Nooks, niches, bookshelves, and benches can be formed right into the wall system. People building with cob often build smaller houses because of the labor involved, which can lead to a stronger family life and lower utility bills. The walls are non-toxic, and cost little if anything.
The downside? In the United States, it is difficult to get a building permit for cob structures. Most of the owner-builders actually build illegally, without a permit or inspections, and therefore also avoid the property taxes that would come as a result of a certificate of occupancy. This is enough reason for me to avoid building my own house with cob. I would, however, like to try to get a building permit to build a cob shed or barn. When I finish my own house (timber frame + straw-bale), I will probably try it out.
For more information about cob, visit the Cob Cottage Company online (its worth checking out just for the photos!), or read The Hand-Sculpted House by Ianto Evans, Michael G. Smith, and Linda Smiley. These guys are really living lives of voluntary simplicity and practicing what they preach. I called them several years ago to apply for a position in their company, and they explained their health care benefits: "you get to eat from an organic garden, drink pure water, and breath clean air".
There are several great videos about cob houses online. Here is a quick one that gives a good intro to cob building: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Frkps9jmCVM
There are several great videos about cob houses online. Here is a quick one that gives a good intro to cob building: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Frkps9jmCVM
Why is it a challenge to get building permits for cob structures?
ReplyDeleteGreat question, Jess. It isn't illegal until you build it without a permit or certificate of occupancy. It is difficult to get cob structures permitted and passed inspection because there is a general fear of the unknown, and cob is unknown. There are not many (any?) rigorous stress tests done to prove the strength of cob, and the strength actually has a lot to do with the recipe used to make the cob.
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