Cob
Cob is a mixture of clay-rich soil, river or masonry sand, and a natural fibrous material (usually straw). When these materials are thoroughly mixed to the right proportions, the cob can be heaped and shaped into structural walls. Many modern cob homes have benches or shelves sculpted into the walls. Cob was a common building material in Western Europe, and there are 1000 year-old cob structures that are still standing. Because cob deteriorates in water, the building site must have adequate drainage and the roof should have wide overhangs. Often the walls are coated with a "paint" of lime (Calcium Carbonate).
How to Build With Cob
Unknown author (Fall 2000)
Cob: Technology of the Past, NOW
By Patrick McAuley (Fall 2003)
History of Cob
By Jeffrey Steuben (Spring 2005)
[ Home | Calendar | Contact | CCAT News | Support CCAT | Site Feedback | Search ]