Building with Cob “It’s like hand building a giant pot to live in.”

1. Building with Cob“It’s like hand building a giant pot to live in.” Presented by Maria Burke

2. The Makings of Cob • Mixture of clay, sand, straw and water • Coat straw fibers with enough clay to stick together • Apply by hand in large gobs (or cobs)

3. Early History of Cob • “Cob” comes from Old English meaning ‘mud building’ • About 10,000 years ago earth formed houses were being built around the Middle East and Eastern Europe • Said to be one of the oldest building materials on the planet • Uncertain when it came to England but it is known that cob houses were being built in the 13th Century and in the 15th Century it came the norm of building materials • Cob was later replaced by brick due to industrialization and cheap transportation in the 1800s

4. Benefits of Cob • Soils can usually be found on site • Invites creativity by allowing organic shapes like curved walls,shelves, furniture and fireplaces • Easy to learn and only simple tools are needed • Fireproof • Can be reshaped at any time

5. Sustainability and Energy Benefits • Recycled building material such as windows can be reused • Does not contribute to deforestation, pollution or mining nor depend on manufactured materials or power tools • Provides thermal mass thus little additional heating is required in the winter while still remaining cool in the summer

6. The Fun Factors • Traditionally cob is mix with your bare feet • Since building with cob is simple to learn, neighbors and friends can help • Can let your creativity go wild!

7. For Additional Info • The Hand Sculpted House: A practical and Philosophical Guide to Building a Cob Cottage • The Cob Builders Handbook By Becky Bee • www.naturalbuilder.com

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