Building With Cob: A Step-by-step Guide 
asked by ibook on November 14, 2006 2:20 AM
Cob building uses a simple mixture of clay subsoil, aggregate, straw, and water to create solid structural walls, built without shuttering or forms, on a stone plinth. This ancient practice has been used throughout Britain for centuries--in fact, the material is so strong and durable that it is currently in use for forty-five thousand houses in Cornwall, a county in southern England. Building with Cob covers everything from design, planning, and siting to roofs, insulation, and floors. It is lavishly illustrated with more than three hundred inspirational color photographs. The authors have recently been commissioned to build a thirty-classroom school in England in 2006; it will be the largest new cob construction project in the Western hemisphere.
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Even after reading this book pretty carefully, and even looking it up in the dictionary, I never got a good definition of the word 'COB.' None the less, what he's talking about would be called adobe in this country. That is, you take subsoil with a reasonably high clay content, mix it with sand, straw and perhaps a few other things, and you get a remarkably strong building material.
I was involved with a friend that wanted to modify his adobe houst by taking out a window and converting it into a door. The adobe in his house was well aged, about a hundred years. Pulling the window out was easy. Then we got to removing the adobe. We intended to just pick up the bricks and move them aside. They wouldn't move. Pry them with a long iron rod, they wouldn't move. Hit them with a pick and it hardly made a dent. Eventually he got the bricks out of the way using a jackhammer.
This book is on building houses out of earth. It's written in England where there are an estimated half million cob houses. And it talks about the way things are done over there. Not too different than here, except for the building codes. But, of coure, the building codes in this country are quite different in detail of how they are in England. I don't have any idea how many there are in the US. It is certainly no longer a common building method here. My guess is that building within a city limit will be difficult.
All in all, this is probably the best book I've seen on the subject.
I was involved with a friend that wanted to modify his adobe houst by taking out a window and converting it into a door. The adobe in his house was well aged, about a hundred years. Pulling the window out was easy. Then we got to removing the adobe. We intended to just pick up the bricks and move them aside. They wouldn't move. Pry them with a long iron rod, they wouldn't move. Hit them with a pick and it hardly made a dent. Eventually he got the bricks out of the way using a jackhammer.
This book is on building houses out of earth. It's written in England where there are an estimated half million cob houses. And it talks about the way things are done over there. Not too different than here, except for the building codes. But, of coure, the building codes in this country are quite different in detail of how they are in England. I don't have any idea how many there are in the US. It is certainly no longer a common building method here. My guess is that building within a city limit will be difficult.
All in all, this is probably the best book I've seen on the subject.
reviewed by trailrider on November 27, 2006 4:42 PM
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If you want to create a cob structure, BUILDING WITH COB: A STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE is the item of choice, whether it be for a home or an outbuilding. Photos by Ray Main accompany details on how to pair cob building requirements with local construction codes and standards, offering both construction and overall maintenance guidelines. From different kinds of thatch and their lifespans to manufactured paint choices, BUILDING WITH COB is an essential guide.
Diane C. Donovan
California Bookwatch
Diane C. Donovan
California Bookwatch
reviewed by speed5599 on November 29, 2006 5:00 AM
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This book truly lives up to its cover credits and description of contents:-
"...the most practical and beautifully illustrated book on earth building ever published."
"An inspiring vision and practical guide..."
The step-by-step instructions for creating cob structures are easy to follow, practical and a pleasure to read.
A deep insight and wisdom flows through the words that is uplifting and inspiring. Reminding the reader that they, and the structures they build have a place in Nature.
Also that building with natural substances obeys certain rhythms and laws. Observing these leads to harmonious results and can be fun .
The effect of reading this book is similar to that of reading Christopher Alexander (Pattern Language/Timeless Way of Building).His influence is apparent, and present in some of the quotes.
The illustrations and photographs are clear and graphically excellent, adding visual detail to the text that complements the instructions perfectly. Making it easy for a complete beginner to understand and follow.
The section with information on natural finishes, detailing lime plasters, renders, washes, earthen plasters, and home made clay and casein paints, contains essential basic information, scientific facts, and questions and answers. Also very practical `how-to' instructions, text & ideas.
Finely thought out facts and legalities, including an interview with a specialist Architect are in the informative chapter which advises on constructing cob buildings which comply with modern building standards.
The guidance on restoring and repairing old cob structures details everything from how to make cob blocks, to typical problems you may find.
Useful and helpful at a time when many old buildings are being renovated.
The book is completed with very comprehensive list of resources and suppliers.
"...the most practical and beautifully illustrated book on earth building ever published."
"An inspiring vision and practical guide..."
The step-by-step instructions for creating cob structures are easy to follow, practical and a pleasure to read.
A deep insight and wisdom flows through the words that is uplifting and inspiring. Reminding the reader that they, and the structures they build have a place in Nature.
Also that building with natural substances obeys certain rhythms and laws. Observing these leads to harmonious results and can be fun .
The effect of reading this book is similar to that of reading Christopher Alexander (Pattern Language/Timeless Way of Building).His influence is apparent, and present in some of the quotes.
The illustrations and photographs are clear and graphically excellent, adding visual detail to the text that complements the instructions perfectly. Making it easy for a complete beginner to understand and follow.
The section with information on natural finishes, detailing lime plasters, renders, washes, earthen plasters, and home made clay and casein paints, contains essential basic information, scientific facts, and questions and answers. Also very practical `how-to' instructions, text & ideas.
Finely thought out facts and legalities, including an interview with a specialist Architect are in the informative chapter which advises on constructing cob buildings which comply with modern building standards.
The guidance on restoring and repairing old cob structures details everything from how to make cob blocks, to typical problems you may find.
Useful and helpful at a time when many old buildings are being renovated.
The book is completed with very comprehensive list of resources and suppliers.
reviewed by tsu on November 29, 2006 4:12 PM
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Practical and readable guide to the building of cob structures. Excellent photographs and illustrations make this well written book an interesting read for anyone curious about how things work -- even for those of us who will never build a cob structure nor find playing in the mud a spiritual experience. More than worth your attention and time!
reviewed by anexpert on November 29, 2006 7:12 PM
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This book is a fantastic step-by-step guide for all people interested in sustainable, environmentaly friendly building. I found authors' way of describing building with cob as refreshing, simple and easy to follow. Illustrations and beautiful photographs help readers follow the building process from the beginning to the final product. I highly recommend this book!
reviewed by selena on November 29, 2006 7:38 PM