Building with Cob: A Step-by-step Guide

Front Cover
Bloomsbury USA, Feb 15, 2006 - Architecture - 256 pages

This informative guide shows you all need to know on how to build and restore using cob techniques to create modern, environmentally friendly buildings.

The ancient method of cob building uses a simple mixture of clay sub-soil, aggregate, straw and water to create solid structural walls built without shuttering or forms, onto a stone plinth. Cob is now undergoing a renaissance as an 'eco-friendly' building material because of its amazing 'green' credentials.

Building with Cob provides step-by-step instructions on how to apply this ancient technique in a wide variety of contemporary situations, covering everything from design and siting, mixing, building walls, fireplaces, ovens and floors, lime and other natural finishes, and gaining planning permission and building regulation approval. Lavishly illustrated with more than 300 colour photos and 85 diagrams, it also provides detailed guidance on how to sensitively repair and restore old cob structures.

This handy guide is ideal for anyone interested in building or repairing using sustainable methods.

From inside the book

Contents

Introduction
2
Earth building around the world
10
Site design
24
Copyright

20 other sections not shown

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About the author (2006)

Adam Weismann & Katy Bryce work with lime and clay on a daily basis through their company, Clayworks. They learnt these skills through restoring ancient vernacular buildings in Cornwall, and then began to apply the traditional techniques and materials to contemporary 'eco' builds. They have a passionate belief in the power of using these natural materials to benefit the health and well being of people, buildings and the environment.

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