Cob Building Resource Guide Now, we get to have some real fun! It is time to roll up your sleeves and play in the mud! The easiest way to test different cob recipes is by making test mud bricks. The goal here is to devise as many different ways to make a batch of cob as logically makes sense, make the mud bricks, test them, and record your findings. This will help you make an objective decision about which cob recipe works best, and it will help you get used to the process of making cob in small, manageable amounts. Feel free to use a form for your bricks such as an old loaf pan. Making Cob Bricks Even though you will only be making small batches, you should use the same techniques you will use for making larger amounts so you can gain some practical experience working with cob. Here are some ideas for different test batches. Unmodified - You will need to find out what type of cob your soil will produce without any additional inputs. Testing your Cob Bricks Let your bricks dry completely. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
Resources for Natural Building These are the publications that are used by cob and natural builders, students, apprentices and dreamers that give them the most elementary resources for building with sand straw and clay. Although there are many more on the market, I have found these the most useful. You really can’t go wrong with getting any of these as a way to inspire you, or to start planning a natural building project. The Hand Sculpted House, by Ianto Evans, Michael Smith and Linda Smiley. 346 pages. Although only a workshop or work experience can truly give you the feel for cob building, this book will give all the knowledge and inspiration you need to build your own cob cottage. The Art of Natural Building, edited by Joseph F Kennedy, Michael G. This book consists of a great number of articles written by experts in “the field”. The Cob Builders Hand Book, by Becky Bee. 173 pages. This is a simple, no nonsense and fun written book on the basics of cob construction. Cob, the DVD, by House Alive!