Building With Cob: Step-By-Step Guide, A (Sustainable Building

Description:
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. It is now undergoing a renaissance as an 'eco-friendly' building material because of its amazing 'green' credentials. 'Building with Cob' shows 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. It also explains in detail how to sensitively restore an old cob structure. This book is a step-by-step guide, lavishly illustrated with over 300 colour photos and 85 diagrams.

Table of Contents:
History of Earth Building around the World; Design and Siting; Soils: Identifying and Testing; How to Make a Cob Mix Foundations; Building with Cob; Roofs; Insulation; Natural Finishes; Earthen Floors; Fire and Cob; Restoration; Planning and Building; Regulations; Conclusion; Resources and Suppliers

Author Biography:
Adam Weismann & Katy Bryce work with lime and clay on a daily basis through their company, Cob in Cornwall. 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. Adam and Katy are the authors of Building with Cob: A Step by Step Guide, also published by Green Books.