by Anthony Dente (Author), Michael G. Smith (Author), Massey Burke (Author)
Setting the standard for modern cob construction – from design, engineering, and building code compliance, to sculpting beautiful structures
Cob – a mix of clay, sand, and straw – is one of the most popular and well-known natural building methods. Yet cob is often difficult to permit and can be used in inappropriate ways due to a lack of sound engineering and design information. Recent research and a newly developed building code promise to make cob building more accessible than ever.
Essential Cob Construction sets the new standard for cob construction. Incorporating rigorous, up-to-date engineering and building science and decades of practical lessons learned, coverage includes:
- Appropriate use of cob in different climates and contexts
- Thermal performance and moisture management
- Structural and architectural design considerations, including fire and earthquake resistance data from extensive laboratory testing
- Hands-on cob construction, including mix design, testing, manual and mechanical mixing, wall building, strong connections with foundations, roofs, and other structural elements, and finishing options
- Building code development and the permitting process for cob
- Planning, budgeting, and quality control
- The complete Cob Construction Appendix of the International Residential Code.
Essential Cob Construction is required reading for engineers, architects, designers, contractors, and owner-builders working with this ancient, aesthetically pleasing, low-carbon building material.
