How to Make a Cob House

Cob houses are extremely durable and energy efficient.

A cob house is one of the oldest and most environmentally friendly forms of home construction, with cob construction dating back thousands of years. It can also be less expensive than building a wood-based home, and can last for many lifetimes. Both attractive and durable, this ancient method of construction can be found in all parts of the world.

Things You'll Need

• Sand
• Clay
• Water
• Straw
• Rocks
• Gravel
• Rubble
• Lumber
• Pipes

Instructions

Making A Cob House

1. Choose the site where the cob house will be built. The location should be one with good exposure to sun and storm drainage, according to Lifestyle.ILoveIndia.com. Design a floorplan detailing what features the home will have, as well as how many rooms will be needed.

   Create a sketch of how the roof will be supported, and decide how many windows and doors are needed.

2. Determine how much straw, clay and sand is needed for the house. Mix the materials together to create cob. Clear all trash and debris from the location, and make sure the ground is level. Dig the drainage and foundation trenches. Put in drain pipe and insulation. Dig trenches in the areas where the walls will be.

   Use rubble, gravel and rocks to create the foundation. The materials should be stacked several feet deep and have a jagged surface in order for the foundation to be sturdy. Frame the cob house's roof using either temporary or permanent posts.

3. Build vertical or tapered walls of the house using cob bricks. Stagger the bricks so there are no neat lines. Do not leave hollow spaces or big bulges in the walls. Place pipes, wires and outlets inside the walls while building them and create the windows. Enclose wooden anchors, or "deadmen," in the walls so doorframes, countertops and shelving can be attached later. Let the walls dry.

4. Construct the home's floor, then its ceiling, using cob. Construct interior countertops, cabinets, door frames and other woodwork. Apply interior plaster and allow it to dry. Apply lime wash or natural paint. Plaster the exterior.

5. Hire a contractor to install the electrical and plumbing systems.

References

• How To Build A Cob House
• The Hand-Scuplted House: How To Build A Cob Cottage
• Building Green With Mud