Building with Cob: A Step-By-Step Guide

by Adam Weismann, Katy Bryce

With detailed illustrations and photos, this manual features step-by-step instructions for creating cob structures. Information on natural finishes is provided, including lime plasters, renders and washes, homemade clay and casein paints, and earthen plasters. It details how to construct a cob building that complies with modern building standards, and gives guidance on restoring and repairing old cob structures. A comprehensive list of resources and suppliers is also included.

Genres: Construction, Architecture, Reference, Nonfiction

256 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 1, 2006

Reviews

[Andreas Michaelides · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I bought this book I was at the process of preparing to build m own house. Also when I was a kid the house of my Grandmothers before they tear it down so my parents will build their house was made out of cob. I distinctly remember the hot summer in Cyprus was not an issue for us because inside my grandmother house was so cool like you were sitting next to the edge of a river up in theε mountain the temperature was amazing, it was cool during the hot summer and warm during the cold winters.
I don’t build my house with cob but a lot of the techniques of it I incorporate it.
In the future I hope I build a cob house and this book has anything you need to accomplish that, it is actually a complete guide to build your own house, it tells you even how to manufacture the tools you will need, everything this book is a gem. Highly recommended it.

[Sula · Rating 4 out of 5]

A decent overview of cob as a building material. Although nothing beats hands-on experience it's a good starting point. Some more data would be useful. Worth noting this is more working with cob, and not designing a cob building, and while of course the two are related, you are not going to find example plans, suggested room depths, window positioning etc. beyond general advice on taking advantage of the sun. Some detail is given on this, but no data applied to this e.g. it is said windows should not be placed too high up to avoid overheating when the sun is high in sky - but how high is too high?! (I don't think this even would make a difference, although changing the overhang would). Approximately how long would each stage of the process take, with different methods and different scales of building? Further resources are listed in the back.

[Filip Sekkelsten · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent for cob-building, though here and there I wish it were a little more specific. Thankfully, there are plenty of videos available for free to supplement the book.

[Genabella · Rating 4 out of 5]

great pictures and some new ideas in addition to the more comprehensive The Hand-Sculpted House.

[Jeanette Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful.

[Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love these hands on books more house plans and photos would be good

[Elisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

this book inspired me to take a cob workshop. such a great book for builders.