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.
Building with Cob
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Editorial Reviews
About the Author
Adam Weismann and Katy Bryce run their own building company in Cornwall. They have built and restored many cob buildings, including two-story houses, small studios, and garden rooms, outside courtyards, fireplaces, and earth ovens. In 2003 they won a Pioneers to the Nation award from Queen Elizabeth II. They live in Manaccan, Cornwall, England.
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
57 of 58 people found the following review helpful
By A Deist
Format:Paperback
Those of you who have read "The Hand-Sculpted House" by Ianto Evans will like this book. It is an excellent guide to building with cob. I felt that every aspect of building a house was covered in enough detail that you could start building with cob if you were even a little bit handy. Although building a house is covered well, it includes building fireplaces and cob ovens, too.
I paid forty five dollars for my copy at the Midwest Renewable Energy Fair and see now that I could have saved fifteen dollars. Still, if you are looking for just one book to cover many aspects of using cob then you won't go wrong with this book.
I paid forty five dollars for my copy at the Midwest Renewable Energy Fair and see now that I could have saved fifteen dollars. Still, if you are looking for just one book to cover many aspects of using cob then you won't go wrong with this book.
30 of 31 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
This book shows you the ins and outs of cob building. It's very pleasant to read and a must for everyone interested in natural building. I own many books on natural building (mostly American) and find the views of the authors refreshing. You will not find claims of houses built for USD 15.000 or less in this book! No mumbojumbo, but just the bare facts in all of their beauty. I can wholeheartedly recommend this book as it will give you hours of reading pleasure.
24 of 25 people found the following review helpful
By Rickoshay
Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
While reading this book, I got the overall impression that the authors experienced the construction, took a few photos and notes and later had the epiphany, "I think I'll write a book". This isn't meant to sound heartless toward the authors, but the book just doesn't carry you along. Too many times they make references that just seem redundant like they were getting paid by the word rather than reading well or just plain good instructions. It is enjoyable as light reading and some good pictures about the couples' experience, but just needs some more work to rate higher. I haven't compared it with other cob books but it falls short compared with most of the other earth construction books I've read. It's a good book at first glance but just "OK" once you get into it.
Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
Must have for the serious cobber!!!
Though a lot is based on European regulations and suppliers this book is another must for the serious cobber!!! Read more
Published 29 days ago by natalie weaver
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great!
This book has lots of full color pictures, good background of the use of cob for structures, and a thorough explanation of the method for building with cob.
Published 1 month ago by Guinea
5.0 out of 5 stars
Must read
If you are going to build ANY cob structure or are just interested in the process this book is a must. Does a great job explaining everything and lots of pictures.
Published 1 month ago by Carmen Salter
4.0 out of 5 stars
I purchased this book for research reasons.
I purchased this hoping to learn more about the plasters to use on earth bag and adobe structures in the desert southwest. Read more
Published 2 months ago by julia
5.0 out of 5 stars
Should have bought this first
I should have purchased this book first. I have several other titles about cob building in my library but this one brought it all together and simply. Invaluable resource!
Published 3 months ago by Bloom
5.0 out of 5 stars
an introduction to COB
A book that takes you thrue all what is needed to know about how to work with cob
I recomend this book to pepole who want to know about Cob
I recomend this book to pepole who want to know about Cob
Published 3 months ago by jerryinnorway
5.0 out of 5 stars
Phenom.
Everyone and their grandma should own this book. If all you ever do is build a cob dog house, this book is well worth the cost.
Published 3 months ago by Lee
5.0 out of 5 stars
So glad I have this book!
We are new to cob building and need all the help we can get. There are no classes nearby and we are relying on great books like this one to help us through the process of building... Read more
Published 4 months ago by Virginia Chandler
5.0 out of 5 stars
Terrific book
Not only does this book answer the question of why you should build with cob - it also gives very detailed instructions of the entire process!
Published 8 months ago by Brian
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great Book
This book was extremely informative. The information in the book provides accurate and helpful information with regard to cob building. I definitely recommend this book.
Published 14 months ago by Kdawg
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