Cob: Cob-Strawbale Hybrid.

[Tony Glaser]

On Sat, 21 Aug 1999, vtrac wrote:
> Hi Tony,
> 
> Just got your last message. I also agree that a cob strawbale hybrid may be
> the way to go, or at least strawbale with lots of cob interior for thermal
> mass. Keep in mind also that cob is very time consumming to build. Its fun,
> but alot of work.
> 
> Good luck
> 
> Ian


Since cob is so much work, and my cold climate may need more insulation
than it provides, I've decided my cob-strawbale hybred will be axactly
that.  The back and sides of my house will face north and be made with
strawbale-construction.  The front will be made with cob and have lots of
windows and a trombe wall. (A trombe wall is a second glass wall which
creates a layer of air insulation and allows the sun to heat the thermal
mass).  The passive solar will be collected in the south cob wall and the
cob floor, as well as any cob sculpting done inside.

This means I have to learn about everything I already had to learn about,
plus strawbale.  I'm not worried because I'm inspired and these things are
attractive because of their simplicity.

Still... what complicated simplicity!

I need to become a plumber, electrician, mason, ventilation guy,
foundation guy, moisture-protection guy, pest-controle guy, glazier,
passive solar guy, renewable energy guy, roof guy, cob guy, strawbale guy,
architecht, designer, and construction worker, and probably a hundred
other things

All this while studying electrical engineering. 

I've decided not to put any time limits on the project!

Tony