Cob: insulation

[Shannon C. Dealy]

On Wed, 4 Oct 2000, kristen roos wrote:

> hello all,
> 
> I have been researching alternative insulation for a
> timber framed (old) barn. I would like to winterize
> the space, there is a would burning stove in it, but
> no insulation. I have found a little info on a German
> technique (Leichtehm) which is also called "light
> straw-clay".  It sounds like a cob mixture with a
> different consistency, and application methods.  I'd
> like any other info I could get on enviro. friendly
> insulation for timber framed spaces, that I can make
> myself using the earth. 
> It would be great if anyone could help me out, 

There is a fair bit of discussion of this technique in the archives of the
coblist.  I believe the correct name for this technique is
"leichtlehmbau", also known as leichtlehm, light-clay or straw-clay.  It
is NOT a cob mixture.  Basically it is straw given a very light coating of
clay slip, mixed thoroughly, allowed to dry almost completely (until just
barely tacky), and then rammed into forms to make panels, or stuffed into
walls as insulation.  Robert Laporte is probably one of the best known
proponents of this technique in the USA, and has a more detailed
description of the technique in his book "MoosePrints".  You can order
this booklet by going to:

    www.strawbalecentral.com

click on their "books and videos" link, and you will find it listed in
it's own section "Light-Clay and Timber Framing".  The price listed today
is $12.  You can also find more information in the coblist archives by
searching on some of the above terms.  The archives can be browsed or
searched by following links at:

    www.deatech.com/natural/coblist/

Shannon C. Dealy      |               DeaTech Research Inc.
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