[Cob] a newbie question

[Copper Harding]

Hi,  I've read the books and the archives.  I am
looking to build in cold cold cold area.  It is rated
zone 2 or 3 for plant growth and average winter
temperature is -20 F.  I am familiar with living in a
passive solar design in that enviro.  However, cob
seems to be a bit of a different issue.

Here is the question:  Does the back or surrounding
parts of a Rumsford fireplace absorb much heat?  If I
placed a cob staircase at the back of the Rumsford and
dropped a bunch of field stone in it for mass would
that be a good choice for storing heat in a very very
small cob?  (and yes I am planning to insulate the
walls with a inner mix heavy in straw and yes I am
planning mass in my floor.)  I am just very familiar
with the multiple precautions that were taken with the
previous passive solar home - and a few of it's
weaknesses.  Thanks for any help or advice you can
give.

copper 

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Ms. Copper Harding
1696 Randolph Ave. #3
St. Paul, MN 55105
651.699.5240

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