[Cob] adobe infill wall- Utah- Nogging?

[Dirtcheapbuilder-Charmaine]

On Sep 26, 2007, at 9:48 PM, Monica Proulx wrote:

I would be interested in hearing from anyone with knowledge about use of
adobe bricks in Utah or western homes. T
It turns out that our "new" (to us) 103 yr old two story frame house
(Utah) has adobe bricks (they turn into mud if you get them wet) 
mortared up
between the wall studs up to the roof line, with lath and plaster over
this.
  I am interested in the reason for
bricking between studs.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Monica- It sound like take off on  "nogging" -a method of bricks, or 
stone chips mortared in clay between frames of posts, wood, lath and 
then plastered over.

  this is a quite old method- early  European, 1600s and even older, in 
a more primitive fashion.

Infilling between studs has been an issue since wood framing/pole 
buildings & timberframe began.  Since insulation was unknown, it was 
logical to fill in with a clay or lime mortar, and use local stones,  
or make bricks and set them in place. the whole wall was then plastered 
over, and the walls were basically fire resistant. since people built 
fences and walls with blocks and rocks, it was probably a natural 
application, and it stopped drafts.

Examples of stunningly beautiful homes in Normandy, France   still 
exist.   "Manor Houses of Normandy"
( there is a whole book about them 
-http://www.dirtcheapbuilder.com/mahoofnotino.html

these homes had brick pieces and whole bricks mortared between posts.  
if there was a tradition of clay brick in UT/ SW area, then placing 
them in between studs  was a faster way to build.  a straight line wall 
of  adobe blocks  need reinforcement, and curves to keep strength.   
Slapping up the frame and putting in premade  adobes was prolly a very 
fast way to complete the home?

Your local Historical Society or  college/major library may have 
information on old buildings of UT.

Charmaine Taylor Publishing
Monster SALE on Books & Videos
http://www.dirtcheapbuilder.com/mobovisa.html
Tel:  1-707-441-1632   Eureka, Calif.