[Cob] cob buildings in the tropics

[James from House Alive]

David,

I've built in Southern Mexico (long rainy season, dry winters), Panama
(lots of rain all the time) and Jamaica (always a chance of rain, high
humidity).  The biggest problems I've had is with drying times (very
long) and trying to build while it is raining (very wet!).

In terms of comfort of the buildings, the jury is still out but early
evidence seems to suggest that the buildings are a little cooler and
more comfortable than the ambient temperature even when the humidity
is high.

You can see pictures of some of these projects on our website:
www.housealive.org.

Good luck,
James

2008/2/10 David Bowtell <david at advemp.org.au>:
> Hi everyone,
>
>
>
> I live in tropical North QLD in Australia.
>
>
>
> I am wondering if any one has and ideas, suggestions , experience, or
> opinions about building in the tropical climates and or designs etc that
> would help with cooling rather than heating.
>
>
>
> Would Cob work in this way or would the thermal mass actually retain the
> heat?
>
>
>
> The temps we get are ( in degrees Celsius ) summer – min 25       max 39
> humidity 75% to 100% - very hot and muggy
>
>                                                                  Winter –
> min 12        max 30    humidity 20 to 30 %  -  very dry and very pleasant!
>
>
>
> Summer is our 'wet season' as we get lots of tropical downfalls of rain …
> well sheets of it in fact!!!  But in winter it is our dry season and it gets
> incredibly dry.
>
>
>
> I was thinking about a two story house with huge verandas and huge eves to
> ensure a lot of shade.
>
>
>
> I am also interested in being water wise so the possibility of a living roof
> is not such a practical idea as we have huge water shortages..
>
>
>
>
>
> Any other ideas would be very welcome.
>
>
>
> Cheers,
>
>
>
> Dave
>
>
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