[Cob] Fire Tests for Clay-Hemp or Light-Straw-Clay

[Feile Butler]

Hi

I am consulting on a round-pole/cob-cordwood theatre which was 
constructed in a piecemeal fashion over the past 15 years by 
permaculture students with no regard for building regulations. It is now 
used as the base for the drama students in the same college and also as 
an occasional public theatre. The local authority has recently taken an 
interest in it and closed it down until has been made compliant.

We are trying to remain true to its ethos as an all-natural building, 
using locally-sourced, natural building materials as much as 
practicable. The building needs thermal upgrades as well as fire 
upgrades. There are numerous awkward gaps that need fire-stopping where 
the complicated reciprocal roof timbers land on the cob-cordwood walls. 
Therefore, we are proposing using either clay-hemp or light-straw-clay 
to clad the walls and act as a fire stop, providing both thermal and 
fire upgrades in one hit.

The fire officer has requested a fire test for whichever of these 
materials we go for.

Is anyone aware of any official English language fire tests for either 
or both of these materials? We need to meet 60 minutes fire resistance.


Kind Regards

*Féile Butler*
B.Arch MRIAI Conservation Grade III
Executive Board Member of Earth Building UK and Ireland (EBUKI)

*Mud and Wood / Roots Architecture*
Grange Beg, Skreen, Co. Sligo

*T:*  +353 (0) 71 930 0488
*M:* +353 (0) 86 806 8382
*E:*  feile at mudandwood.com
*W:* www.mudandwood.com