Gasoline is a limited energy resource. Further consideration
of alternative building means is necessary in a industry, specifically
construction, fueled by gasoline. Relying on gasoline as an energy source is
also part of a vicious cycle that pollutes water. If you are interested in
learning more about the issue of fracking for gasoline, Gasland by Josh Fox is
an informative documentary. There are many alternative building options to
consider. Cob is one of them.
Cob is an ancient building method. It is a natural
construction material made from sand, clay, water, and straw. There are often
other materials available to add to the cob mixture such as animal dung or fur.
The placidity of the material allows sculptural possibilities. Another great
thing about cob construction is that is fireproof and inexpensive. An example
of a home made of cob is one by Michael Buck.
Michael Buck's current home is traditional construction. He
built another home by his garden in his spare time that is used for a woofer, a
working tenant. The cob structure is framed from lumber hewn from the trees on
Buck's property. The house is 300 square feet and cost 300 dollars to build.
Most everything was salvaged and only one power tool was used in the
construction. Cob makes financial sense but has some comfort drawbacks.
The comfort issues are tied to the material composition. In
technical documents cob is considered an "organic aggregate," where
the cob is an insulating. Cob insulates in the winter and cools the residence
in the summer. However, cob as a perpetual wet mixture is always drying out.
This leaves the structure damp. Without proper lighting there is also an issue
of a gloomy interior. In some ways even with the practicality of the
environmental economics, a cob house is not much different than a cave
interior.
Even though cob construction may not be practical for the
Midwest climate or rainy areas there is potential in warmer arid climates.
Driving through the southeastern portion of the United States, Nevada, New
Mexico, Arizona I saw quite a few examples of cob construction. It makes sense
that Paul Serilio, the founder of Earthships, which often utilizes cob, is in
Taos , New Mexico. For now in the Midwest it’s about making the best of what
you have with where you are.
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