by Alex | Apr 1, 2013 | Cob, General
It’s time to take a look into the world of natural building by looking at some of the most influential cob builders. You might have heard of some of these people before as they’ve demonstrated their craft and expertise in the field. Many of them you might just be...
by Alex | Mar 20, 2013 | Cob, General
I was recently interviewed by James Ru for his new book Perma Artist which is a compilation of conversations with eco-artists, land artists, and artists concerned about the environment. Here is our interview about cob homes: 1. Why is it called cob? I see you use...
by Alex | Sep 9, 2012 | Cob, Foundations, Walls
Cob is a mixture of clay, sand, straw, and water. To build a cob house you will essentially need three main components: foundation, walls, and a roof. Here are some of the different styles and systems for building a cob or a hybrid cob home. A hybrid cob home is...
by Alex | May 9, 2012 | Cob, General
A cob home will have a very distinct and unique quality to it that you will not find among conventional homes. Living in a cob house is more than just abiding in a shelter. It includes a unique experience that is both uplifting and healthy. Here are some concepts and...
by Alex | Apr 18, 2012 | Books, General
There is something really special and inspiring about this book. For me, this book offers a glimpse at what I’m trying to accomplish with my work. It gives me hope, inspiration, motivation, and new ideas to accomplish my goals. Not only does it provide me with wisdom...
by Alex | Apr 15, 2012 | Building Codes & Permits, General
When people first learn about building homes and structures out of cob they get really excited and their imaginations go wild with creative ideas and all the possibilities that the material offers for creating things. Then at some point in our excitement we get a rude...
by Alex | Dec 22, 2011 | Farming, General
Farming of the Future – Sustainable, Organic, Mini Farms If you told most traditional farmers that you could produce one million pounds of fresh, organic food on just 3 acres of land they would probably not believe it. With more limited space these days, people...
by Alex | Dec 9, 2011 | General, Videos
Today I wrapped up the cob oven project at Lookout Mountain with a final layer of lime plastering. It’s been really cold here in the nights and mornings, which hasn’t been good conditions for plastering with lime, but we made it work in the end. I’m...
by Alex | Nov 3, 2011 | Designs, General, Videos
This is my “Roaring Lion” model for a Cob Oven I’m planning to build. Inside the mouth cavity is the fire oven which will burn bright and hot! I might make the nostrils as the exit for the chimney too so smoke comes out of them....
by Alex | Nov 3, 2011 | Designs, General, Videos
I made this model out of modeling clay according to one of my Cob House designs. I still need to design and add the roof. I made it according to the scale of 1 inch = 2 feet. It’s a good size home with central living area (can include a wood burning stove),...