Cob is the West Country term for a particular method of building where sub soil is mixed with straw and water and, when at the right consistency, placed in horizontal layers to form a mass wall. As a building technique this has its origins in pre-history and, together with the Devon thatch tradition, represents a remarkable survival.
	Its sustainability also makes it a thoroughly modern material in the sense that it is sourced from locally available, renewable and recyclable materials, and is thermally efficient. It is no surprise therefore that a number of people are looking at the practicalities of building in cob. Kevin McCabe has built a number of stunning new cob houses. Devon Earth Building Association Cornish Lime Company - suppliers of a range of natural lime products and technical advice
What to look out for in old Cob Buildings

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Cob walling detail - Click for enlarged view

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