Nice way to do a Cobb wall like that but for me too labor intensive and more money for supplies. I moved to the desert to use mostly what I have on my land. I might try this method at a smaller structure to see the whole process. Keep the videos coming on your progress ☮️🙏☯️🐓🐓
Will do! One way to save on cost of forms with this method is to build in panels. So, you don't need the forms to go all the way around your building like I do here. Perhaps I'll make a video on that later.
Another possible benefit of the wire forms is the grooves that it leaves behind on the cob provides a better textured armature for the lime plaster to adhere than it would on a smooth-formed wall. Will you no longer need to use a lathe or mesh?
Great video Alex. A few thoughts and curiosities... this method could also allow for the integration of conduits for electrical wiring within the wall cavity and be supported by the wire mesh and tie wire used for connecting rebar. Wondering if one could place the forms slightly inward (1/2" perhaps) on top of the foundation wall prior to applying the cob, so that when the outer plaster layer is later applied, it would be perfectly aligned with the foundation wall, and not be sticking out. Hope this makes sense, and I look forward to your feedback.
There is a multihinge aluminium ladder available that can be set to a right angle, and set straight. I plan to use your method, using the ladder, on the horizontal, of course, as the frame onto which to fix the metal lattice. The metal grid is such a great idea, I assume speeding up the drying process, rather than the usual timber or metal sheets
In our village, houses are made from a mixture of clay and maybe straw. I am not sure. I just saw part of the process. Clay was kneaded with their feet, then they made large balls and dried these balls in the sun. Houses, according to this technology, with very thick walls. In the heat (we have 40 degrees in summer) and warm in winter.
Nice way to do a Cobb wall like that but for me too labor intensive and more money for supplies. I moved to the desert to use mostly what I have on my land. I might try this method at a smaller structure to see the whole process. Keep the videos coming on your progress ☮️🙏☯️🐓🐓
Will do!
One way to save on cost of forms with this method is to build in panels. So, you don't need the forms to go all the way around your building like I do here. Perhaps I'll make a video on that later.
Hey Alex. Happy that you found a beautiful piece of land to build your next home. Looking forward to watching the process.
Thank you. This is genius!
Another possible benefit of the wire forms is the grooves that it leaves behind on the cob provides a better textured armature for the lime plaster to adhere than it would on a smooth-formed wall. Will you no longer need to use a lathe or mesh?
Excited to watch this project evolve and progress
Great video Alex. A few thoughts and curiosities... this method could also allow for the integration of conduits for electrical wiring within the wall cavity and be supported by the wire mesh and tie wire used for connecting rebar. Wondering if one could place the forms slightly inward (1/2" perhaps) on top of the foundation wall prior to applying the cob, so that when the outer plaster layer is later applied, it would be perfectly aligned with the foundation wall, and not be sticking out. Hope this makes sense, and I look forward to your feedback.
There is a multihinge aluminium ladder available that can be set to a right angle, and set straight. I plan to use your method, using the ladder, on the horizontal, of course, as the frame onto which to fix the metal lattice. The metal grid is such a great idea, I assume speeding up the drying process, rather than the usual timber or metal sheets
Yes, correct!
In our village, houses are made from a mixture of clay and maybe straw. I am not sure. I just saw part of the process. Clay was kneaded with their feet, then they made large balls and dried these balls in the sun. Houses, according to this technology, with very thick walls. In the heat (we have 40 degrees in summer) and warm in winter.
Looking forward to seeing the actual process and how it works!
Those videos will be here soon. We've already built the first lift of cob, and it turned out perfect!
Outstanding, inspiring work. Can you tell me if mortar is mandatory for the brick base walls that cob walls rest on?
Hello! How are the holes filled that are left behind from the bars on the form? Do they just settle in from the weight?
Hi is the screen 6 gauge by 1 inch? Love it! I'm used to rammed earth. Thanks bruce@Tucson
Yes, I'm pretty sure it's 6 gauge. And I think it's 1.5"x1.5". Holes between 0.5" to 2" should work.
Any concern with keeping it dry during the building process? i.e. building the walls and roof structure first
Brilliant. Could you stagger two frame systems, one above the other?
Yes, absolutely! That's the fastest way to go, but it will cost more, of course.
So many great idea. How are you fixing the wire to the frame?
Fencing nails to attach the metal mesh to the frame.
Thank you for these videos! +new sub
Come to India🇮🇳 and build one cob house for me
Can you give us the material proportions
I'm using a 1:1 ratio of soil to aggregate. This ratio will depend on your soil composition. I always begin testing my ratio with a 1:1 ratio though.
is a cement mixer no good?
No good for making cob. It's too stiff of a mixture.
A concrete mixer will work for earthen plaster though.
The cost of all that might as well just buy a house on the beach