Cob Wall Project
- Laura Wayte
- May 9
- 1 min read
Our farm has a few small homes constructed of cob, and there is a new project underway for some students to try out their building skills.
Cob is made of mud mixed with straw and sand. Because it does not require temporary structures or machinery to form it, the resulting buildings are uniquely rounded and organic looking.
They have been used for centuries in climates just like ours (think the British Isles) and are warm in winter and cool in summer.
From Cob Cottage Company: "This ancient technology doesn't contribute to deforestation, pollution or mining nor depend on manufactured materials or power tools. Earth is non-toxic and completely recyclable. In this age of environmental degradation, dwindling natural resources, and chemical toxins hidden in our homes, doesn't it make sense to return to nature's most abundant, cheap and healthy building material?"
We have two students on-farm who are taking on a small project: rebuilding the fence enclosing the yard at Deck Family Farm. Erin Coughennower, who trained in ceramics, and Jacob Struble, who is an architectural designer, both have taken a course at Cob Cottage Company and are putting their learning to work.
In the end, this wall will have a tidy gate and a sod roof, very prettily keep the farm animals out of the home yard. And, just like most things here, many people are helping and learning along with Erin and Jacob to get it done. Enjoy the photos!
Images of existing cob structures on Deck Family Farm:
