There’s something I’ve had to come to terms with living in our cob house, Gobcobatron. Cob is not the most appropriate, responsible building material for this cold climate of northeastern Missouri. This applies to similarly cold climates as well. Sad to say, but that is the reality.
Here are my thoughts on why cob building is not appropriate for cold climates, based on personal experiences and understanding more about the thermal properties of cob.
I have some new insights into my winter moisture conundrum. I have a new theory, but I am trying to make complete sense of factors at play here. Currently, I think it is indeed a combination of condensation and drainage that are resulting in moisture entering the house.
Read ahead for an update.
Mold has reared its ugly, ugly head in my home, and I have recently been consumed with attempting to determine a solution to this problem. I ask readers (especially those with experience living in cob houses in cold climates!) to please read ahead and help me to determine the best course of action. Any advice would be dearly appreciated.
Here are all the details fit to print.
It’s nigh on bedtime and the wind’s been blowing hefty hard all day, with snow falling regularly since the morning. Snow drifts are over two feet high and blocking many of our walking paths throughout the village, and another foot of snow is expected over the night. Wind turbines are screaming and the temperature is expected to plummet to -10º on Wednesday night, with a wind chill clocking in at a brisk -25º. Damn! These are a harsh few days for us in northeastern Missouri, where snow often doesn’t accumulate beyond a few inches.
The house is holding up just fine and the stove’s been cranking on and off throughout the day. This is the kind of weather for watching out the windows, reading and writing, and cooking hot and simple meals — cornbread and refried beans for us.
I’ll be lucky if I can get to my chopping stump tomorrow to chop some extra wood. Good thing there’s some ready to go in the woodshed for when I do need it…
Here’s a little slideshow of the sequence of construction activity on the Wabi-sabi kitchen. It’s from fall 2009 through the present. Notice that we’re up to the timber frame (and that’s why we need help from inspired carpenters, timber framers, and builders alike!) Here ya go:
Thomas and Ali plant garlic in the garden
UPDATE (2/21/11): We have fulfilled our work exchange needs for the 2011 season. Thanks to all applicants!
The Wabi-sabi sub-community (Ziggy, April, Thomas, and Ali) at Dancing Rabbit Ecovillage is seeking individuals to help with expanding and maintaining our organic gardens, increasing our local food production, and building our cooperative kitchen for the summer of 2011. Read ahead to learn more!
The Wabi-sabi kitchen foundation
UPDATE (3/22/2011): This position has been filled – thank you to all applicants!
The Wabi-sabi sub-community (Ziggy, April, Thomas, and Ali) at Dancing Rabbit Ecovillage are seeking individuals to help with building our cooperative kitchen and maintaining our organic vegetable gardens for the summer of 2011.
The front garden gate
I got back home recently from traveling. Of course, we arrived in the middle of a snowstorm — we got a good six inches or so. I always love how the land looks in a fresh coat of snow — such a stark difference from all of the green life of the spring and summer! Here’s a few photos from around the house…
Ok. So the “Year” of Mud has now been nearly three years since its inception. Whoa. But I like the kinda quaint, although perhaps misleading name of this little project of mine, so I’m sticking to it.
Anyway. 2011 is here! Time flies as fast as ever, if not faster, and before I know it the time has come around again to start planning for the new season. Unbelievable.
Yea! Check out these super nifty panorama photos of the interior of the cob house! They’re assembled by Jess Ahlemeier (thanks, Jess!). Be sure to check out the large version of the above photo here. I love to see all the little details of the house in one shot. This photo also gives a good impression of just how large the interior of Gobcobatron is, too.
Hi there, I’m Ziggy. In 2008, I launched The Year of Mud while building my first natural home. This blog is a collection of personal stories and experiences building with clay, straw, and wood over the past 15+ years. A few of the things that get me fired up are natural plasters, timber framing, & Japanese architecture. Since 2012, we’ve been hosting Natural Building Workshops so you can learn essential skills to build your own natural home.
