Cob more straw in cob=more insulation?; sun tubes

[Todd Kegerreis]

a web site named e2 digital    http//www.e2digital.com  has a good
collection of information on eco-minded resources and products.  under
"product guide" then "solar" there is a product called Solatube which
retails for an average of about $260.00

have not tried the product, but it seems to posess the qualities you are
after.

respectively,

T odd

----------
From: Vernon B. Johnston <vajohnston at nas.com>
To: coblist at deatech.com
Subject: Cob more straw in cob=more insulation?; sun tubes
Date: Monday, August 25, 1997 3:54 PM

 I certainly have been enjoying this website.  Since I am in the process of
building a cob house the information that passes back and forth has been
relevant and exciting.  The rock foundation is just about finished, and I
am about ready to apply the cob.  I am in the Pacific Northwest, very close
to Canada.

My questions are: 

 In leiu of using straw bales for the north side of the house, I am
thinking of adding more straw to the cob mixture, and making the wall
thicker in that area.  I would hope that I would get more insulation value
with the added straw.  Does this make sense?

I met with Eric Hoel, who is building with cob in Oregon.  He is adding
more straw to his walls and making them thicker in hopes of getting more
insulation value.  Unfortunately, I do not know if the extra work and
material is significant enough to warrant incorporating this procedure in
my project.  Does anyone have any experience and/or data with regard to
extra straw?  

Also, would the extra straw diminish the strength of the wall?  One of the
reasons I am thinking of using this method would be for its load bearing
capabilities as well as cob's proven longevity.

Does anyone have any information or plans on building Solar Tubes?  I am
thinking of incorporating one these for more light.  

Many thanks,  Vernon vajohnston at nas.com