Cob codes & Locations

[Yvonne Vana]

-----Original Message-----
From: douglas scheffer <dscheffer at earthlink.net>
To: coblist at deatech.com <coblist at deatech.com>
Date: Thursday, August 13, 1998 11:58 PM
Subject: Re: Cob codes & Locations


>I've been seeing several posts from people wanting to build cob here in the
>Northwest. This surprises me because every time I have a discussion with a
>contractor, they tell me it's great in the Southwest but "that stuff will
>just melt like butter up here in all this rain, not to mention the mold."
>
>I am digging for some truth. I "hear" there is a woman on Whidbey Island
>that is getting her home approved. Does anyone know who she is or if there
>are any other existing cob homes here in the rainy section of the NW, If so
>I'd love to get in touch with these cobbers and see what their advice is
>for building here.
>
>I know that Becky Bee has Groundworks in Oregon and the last e.mail from
>Deanna Simpson wanting to build on Vancouver Island.
>
>If the Northwest is not a great place to do this, is there a list of
>states, counties, towns or provinces that have approved cob building. I am
>not limiting my self just to the Northwest, If it's easier to build
>elsewhere I'll consider it.
>
>I don't really want to spend years barking up the wrong tree. I would
>really like to build my home in a region that has experience dealing with
>us cobbers (looking for strength in numbers I guess.) I don't know what any
>successful cobbers have experienced getting their homes approved but I sure
>could use to hear a few stories from veterans.
>
>Thanks,
>Douglas
>
>"...with every true friendship we build more firmly the foundations on
>which the peace of the whole world rests. Thought by thought and act by
>act, with every breath we build the kingdom of non- violence that is the
>true home of the spirit of humanity."
> --M.K. Gandhi
>
>Douglas,
I live in the north Everett  area right near Possession Bay..we live an area
known as
a convergence zone for weather...very windy most of the time...when it rains
we usually
get quite a bit...when it snows we being close to the sound get anywhere
from 3-12 inches
depending on the year, and humidity....I am very interested in earth
building as well..the rain and
the mold here is quite substancial...to say the least.
I haven't heard of the woman on Widbey Island....I look out over that area,
and Hat and Camano
Island.   What I have heard going up over there are flexable buildings made
of canvas and wood
supports.   Gurke or something of that name.   So I know there is alot of
places available here
to build I really am not sure if the codes for cob have been established.
There is considerable
humidity also.  lots of fog, and mists when it is there.   When it is nice
(like now) it is great..but most of the time it is gray, rainy and damp and
can get very cold....
So if anyone does know of any successes please let me know.  Let me know if
you winter over ,
and really do experience the seasonal changes...then if you buy and
build...I be very much interested in any results.  Before I moved here
(8yrs) I lived in the Las Vegas/Henderson area for 14 years...It just got
tooo hot.  My husband relocated his job.
Good luck,
Yvonne