Cob: SE workshop leaders at Berea College

[Darel Henman]

Susana,

the project sounds marvelous.  I think we all know of Van der Ryn and
his work as well as his older book on composting with some lovely
pictures of toilets in it.

I want to ask you about the (mud floor) that you were talking about. 
Can you gives us any details about what materials will be used and the
process and possible about (pounds per inch) strength expected?

Thanks,
  Darel

Susana Lein wrote:
> 
> Dear Coblist folks,
> We are looking for good natural builders/workshop
> leaders from our bioregion (the Appalachian SE), who
> are versed in both cob & strawbale and plasters
> (possibly also clay-straw) for a hybrid timber-frame
> 2800SF house/educational center. We also anticipate
> doing a mud floor.
> We'll be starting construction in fall 2002 for this
> student (sustainability environmental studies program)
> house as part of a new ecovillage at Berea College.
> Berea College is in eastern KY, on the western edge of
> the Appalachians.
> The ecovillage will include passive solar townhouses a
> Living Machine to treat grey water,
> permaculture-designed urban gardens and food forest.
> This exciting ground-breaking project is being
> designed by Van derRyn Architects, an excellent
> ecological design firm in CA, Ocean Arks Institute,
> and local consultants.
> The 2800 SF natural built student program house will
> also include composting toilets.  It is presently
> breaking new ground with codes and building
> inspections, with the support of Berea College.
> 
> We want the natural building workshops to be led by
> folks from our SE region, from Appalachia.
> Thanks!
> 
> Susana Lein (Permaculture Consultant)
> SALAMANDER SPRINGS FARM
> Berea, KY 40403
> 
> __________________________________________________