[Cob] Mendo project this summer

[David Knowlton]

radiant heat is really sexy. you might be able to do a lot with passive
solar and electric backup. reams of ideas on the net.

be glad you don't have cooling problems - those are trickier


>From: "orion walker" <orion_w at hotmail.com>
>To: coblist at deatech.com
>Subject: [Cob] Mendo project this summer
>Date: Wed, 14 Jan 2004 18:04:31 +0000
>
>
>    Hi folks, I've been lurking for a bit, catching up on threads and
>    such.  I am getting ready to take the plunge.  My wife and I will be
>    building a small cobin (like cabin, but with cob) outside of Ukiah Ca.
>    this summer.  I have some questions, and in general would like any
>    words of advise, support, caution.
>
>    Here's the project as I envision it so far:
>
>    about 400sq ft. not including loft space
>
>     post and beam structure built with Fir trees thinned from the
>    property
>
>    combination of cob and strawbale, about 50/50.
>
>    budget: 5k
>
>    My level of experience is fairly low.  I've read Hand Sculpted, and a
>    few strawbale books.  I've surfed the web a whole lot.  I've attended
>    a one day cob building workshop with Michael Smith, and a two day
>    straw bale workshop, and I've talked to some folks that know a fair
>    bit.
>
>    I am hoping to get as much volunteer help as possible.  I have a
>    beautiful piece of land where people can camp, with some access to
>    kitchen, shower and outhouse.
>
>    I'm planning on hosting a reunion from college, of 25 people for
>    perhaps at least a weekend, perhaps a week.  I'm also hoping to do
>    other formal or informal workshops.  I know there are a number of
>    experienced cobers in the area, so I'm hoping to lure some of them up
>    for direction at times too.
>
>    A few of my questions at this stage:
>
>     Anyone have a good idea of how much infloor heating costs?  about 2k
>    for a 400sqft?  is it possible to do it cheaper?
>
>    I've been leaning towards a poured concrete slab foundation, I know
>    it's not the most ecological, but I'm a bit intimidated by the amount
>    of work for some of the other methods, and I either have a bit of a
>    slope, or a fair amount of leveling to do.  Thoughts?
>
>    And I guess before I get carried away with too many specifics, a
>    general question:  We have just settled on our site, I have done some
>    initial soil tests (and it does look like we have good clay, but
>    little sand), I have been spending lots of time sketching floor plans
>    and am getting closer to a firm design.  For those who have been here,
>    does this sound like a good place to be as far as time line?  I'm
>    hoping to get the post and beam up in May or June, and spend the rest
>    of the summer on the rest.  One concern is that we both have to keep
>    working, at least part time over the summer, I'm hoping to make up for
>    that with the volunteers and workshops mentioned above.  Thoughts,
>    ideas, interested in helping?
>
>    Thanks much,
>
>    -Orion
>
>
>      _________________________________________________________________
>
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>References
>
>    1. http://g.msn.com/8HMBEN/2731??PS=
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