[Cob] FW: Cob Code Research Project, Plus ??'s

[Marlin]

I thought an innovative design was to build a 'temp' roof over the project area, supported by posts that were a few feet OUTSIDE the building envelope, planned in such a way to be supportive ENOUGH during construction but such that the earthen walls could be built up to the roofline without having to either bury or take out the supports.....therefore these posts become the posts for the wraparound porch that also seems like a great idea for earthen walls - no interference but protection during construction which is a nice plus if you run into a stretch of bad weather!

Marlin

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-----Original Message-----
From:     Shannon C. Dealy <dealy at deatech.com>
Sent:     Wed, 9 Feb 2005 10:28:53 -0800 (PST)
To:       Lance Collins <collinsl at bigpond.net.au>;<coblist at deatech.com>
Subject:  Re: [Cob] FW: Cob Code Research Project, Plus ??'s

On Wed, 9 Feb 2005, Lance Collins wrote:

> Hi Shannon,
>
> You said inter alia,
>
> >two that were built as post and beam with cob "infill" (which is typically
> >how strawbale is done, and in my opinion a really bad idea for cob both
> >from a structural and environmental perspective)
>
> I started out thinking of a load bearing structure but now think that the
> benefits of 'post and beam' are significant.  i.e. you have a roof to work
> under early in the project.  I'm building in a relatively wet climate.

I also live in a wet climate and crazoid person that I am, build year
round.  Having a roof to work under is a definite plus, and though I have
managed to scrape by with tarps, and large sheets of string reinforced
plastic, it definitely would have been nicer/easier at times if there was
a roof independent of the structure.  One approach that some people have
taken is a free standing post and beam roof structure under which they
build, then they remove the posts (and any other excess materials), to
leave it fully supported by the cob walls once they are done.