[Cob] Radiant floor and Rocks in walls

[Dulane]

1) In cob, I don't have any experience with radiant flooring, and my little
hut was too small for me to consider the process, as it heats very quickly
anyway.

 

But I poured 4 inches of cob on top of pea gravel, separated by large pieces
of 2" foam insulation this summer.in advance of a finer cob mix for my waxed
and oiled top layer. The difference in comfort is amazing. There is no draft
from the floor up anymore. 

 

I think that the temp is even throughout now. With a carpet on top of the
coarse cob, my feet don't get cold anymore. In the summer, my dog used to
love that cool pea gravel, as it wicked the temp and dampness from down
below. 

 

If you used radiant flooring however, you might be able to pump cold water
through in the summer, and cool the floor that way. Like using a cold
waterbed in a hot house.

 

Couldn't you use solar panels to pump water?

 

2) About rocks in walls. I sure buried a lot of fist size rocks and urbanite
into my walls while building. In the center of the wall, I don't think there
would be any issues. For rocks that are external, for decoration or
otherwise, if they are protected from moisture retention, I think they would
be fine for many years. Remember that many minarets and other tall earthen
structures had large rocks (or wood) extending from the walls to use as
steps. As long as the rock is deeply embedded, with the heavier part buried
inside a wide wall, the rock should be fine. Hint: Don't put any weight on
these steps until the wall is COMPLETELY dry.   

 

Dulane