[Cob] opinion on foundation for cob

[Tys Sniffen]

Kristin,

 

My opinion (worth everything you paid for it) would be close to what you're
thinking.  If you've got a stable foundation (of any sort), get down below
the topsoil and then build up a stem wall. BUT, I would also suggest going
further down  (9 inches or so?) and a bit wider than your wall and making a
gravel trench (with drainage tube) so that your stem  wall can 'float' on
that.  Also, I'd suggest you get the stem wall up and let it dry totally,
and ideally do any settling it was going to do before you put tons of cob on
top of it. 

 

About determining the stability of your area, you should look into some
local geological history, and then just sit out in the spot and think it
through. Look at the land as if you could imagine the area flowing like lava
through time. Is there a dip below your building spot? Is there a crusty,
breaking off cliff above it? Imagine what the earth in that area has been
doing for the last 1000 years, and that's probably what will happen in the
next 1000.

Tys

 

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