[Cob] California and "Green Building Code"

[howard at earthandstraw.com]

yes, where the energy codes are used cob could be a problem.

thanks,

Howard Switzer, Architect
668 Hurricane Creek Road
Linden, TN 37096
931-589-6513
www.earthandstraw.com
  ----- Original Message ----- 
  From: Dean Sherwin 
  To: coblist at deatech.com 
  Sent: Wednesday, September 23, 2009 2:58 PM
  Subject: Re: [Cob] California and "Green Building Code"


  I totally agree with Howard's sentiments.  Cob can be included as a 
  structurally sufficient material.  It takes a lot of work tho to get 
  new stuff into code language.  The adobe people in New Mexico did a 
  tremendous job in drafting a complete chapter for the UBC (previous 
  building code) that was accepted as available for voluntary adoption 
  by authorities, in NM, CA & CO I think.  Did not mean every inspector 
  would accept it but it's there.  And so much easier that way.  Looks 
  like noone in cob has been serious enough to address these issues.
  However the issue originally mooted here, as regards Green and Energy 
  codes, is a little different.  Cob has lousy thermal 
  resistance.  Earth works well in New Mexico where you have hot days & 
  cool nights (due to its thermal mass and slow response) , not well 
  where temperatures are consistently hot or consistently cold.
  That's why I suggest using it for either unheated structures - 
  garages, outbuildings - or inside an insulated shell.  It can 
  definitely be structural.
  Energy codes and building codes are two different things.
  Dean Sherwin

  At 03:00 PM 9/23/2009, you wrote:

  >I think this would be a completely wrong assumption/attitude to 
  >enter into such a discussion with.  I could have said the same about 
  >straw bale a while back.  The other thing is that many code people 
  >are on our side, or at least are not opposed to earthen 
  >construction, and are interested in learning about it.  Some may be 
  >difficult but being difficult is often not insurmountable in my 
  >experience, it just takes a bit more time.  I think all the 
  >structural issues can be tested on site if necessary.  The code is 
  >not intended to be interpreted to prevent the use of alternative 
  >materials and a history of natural materials is well established.



  Dean Sherwin CPE
  Certified Professional Estimator
  LEED Accredited Professional
  CONSTRUCTION COST MANAGEMENT
  3, Cherry Street
  PO Box 11
  Media, PA 19063-0011
  (610)892 8860
  fax (610) 892 7862
  costman at verizon.net  
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