[Cob] California and "Green Building Code"

[pop.mat.org.za]

Hi Dean, Don't know if  I agree with you about cob. I have a cobhouse in 
the Karoo in South Africa which is semi desert and our summer temps go 
into the 40's and stay there for weeks and my house feels as though it 
has airconditioning. It is wonderful. When I go outside it is who turned 
the oven on. And winter I have a fireplace and cook on a wood stove and 
my house is wonderful through the winter - temp around 0 to - 10o C
> 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
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