Cob stability/windows

[Andrew Felger]

hello,
I am beginning to plan the blueprints for our cob shed at Northland 
College.  I am hoping for advice on the walls and windows.  I know 
that curved walls are the most stable but if the walls have to be 
straight is it best to put in buttresses or to angle the walls at 
each other?  Any other suggestions?  As well I have questions about 
the windows.  We are using a timber frame most likely and I am 
wondering if we should nail the window frame to the timber frame and 
cob around it, just stick the window straight in the frame or is it 
more complicated or (hopefully) easier?  Any suggestions there 
either?  

Does anybody have any experience with cob structures in the 
northwoods.  This is where our shed will go.  We are in Ashland 
Wisconsin, at the very top of Wiscinsin about a mile from Lake 
Superior.  If anybody has any advice  pertaining to this geographical 
area I would love to here from ypu, or if you are in the area I would 
love to get together with you, maybe even work out a workshop uop 
here on campus if you would be willing.

Thanks
Andy Felger