Cob: cob domes

[Darel Henman]

Ben,
  I've seen a structure similar to what you're describing in a mason's
magazine last month.  The structure actually used an existing tree for a
center pillar and then curved branced into a central area.  The rest was
a good daubing.  They did a few artistic finger drawings inside, but it
was basically a simple daub structure.  

  What they did for rain protection was.  To stick into a thick outside
mud daub, (what's the proper word?? I forgot for ) sliced thinnish wood
shingles.  When they were done the outside looked like a porcupine. 
After it dried they hosed water of it to test it and it held or showed
them where to plug.  I haven't read it yet, just looked at the pictures.

  It was a simple structure with no windows.  I think they left the
center open for smoke to get out, but it did have a top up over it to
keep rain from falling in.

Darel

> Ben Harrison wrote:
> 
> Hi cob people. I've never built a dwelling of any kind before. I've
> always been interested in so
> called "primative" building techniques and types. I have a particular
> fondness for dome structures.
> I've seen the Cal Earth site and bought one of their books on ceramic
> architecture. I also own the
> book"Native American Architecture". I know most of the people on this
> list seem to be concerned
> with the more traditional ways of building with cob but I am for
> whatever reason obsessed with the
> notion of constructing a domical wooden frame (think wigwam or grass
> house frame) or series of connected
> domical frames which I would then weave smaller skinny branches
> through (wattle) and then cover this
> inside and out with cob or other earth type covering. I understand the
> concern over rain in regard to the
> roof and all that but has anyone even tried this if only as an
> experimental structure? I'm assuming some
> type of extra covering would be needed for the roof portion. Could
> such a structure be fired or would the
> wood framework burn out and cause massive failure of the structure?
> I'm thinking of such a structure
> for use as a cabin or as a small studio(I'm an artist), not as a
> permanent dwelling necessarilly. Any thoughts?
> 
> - Ben