[Cob](Medeival walls design) un-tapering wall...

[tms at northcoast.com]

how can I build
  my walls so that my upstairs is larger than my downstairs? Is that
possible?

The 2 & 3 story homes in UK are extended further out each floor up.  There
is a place called the "SHAMBLES" where ALL the  buildings leand forward
almost closing over the space above..it looks like the buildings lean
forward drunkenly and "touch their foreheads".

The builders found that wider upper floors did not bounce and flex so much
as when the walls were perependicular.  It is called the jetty system. 
and extended 1-2 meters out from bottom floor. possibly framing an 
extended wood floor above, with thinner wattle and daub upper walls, lime
plastrered over will appear as cob from the exterior?

here is a photo
http://www.dartfordarchive.org.uk/medieval/magnified/bullace_lane_rear.html

"HALLS, SOLARS AND PRIVIES

      Most medieval town houses were timber-framed with wattle walls.
Stone buildings were constructed for the very rich. In a medieval
house the main element was the hall, divided by screens forming

      a passageway from the pantries and kitchen area. "
history
http://www.historylearningsite.co.uk/medieval_towns.html

Balloon framing of studs(straight from base floor to top) replaced jettie
later as more stable for upper floors.


PS Alex- I will locate the book source of the early German bermed houses.

Ms. Charmaine  Taylor/ Taylor Publishing
http://www.dirtcheapbuilder.com