Setting the standard for modern cob construction – from design, engineering, and building code compliance, to sculpting beautiful structures


Cob – a mix of clay, sand, and straw – is one of the most popular and well-known natural building methods. Yet cob is often difficult to permit and can be used in inappropriate ways due to a lack of sound engineering and design information. Recent research and a newly developed building code promise to make cob building more accessible than ever.


Essential Cob Construction sets the new standard for cob construction. Incorporating rigorous, up-to-date engineering and building science and decades of practical lessons learned, coverage includes:




Appropriate use of cob in different climates and contexts
Thermal performance and moisture management
Structural and architectural design considerations, including fire and earthquake resistance data from extensive laboratory testing
Hands-on cob construction, including mix design, testing, manual and mechanical mixing, wall building, strong connections with foundations, roofs, and other structural elements, and finishing options
Building code development and the permitting process for cob
Planning, budgeting, and quality control
The complete Cob Construction Appendix of the International Residential Code.


Essential Cob Construction is required reading for engineers, architects, designers, contractors, and owner-builders working with this ancient, aesthetically pleasing, low-carbon building material.