Description
This seminar explores the sustainable legacy, regional techniques, and modern restoration challenges of cob and earth construction, emphasizing its historical importance and future potential in eco-friendly building.
Key Points:
- Cob Is a Sustainable, Historic Material with Regional Adaptations:
Used across England and beyond for centuries, cob buildings are made from locally available materials like chalk, clay, and dung, offering natural insulation and sustainability. Its use was influenced by economic factors like the 1784 brick tax and adapted to local geology. - Revival and Innovation Followed Structural Failures:
After periods of decline, cob construction saw revivals, especially post-WWI and in the 1980s, prompted by housing needs and interest in heritage conservation. Techniques like Pisa method and mechanical ramming have been tested to modernise cob construction. - Moisture Management Is Key to Longevity:
Water infiltration, poor drainage, or use of non-breathable materials like cement can degrade cob. Breathable materials like lime render, proper roof overhangs, and traditional repair methods are critical for maintaining structural integrity.
Learning Objectives:
- Understand the Historical and Ecological Role of Cob:
Gain insight into how cob and earth materials have been sustainably used across different regions and historical periods, and why they’re relevant to modern low-carbon architecture. - Recognise Repair and Restoration Best Practices:
Learn how to diagnose common cob deterioration issues, apply traditional repair techniques using breathable materials, and avoid modern interventions that compromise the building. - Explore Contemporary Applications of Traditional Methods:
Discover how cob and chalk are being reintroduced in new construction projects with sustainable goals, including community-led builds and energy-efficient home design.
