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Earth Sheltered Cob House?

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posted 11 years ago

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Would it be possible to shelter a cob house on the North and East sides with earth and leave the the South and West side exposed for passive solar set up? If the sheltered walls had gravel barrier that went up the length of the wall and at the base there was drainage pipe, would you be able to avoid moisture damaging the Cob walls?

dawn trueman

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posted 11 years ago

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I am not an expert but was recently trying to figure this out myself, everything I've read says cob won't work with berming or underground because it really needs to breathe. Even with gravel and a drain, moisture could build up against the wall since there is no air flow around it. Although maybe someone with more experience could tell you if there is a way to do it or not, maybe it depends on your climate. I live on the west coast, I wouldn't risk it here.

R Scott

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Location: Kansas Zone 6a

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posted 11 years ago

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Not recommended. You can put a giant berm near the house to create a windbreak.

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Jay C. White Cloud

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posted 11 years ago

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Sorry, the physics of the cobb just won't let that work. The cobb would turn back into soil.

R Scott

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Location: Kansas Zone 6a

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posted 11 years ago

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You could do rock-filled earthbag for the ground contact portions. Scoria (lava rock) or unwashed 3/4 minus road base (crushed rock that is 3/4" at the largest and goes down to dust). If it is crushed limestone it will pack to near-concrete (as the lime powder hydrates and turns to mortar) and be a really good wall.

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