Cob building in South Carolina

So seems I'm one of the first to build with cob in my county possibly even in my state. Not alot of help in this area, county is willing to work with me if I can get a structural engineer to put their stamp of approval on my plans. I feel so overwhelmed with everything I want to do and what im actually going to be allowed to do.
I have never wanted something so badly, its all I can think about, its all I read on, I dream about it. I even dreamt my ancestors urging me to make this happen. I am 1st generation born here in the US and recently found out that my grandfather used to build his homes like this back in their country. My mom told me whenever they moved he'd work day and night making his cob home and she would help him make the bricks for the roof I cant recall the name she said but ive seen them before. Anyone else ever feel this way about cob? I dont want to make this happen because of how cheap it'll be but because it fascinates me..the very idea of sculpting my own home with my bare hands creating something so intimate...it drives me wild. I cant wait to get my project started I hope and pray the county approves my plans if anyone has any suggestions or helpful tips please send them my way. Sorry for the crazy post my mind just works this way 😜. Much love and light ❤

Claudia Hernandez wrote:..... Not alot of help in this area, county is willing to work with me if I can get a structural engineer to put their stamp of approval on my plans. I feel so overwhelmed with everything I want to do and what im actually going to be allowed to do. ...

An engineer can be held legally accountable for anything they put their stamp on; so if you do their research for them, it will be easier for you to convince an engineer to do so on your plans.  Google buildings in England made of cob and contact the owners to see how they met building codes and how they kept all the dampness out of their cob building during rain and fog.

Then google California building codes for cob and maybe Portland, Oregon too. You'll begin to understand the precautions you'll need to take for rain and have a packet of information to show an engineer that these types of buildings are legit forms of building.

Good luck!

Hi my wife and daughter think im crazy lol but i am fascinatd with this idea and lifestyle were moving to gaffney im trying to purchase a ace of land and want to make this way of life a reality for us thought i would reach out 🙏😁

Hi!

I live down in the SC lowcountry in North Charleston.

FYI There is a local architect here who teaches making cob ovens and has also gotten engineering sign off for a rammed earth house (as of a couple of years ago when I took a class). By now, she may have progressed on that thought.

She teaches Sustainable Building at the College of Building Arts (ACBA) here > https://acba.edu/facultydirectory

Her name is April Magill and her personal practice web site is:
https://rootdowndesigns.com/

You are not alone!