build onto existing house with earthbag/cob

I don't have enough money to buy a new house and never will!

I do have a small shack of a home near my parents house on their land. I'm wondering if I can build on to this house using earthbag and cob. (I do have their permission) I'm concerned about where the addition will join the existing structure. My thoughts on this venture range from build around the house to take advantage of earth building insulation or just build near with a "breeze way" type of connection one room at a time until an independent structure is complete and tear down the existing structure. The problem with the current structure is that it was poorly built and is now quite old. It is also much to small for my large family. I'd love to hear some thoughts and advice on this idea.

My thoughts on construction are to use Raschel Bag tube if I can find any and cover it with cob and finally plaster. Obviously I need a good rock foundation to prevent wicking and a good overhanging roof to keep the water off the extirior of the building. I simply must have a rocket mass heater in the house somewhere. I hope to learn more about living self sufficiently and smart use of the land and resources.

My basic plan is to first build a folly for practice using the same techniques I plan for the house or addition. This will give me a chance to make some mistakes and learn. I plan to have it done before winter and see how it weathers. Assuming I suceed with the smaller structure I'll go on to build some addition or adjacent structure next summer.

I live in rual Eastern Kentucky and I'd love to hear that there are some permies out hear! I love what you guys are doing. I plan to join the movement. I wish you all Peace and Love.

Great idea.  How did the project go?

William Lindberg wrote:I don't have enough money to buy a new house and never will!

I do have a small shack of a home near my parents house on their land.  I'm wondering if I can build on to this house using earthbag and cob.  (I do have their permission)  I'm concerned about where the addition will join the existing structure. My thoughts on this venture range from build around the house to take advantage of earth building insulation or just build near with a "breeze way" type of connection one room at a time until an independent structure is complete and tear down the existing structure.  The problem with the current structure is that it was poorly built and is now quite old.  It is also much to small for my large family.  I'd love to hear some thoughts and advice on this idea.  

My thoughts on construction are to use Raschel Bag tube if I can find any and cover it with cob and finally plaster.  Obviously I need a good rock foundation to prevent wicking and a good overhanging roof to keep the water off the extirior of the building.  I simply must have a rocket mass heater in the house somewhere.  I hope to learn more about living self sufficiently and smart use of the land and resources.

My basic plan is to first build a folly for practice using the same techniques I plan for the house or addition.  This will give me a chance to make some mistakes and learn.  I plan to have it done before winter and see how it weathers.  Assuming I suceed with the smaller structure I'll go on to build some addition or adjacent structure next summer.

I live in rual Eastern Kentucky and I'd love to hear that there are some permies out hear! I love what you guys are doing.  I plan to join the movement.  I wish you all Peace and Love.