Earthbag sheepfold... possible?

Im in the northeast US - Massachusetts, to be precise.  I'm wondering whether it could be feasible to make an earthbag sheepfold on a dry stone base for sheep and goats.  Stabilized earth inside the bags, cob and lime render outside.  Roundwood roof supports with deep eaves, bark or thatch roof.  Could do the whole thing in stone, of course, but the excavation of stones is more work than I want to consider right now.  We have lots and lots.  Most likely, we would collect a small mountain of them while excavating earth.  That could go to the next project.

Sheep and goats in my experience want to get out of wind and drenching wet.  They'll tolerate a lot of harsh weather, but even they have their limits.  

Has anyone tried such a thing in a similar climate?

Just curious...  could also be a fun-to-try project here for permie students.

Thanks heaps!

Hi Nissa,
I'm not a stone or cob expert, but I do know that in Massachusetts you get snow. And snow will melt. And the water that comes from it will erode the lime/cob walls. You could certainly do it, and deep eaves would help... but I think there is a reason you don't tend to see cob construction as much in cold/wet climates like New England. I think stone would be the way to go personally. But I get that it is more work. I'm sure the cob/lime could be made to work, but I also think about maintenance. Stone is more work right now... but once it's up, what do you have to do to it? Pretty much nothing. The cob/lime, you will need re-apply as it deteriorates.

Yeah.  I'm aware of all of those limiting factors.  My limiting factors are time and labour.  Gotta get something built quickly with minimal equipment and by me - a very short middle-aged woman with the help of family members who are - at the moment - teens.  My adult children are off on their own adventures.

I feel like a roundwood structure would likely deteriorate as fast, if not faster than a stabilized/cobbed/limed structure.  Stones are beautiful and I would love a proper stone structure.  I don't feel like I have the people resources to assist in that build.  

Also, rendering could be a good maintenance job for young folk with excess energy, yes?  Eventually, maybe, I'll have grandchildren.  One can hope.  :D

Matt McSpadden wrote:Hi Nissa,
I'm not a stone or cob expert, but I do know that in Massachusetts you get snow. And snow will melt. And the water that comes from it will erode the lime/cob walls. You could certainly do it, and deep eaves would help... but I think there is a reason you don't tend to see cob construction as much in cold/wet climates like New England. I think stone would be the way to go personally. But I get that it is more work. I'm sure the cob/lime could be made to work, but I also think about maintenance. Stone is more work right now... but once it's up, what do you have to do to it? Pretty much nothing. The cob/lime, you will need re-apply as it deteriorates.