Crazy Cob Idea

Has anyone thought of cob as a building material for mobile tiny house? The walls would have to be 6-12", not 24".
If it's feasible, what odd factors might one need to look at? I've got a roof idea figured, and the floor will be up off the ground, naturally.
Thinking of cobbing in a small wood stove. Can you cob a steel-based stove, (as opposed to a cast iron stove)?
This isn't something I've started- just sketching ideas. The home would be more mobile home/camper style, not a huge honkin' home sleeping a family. I've never worked with cob but know some folks who have. This just popped into my head today so I'm scoping it out for flaws. Thanks!

Hi Jen,

This comes up about once a month...(enough that I need to make a "boiler plate" response... )

It would be great if possible, and I think anything can be "made to work." The latter is the issue. "Making" something work is usually a big exercise in futility. This is a mass form style building method which does not bode well for things on wheels...i.e. tooooo much weight!!

The next larger challenge (very large) is this material does not like being knocked around after it is dried...not even a little bit, so repairs would be a big even every time the structure moved or was shifted.

All in all...not something I would encourage...

Sorry...

j

Jay C. White Cloud wrote:Hi Jen,

This comes up about once a month...(enough that I need to make a "boiler plate" response... )

It would be great if possible, and I think anything can be "made to work." The latter is the issue. "Making" something work is usually a big exercise in futility. This is a mass form style building method which does not bode well for things on wheels...i.e. tooooo much weight!!

The next larger challenge (very large) is this material does not like being knocked around after it is dried...not even a little bit, so repairs would be a big even every time the structure moved or was shifted.

All in all...not something I would encourage...

Sorry...

j

Hm... Darn! I did try searching the net for such things and couldn't find any topics, sorry if I'm repeating others

I'd like to build the mobile home myself but I'm not skilled with lumber and framing (I've tried many times- me and 90º corners don't seem to get along), but boy can I work with clay- so that's part of the intrigue.
Is there really any alternative to a classic wood-framed building style on a mobile tiny house?

Is there really any alternative to a classic wood-framed building style on a mobile tiny house?

Yes...all metal...just like most are...and just as "icky" in my view for long term living. The next is "tent on platform" but not very plausible as full time living for most folks. Next would be just a good old Yurt, but that is a different kind of living also the does involve wood...

Jen...I don't think it is the 90º corners as much as finding the correct teachers...

Most folks can do way more than they think they can, yet must have the confidence to do it and the right folks around them supporting "that confidence."

I have complete faith...if willing...that you could build a "tiny house on wheels," out of wood and other natural materials. I have been working on several designs for one base on timber framing principles. It could be cut with all hand tools, for the most part and is well within the abilities of most DIYers...

Have faith in yourself, as start a post about that after you read what is already on Permies and the net...

Good luck,

j

Some people are experimenting with ultralight perlite clay mixes for tiny homes, but they require an even more extensive ridgid wall system that is counter productive for building naturally. I would recommend going with a recycled fill insulation, or suck it up and spray foam it. Sometimes we need to realize, we are doing it responsibly, so a little bit of consumerism can be ok time to time. Another option is to tow the structure into place, and use a modular (or permanent) diy prefab insulative skin system. I think these answers are frequent and unresolved due to the 'it depends' factor. I personally, if not intended to travel with, would build a nice covered structure, greenhouse, sunroom like, legal outdoor living space, and park my mini house under it. A passively heated and cooled 'car port' that my 'trailer' is parked under. And who knows, maybe slowly but surely, i might start to put some walls up in that pavilion for some privacy. I am not familiar with this process, but it would be something i would like to do.