Typical adobe construction involves making adobe blocks by digging and mixing mud, filling molds with the mixture, drying the blocks in the sun, turning the blocks every so often, moving the blocks to cure under cover, and then moving them to the jobsite where they are often moved several more times in the course of constructing the wall. A typical New Mexico size brick is four inches thick, ten inches wide, and fourteen inches long (4x10x14). A brick this size will weigh about thirty pounds. Obviously building with adobes is a slow, labor intensive process.
earth building
Tractor Cob
“Many of you might be wondering “Why would I want to mix cob with a tractor?” There are other good methods of mixing cob with your feet, using a tarp, or in a pit that don’t require the burning of fossil fuels. This is true, and any method of mixing cob without heavy machinery is going to be the purest form of cob mixing with the lowest amount of embodied energy.
Rototiller Cob
There are hundreds of uses for cob, so this technique is something good to learn about even if you’re not going to build a cob house.
Restoring the Heritage Mud Forts of UAE
“Hunnarshala and our artisan groups were invited by Abu Dhabi Authority for Culture and Heritage (ADACH) to restore four forts in Al Ain, Abu Dhabi, a UNESCO City. We worked in collaboration with architect Eike Roswag to restore the centuries old mud forts. More than 150 artisans worked on this project and were handsomely remunerated for it.
Clay is the Way
“Hello and welcome, my name’s Alan Middleton. I live in the area of Powys, Wales.
I love building and working with natural materials i.e. Straw Bales, Light Straw Wattle and Daub, Cob, Earthen Plasters and Natural Clay Plaster Finishes.
Phu Chaisai Mountain Resort & Spa
“The crisp green leaves soaked with dew glisten as day breaks. Open your eyes from the comfort of your bed to watch the sun rise from the horizon. Breathe the unspoiled mountain air from your cottage’s private terrace overlooking scenic mountain and valley views, making you forget your worries and cares. Television sets and electronic alarm clocks are absent from your room so you can rise to the sound of an awakening forest in our Chiang Rai traditional Thai accommodation.