Apparently I have been getting some notice from the cob building community, as I have been added to the I Love Cob blog links. This is great, as the blog is an excellent source for cob builders in the Southwest. The blog also provides some great references to anyone that would like to build their own cob home, and do so to code.
The great news is the reference to From the Ground Up, which is a documentary that was run in Home Power Magazine regarding the building of a cob home in North Carolina to code, and how they did it. There are a few things that I learned from their article:
1. Roofing needs to be keyed
Keying a roof means that you add additional pieces of wood to your roofing beams, to give the cob something to "grab". This is necessary both for heavy loads (i.e., snow), and updrafts from heavy winds. For those that are familiar with the Utah climate, you will know that we are often blessed with summer micro-bursts of 60+ mph winds.
2. Foundation needs to raise the cob wall at least 10 inches from the ground
I knew that the cob wall needed to be off the ground to keep moisture levels in the wall low, but the exact number was not made clear. Now, I know, and knowing is half the battle. ^_^
3. Non-load bearing walls can be thinner
While this doesn't matter that much for my future projects, for my current project for the back porch, it's great to know! I was worried that I would need to build a 16" thick wall for each side, even though it would not be necessary to hold the roof in place. Now I can make the wall 9" thick, and save some interior space.
4. Insulation and R-factor
I'm not very familiar with construction rules, and insulation is something that I generally take for granted. What I didn't know is that cob as an insulation R factor of R-0.25 per inch thickness. This means that I can either use a vermiculite or perlite mixture with the cob, which gives a R-2 to R-4 per inch thickness, which would make a 9" wall well within the R-factor ratio that most building inspectors would like it to be. Better to know that now than after building! ^_^
5. Code regulations exist for cob in various States
Yes! There are some states that have alternative building material codes that already exist. In fact, Arizona has one for cob under "Monolithic Adobe". Other building codes like the Uniform Building Code and the International Building Code acknowledge non-fired clay masonry, but not a monolithic structure. So, if you can talk your local building inspector to accept the codes from Arizona, then you are in business! I don't see that happening in my situation, but my goal is to get cob accepted within West Valley, though I may need to work at it from the State level. We will see...
So, I just thought I would throw up that update to let you know what is happening. I have another post that I am preparing regarding the farm idea, so stay tuned! ^_^
Showing posts with label building. Show all posts
Showing posts with label building. Show all posts
Thursday, February 22, 2007
Tuesday, February 20, 2007
Building with Cob 3: Architect Reply
I know it's been a while since I have posted, but this past week has been rather busy. The good news is that I have heard back from both the City and the local alternative materials architect regarding the project that I have been determined to get approved. So, let me give you a quick breakdown of how the project is moving along.
The City Reply
In our last episode, the city had passed on my initial request to the Planning and Zoning board to see if the project itself could be considered. This is because certain codes were put in place after my covered patio in the back were constructed, and could present a problem.
The final word on this was that the planning and zoning specialist that I had contacted last week needed to consult with some other specialists to determine if this could be possible. In the midst of that conversation, I learned that extending the covered area would be a problem. This means that my covered greenhouse section has become a problem, and I am unable to complete that particular project. No matter, I will come up with another project on that front. It will, in fact, simplify the porch project, and give me more garden area.
Also, the use of cob as a building material was placed on the condition of an engineers report from the State of Utah. As I am unaware of any engineering reports within Utah, I contacted a local alternative materials architect to see if they were aware of any reports of that nature. That is where it was left with the City.
The Architect Reply
Today, I received a reply from the architect, Angela Dean. Here is her reply:
"Hello Jeremy,
It sounds like an interesting project. I know permitting cob can be problematic, and most build without permits. I would wonder though, if you are not using the walls structurally, why the city would have any concerns? I would be happy to chat with you to find out more about the project and input I could give."
So, she pointed out that there shouldn't be an issue with the walls regardless, and that I may not even need a permit. So, there is a way out should I keep running into that particular wall with the city on the particular building material.
So why don't I just keep quiet and build it anyway? Keep in mind my original goal with this project. I wanted to make the process of permitting the constructional use of cob as a building material easier, should anyone else wish to build their own home using cob. Why? Well, the first answer is selfish: I want to eventually build my own home with cob on a future farm that I have been planning for most of my life. The second answer is more altruistic: I want to provide the option to others that may want to build their $200,000 home themselves for about $4,000. And finally, the last answer is also selfish: The farm I want to build is going to house several building styles, all from the Ancient world. But that is a subject for another post.
So, that is the progress so far. I will be talking with the architect again for a quick consultation, and see what we can find out. As I get more information, I will post the progress.
The City Reply
In our last episode, the city had passed on my initial request to the Planning and Zoning board to see if the project itself could be considered. This is because certain codes were put in place after my covered patio in the back were constructed, and could present a problem.
The final word on this was that the planning and zoning specialist that I had contacted last week needed to consult with some other specialists to determine if this could be possible. In the midst of that conversation, I learned that extending the covered area would be a problem. This means that my covered greenhouse section has become a problem, and I am unable to complete that particular project. No matter, I will come up with another project on that front. It will, in fact, simplify the porch project, and give me more garden area.
Also, the use of cob as a building material was placed on the condition of an engineers report from the State of Utah. As I am unaware of any engineering reports within Utah, I contacted a local alternative materials architect to see if they were aware of any reports of that nature. That is where it was left with the City.
The Architect Reply
Today, I received a reply from the architect, Angela Dean. Here is her reply:
"Hello Jeremy,
It sounds like an interesting project. I know permitting cob can be problematic, and most build without permits. I would wonder though, if you are not using the walls structurally, why the city would have any concerns? I would be happy to chat with you to find out more about the project and input I could give."
So, she pointed out that there shouldn't be an issue with the walls regardless, and that I may not even need a permit. So, there is a way out should I keep running into that particular wall with the city on the particular building material.
So why don't I just keep quiet and build it anyway? Keep in mind my original goal with this project. I wanted to make the process of permitting the constructional use of cob as a building material easier, should anyone else wish to build their own home using cob. Why? Well, the first answer is selfish: I want to eventually build my own home with cob on a future farm that I have been planning for most of my life. The second answer is more altruistic: I want to provide the option to others that may want to build their $200,000 home themselves for about $4,000. And finally, the last answer is also selfish: The farm I want to build is going to house several building styles, all from the Ancient world. But that is a subject for another post.
So, that is the progress so far. I will be talking with the architect again for a quick consultation, and see what we can find out. As I get more information, I will post the progress.
Monday, February 12, 2007
Building with Cob 2: The Reply, and the Next Step
As mentioned in my last reply, I was awaiting a reply from the permit division of the West Valley City council. I have been waiting for the reply with quite a bit of apprehension, as it includes a couple of requirements that I need to address, as opposed to just building with cob. Well, I got a reply, of sorts, directly relating to building with cob.
The reply was fairly simple, indicating that a Utah licensed engineer would need to write up an engineering report regarding the properties of cob, as it is not a recognized construction method by the State of Utah's Building Codes. This means, of course, that I would need to find an engineer that has access to those properties. Where would I find that information?
Well, when you don't know what else to do, check with the professionals! There is an environmentally friendly architecture firm in Salt Lake. AMD Architecture is dedicated to using environmentally friendly building techniques, which have a lot of materials that are not officially adopted by the state building commission. I found them because of their materials links, particularly because it is linked to the Cob Cottage Company. This shows at least a knowledge of the building method, and that's something.
In the mean time, the cost of the permit is being evaluated into the cost of the enclosure, and I'm still waiting to hear from the city building code division regarding the other issue that my home would have in enclosing the porch in cob.
I'll have more information regarding the correspondence that I will be receiving when I do, but at least the door hasn't been closed completely. Stay tuned!
The reply was fairly simple, indicating that a Utah licensed engineer would need to write up an engineering report regarding the properties of cob, as it is not a recognized construction method by the State of Utah's Building Codes. This means, of course, that I would need to find an engineer that has access to those properties. Where would I find that information?
Well, when you don't know what else to do, check with the professionals! There is an environmentally friendly architecture firm in Salt Lake. AMD Architecture is dedicated to using environmentally friendly building techniques, which have a lot of materials that are not officially adopted by the state building commission. I found them because of their materials links, particularly because it is linked to the Cob Cottage Company. This shows at least a knowledge of the building method, and that's something.
In the mean time, the cost of the permit is being evaluated into the cost of the enclosure, and I'm still waiting to hear from the city building code division regarding the other issue that my home would have in enclosing the porch in cob.
I'll have more information regarding the correspondence that I will be receiving when I do, but at least the door hasn't been closed completely. Stay tuned!
Friday, February 09, 2007
Building with Cob: The Permit Process
My ambitions for using cob as a building material has been taken to the next phase, as I ave begun the process of trying to get a building permit to enclose my back porch. The permit will in and of itself be difficult, as cob is not a very common building material in the United States, let alone in Utah. The process of getting a building material approved can be complex in most cases, so I thought I would document this process should anyone wish to know what process they may need to go though.
I started by contacting the city building commission responsible for building permits. I have two problems: The first is zoning issues with the way the house was originally built (before the city's incorporation), and second is the use of cob itself. The first has been passed on to the planning and zoning commission, so that I can get more information on whether or not the addition can be made.
The second question was answered rather well, based on the fact that I surprised them with the request to build with cob. They were unaware of what cob is, and then stated that all building needs to be completed with approved building materials. Currently, that includes using masonry, stone, wood framing, and steel. The best answer is that they were willing to review information on using cob as a building system, to determine if it could be used as an approved building material.
So, the first step in planning has been done. The second, being the convincing of my wife, has pretty much been completed (that was the miracle in and of itself!), and now the third step has been begun.
Now, the question that begs to be asked is why I just didn't get on with it without looking for a building permit. Well, first, I like to do things legally, and structures over 140 square feet need a building permit. Secondly, it doesn't do any good to build under the counter for anyone else that may want to build with the same material. So, for the interest of anyone else looking to build within the boundaries of West Valley City, this will be quite the telling process.
I should have more information on Monday.
I started by contacting the city building commission responsible for building permits. I have two problems: The first is zoning issues with the way the house was originally built (before the city's incorporation), and second is the use of cob itself. The first has been passed on to the planning and zoning commission, so that I can get more information on whether or not the addition can be made.
The second question was answered rather well, based on the fact that I surprised them with the request to build with cob. They were unaware of what cob is, and then stated that all building needs to be completed with approved building materials. Currently, that includes using masonry, stone, wood framing, and steel. The best answer is that they were willing to review information on using cob as a building system, to determine if it could be used as an approved building material.
So, the first step in planning has been done. The second, being the convincing of my wife, has pretty much been completed (that was the miracle in and of itself!), and now the third step has been begun.
Now, the question that begs to be asked is why I just didn't get on with it without looking for a building permit. Well, first, I like to do things legally, and structures over 140 square feet need a building permit. Secondly, it doesn't do any good to build under the counter for anyone else that may want to build with the same material. So, for the interest of anyone else looking to build within the boundaries of West Valley City, this will be quite the telling process.
I should have more information on Monday.
Tuesday, January 30, 2007
Getting Ready For Spring: The Building Project
It's been a while since I have posted anything about my Micro-Farming project that I want to have in my back yard. Well, that's because the project has been placed on hold due to cold weather. But don't think that is going to stop me from planning! In fact, this summer I have a couple of building projects that will be put into place once the ground begins to thaw. Here is what i have planned:
The Patio
Currently, I have a covered patio that has made a terrible storage area. Why terrible? Because I want it as an addition to the house, but can't do so until it's enclosed. It's fairly large, being 20 feet along the back of the house, and 16 feet out, and would make a perfect family gathering/tv/dining room. I also plan to have the laundry out there, to open up more space in the basement for a kitchen. That being said, the room needs to be well insulated, manage heat well, and needs to have a feel that is completely relaxed.
I have been racking my brains out on how to best do so, while running plumbing and electrical wires without needing a lot of additional materials. While I was looking into it, I followed a train of thought that began with my reading of The Celts: A History. Why not try a low-cost building material that is abundant in the area while also keeping a versatile medium? I started thinking about cob.
What is cob, you may ask? Cob is a mixture of clay, sand, water, and straw that is built into a single monolithic structure. The walls are thick (between 24 in. and 9 in.), are load bearing, almost as tough as concrete, and because of their mass have excellent insulating properties. The key to cob is that it is very cost effective, so the cost of finishing the back patio will be reduced drastically. And, because I am only building three walls, the project shouldn't take very long to complete. It also doesn't require drywalling, insulation, or special holes for running electrical wires. It does need to be waterproofed with a lime wash, which can be picked up at any local hardware store.
Why cob? I have to admit, it was an interesting proposition. My wife still thinks I'm a little nuts with this decision, because it's so radical in today's design structure. But all that aside, it's really cheap, and really easy to build. It's also fun to do, since it doesn't require a lot of skill to put up. There is also an added benefit of the environmental factor.
But there is also a huge stigma to building with cob, namely a "hippie culture" that revolves around this building medium. Why? Because you are basically sculpting your living space, instead of buliding your living space. Because it is truly sculpture, the creative side flows, and some pretty radical bulidings have been built through this medium. Now, I'm not saying that the buildings are not livable, because they look quite nice. As I'm more of a traditionalist, I prefer straight walls to curved, sloping walls. When you start talking about the "zen" of cob building, then I may just roll my eyes. But when you talk about the historical significance to cob building, namely that it was the building material of choice for the Greeks, Egyptians (the common folk, at any rate), and many of the Celtic tribes, then you get my attention.
For more information on building with cob, you may want to check out the Cob Cottage Company, or the Earthed World website. Both have come traditional and more artistic buliding examples, and Earthed World actually has pictures of building a site from the ground up.
The Garden
Now, as I previously said, my wife seems to think I'm a little crazy with this idea of the cob room, and will need some convincing. So, I thought the easiest way to do so would be to start with a small cob project that isn't going to be too terrible to tear down, but still have some functionality. So, I'm going to begin with a cob fence around the garden area. This will both keep me busy and off the computer games for a while, and it will also give me some practical experience in building with the material. If I can build a very functional raised garden out of cob (and I should be able to, since it's pretty much self-draining), then I should be able to make a decent-looking patio as well.
So, this means a cob raised garden. I was thinking this would be a good opportunity to see how well cob can survive, as well as give me some opportunity to try dry-laying stone foundations. The cob will just be the top part of the garden, with most of the soil being set between the stone. That way it will not erode the cob too much, and I don't have to worry about whitewashing the inside of the garden.
The Greenhouse
Yes, the greenhouse will be built out of cob as well, if this goes well. In fact, it will merely be an extension of the existing patio, and separated from the new room by a wattle and daub wall. This uses cob on a wood frame, so the wall can be thinner. But again, it all depends on how the garden wall goes. But I will include a foundation to the greenhouse in the garden wall, since they will be connected. I may even put a door through, which I didn't intend to do initially. This new medium gives me a lot of options I didn't think I had before.
So, that's my update on the micro-farming project. Everything else will come together as I get these done, starting with the first real thaw.
The Patio
Currently, I have a covered patio that has made a terrible storage area. Why terrible? Because I want it as an addition to the house, but can't do so until it's enclosed. It's fairly large, being 20 feet along the back of the house, and 16 feet out, and would make a perfect family gathering/tv/dining room. I also plan to have the laundry out there, to open up more space in the basement for a kitchen. That being said, the room needs to be well insulated, manage heat well, and needs to have a feel that is completely relaxed.
I have been racking my brains out on how to best do so, while running plumbing and electrical wires without needing a lot of additional materials. While I was looking into it, I followed a train of thought that began with my reading of The Celts: A History. Why not try a low-cost building material that is abundant in the area while also keeping a versatile medium? I started thinking about cob.
What is cob, you may ask? Cob is a mixture of clay, sand, water, and straw that is built into a single monolithic structure. The walls are thick (between 24 in. and 9 in.), are load bearing, almost as tough as concrete, and because of their mass have excellent insulating properties. The key to cob is that it is very cost effective, so the cost of finishing the back patio will be reduced drastically. And, because I am only building three walls, the project shouldn't take very long to complete. It also doesn't require drywalling, insulation, or special holes for running electrical wires. It does need to be waterproofed with a lime wash, which can be picked up at any local hardware store.
Why cob? I have to admit, it was an interesting proposition. My wife still thinks I'm a little nuts with this decision, because it's so radical in today's design structure. But all that aside, it's really cheap, and really easy to build. It's also fun to do, since it doesn't require a lot of skill to put up. There is also an added benefit of the environmental factor.
But there is also a huge stigma to building with cob, namely a "hippie culture" that revolves around this building medium. Why? Because you are basically sculpting your living space, instead of buliding your living space. Because it is truly sculpture, the creative side flows, and some pretty radical bulidings have been built through this medium. Now, I'm not saying that the buildings are not livable, because they look quite nice. As I'm more of a traditionalist, I prefer straight walls to curved, sloping walls. When you start talking about the "zen" of cob building, then I may just roll my eyes. But when you talk about the historical significance to cob building, namely that it was the building material of choice for the Greeks, Egyptians (the common folk, at any rate), and many of the Celtic tribes, then you get my attention.
For more information on building with cob, you may want to check out the Cob Cottage Company, or the Earthed World website. Both have come traditional and more artistic buliding examples, and Earthed World actually has pictures of building a site from the ground up.
The Garden
Now, as I previously said, my wife seems to think I'm a little crazy with this idea of the cob room, and will need some convincing. So, I thought the easiest way to do so would be to start with a small cob project that isn't going to be too terrible to tear down, but still have some functionality. So, I'm going to begin with a cob fence around the garden area. This will both keep me busy and off the computer games for a while, and it will also give me some practical experience in building with the material. If I can build a very functional raised garden out of cob (and I should be able to, since it's pretty much self-draining), then I should be able to make a decent-looking patio as well.
So, this means a cob raised garden. I was thinking this would be a good opportunity to see how well cob can survive, as well as give me some opportunity to try dry-laying stone foundations. The cob will just be the top part of the garden, with most of the soil being set between the stone. That way it will not erode the cob too much, and I don't have to worry about whitewashing the inside of the garden.
The Greenhouse
Yes, the greenhouse will be built out of cob as well, if this goes well. In fact, it will merely be an extension of the existing patio, and separated from the new room by a wattle and daub wall. This uses cob on a wood frame, so the wall can be thinner. But again, it all depends on how the garden wall goes. But I will include a foundation to the greenhouse in the garden wall, since they will be connected. I may even put a door through, which I didn't intend to do initially. This new medium gives me a lot of options I didn't think I had before.
So, that's my update on the micro-farming project. Everything else will come together as I get these done, starting with the first real thaw.
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