Building with Cob: A Step-by-step Guide

This informative guide shows you all need to know on how to build and restore using cob techniques to create modern, environmentally friendly buildings.

The ancient method of cob building uses a simple mixture of clay sub-soil, aggregate, straw and water to create solid structural walls built without shuttering or forms, onto a stone plinth. Cob is now undergoing a renaissance as an ''eco-friendly'' building material because of its amazing ''green'' credentials.

Building with Cob provides step-by-step instructions on how to apply this ancient technique in a wide variety of contemporary situations, covering everything from design and siting, mixing, building walls, fireplaces, ovens and floors, lime and other natural finishes, and gaining planning permission and building regulation approval. Lavishly illustrated with more than 300 colour photos and 85 diagrams, it also provides detailed guidance on how to sensitively repair and restore old cob structures.

This handy guide is ideal for anyone interested in building or repairing using sustainable methods.