What is cob?

Cob is just one form of earth building construction used throughout the world.  The other main methods are to form blocks or bricks of unbaked earth which are pre-dried.  This is particularly useful where the clay content of the soil is high.  Pre-drying the blocks eliminates most of the shrinkage.  This is commonly known as Adobe.  Pre-formed cob blocks are produced and sold in the South West of England and are often used for the repair of existing buildings where larger areas of wall are to be replaced.  

The other main method is to place the subsoil between shutters or formwork.  This allows subsoil with a lower moisture content to be placed which reduces the amount of shrinkage while also allowing greater compaction of the material as it is contained within the shutters.  This method is commonly known as Pisé and was adopted as a method of construction throughout Britain in the twentieth century for low cost housing particularly during the 1920s and '30s following publication of books by Clough Williams-Ellis.

Cob is the predominant earth walling technique found in the South West of England.  It is also found in other areas of the British Isles: South West Wales where it is known as Clom; North West Cumbria where it is known as Clay Dabbins; in small areas such as around Haddenham in Berkshire where it is known as Wichert; and in an area south of Stratford-upon-Avon in Warwickshire and across into the area between Leicester and Northampton.  An Adobe-type construction is also found in Norfolk where it is known as Clay Lump.  In the chalk areas of Dorset, Wiltshire and Hampshire, buildings formed with rammed chalk and chalk cob can be found.

For most areas of the world, earth construction is seen as low status and of little value, used only by the very poor.  It is often seen as old and outdated and the local population have a desire to vacate such buildings in favour of new brick or concrete houses.  The South West of England is therefore probably unique in having a high concentration of earth buildings which are not only seen as desirable but are also extremely valuable.  As a censequence, the proper maintenance of these buildings is financially viable and expected.  This is the main driving force behind the development of our knowledge and expertise in dealing with earth buildings and providing a service for the owners.  It also means that there is a vibrant and well established network of builders who are experienced in the repair and maintenance of cob as can be seen in the list of Cob Builders.

Other websites of interest concerning earth buildings:

DEBA

EBUK

Terres à Terres