A Cob House Journal Photo Gallery by Hap Mullenneaux at pbase.com

A Cob House Journal

After attending a 10 day workshop at Cob Cottage in Oregon, we were hooked. This ancient earth building technique might not be the most logical way to build in Iowa's climate of extremes, but it feels right to us. We will try to update this journal frequently with pictures and text so that many may share the experience. Click on the first image and then use Next to get the blow by blow. Comments are welcome. Enjoy, Hap & Lin Mullenneaux, Fairfield, Iowa hapm@yahoo.com

In the beginning	Abundance Ecovillage	Deep freeze	Spring at last
Rain?	The Cob Dance	One batch at a time	The second course
Tarps	Outdoor life	The Cob Toss	Sand man
Half way up	Windows	Window seat	Built ins
A Family Affair	Headers	West window	Under cover
Roof time	Roof Scaffolding	Finished Roof	Closing In
Wall Scaffolding	Exterior Plaster	The Magic Ingredient	Earth Floor
Lime Wash	Cost	Plaster	Almost Home
Cozy Kitchen	Guan Yin	Loft Bedroom	Wood heat
Pond	Winter water	Christmas	Simple Solar
Details on Solar Electric System	Summer	Morning Glory	The Pond
Summer Kitchen	Lessons learned: Replastering	Central heat	More interior changes

comment |

Karen Bruno		07-Feb-2013 14:54
How long did it take to build your cob home. Do you have any advice now that it has been several years?

Anthony Bradley		20-Jan-2012 00:48
Want to help with a permaculture/natural building project in Manson, Iowa this Spring and/or Summer? You could teach a workshop or build something. There will be several volunteers onsite throughout the season and many other coming sporadically. Free onsite camping and free classroom space is available, and free food and indoor bunks are in planning. Projects include: planting edible forest gardens, transforming an elementary school into a community center, building a community garden, planting a butterfly garden, installing a few pedestrian bridges, establishing a natural bike/pedestrian trail, and many other projects. :)

Sue Vitzthum		20-Aug-2009 02:23
amazing way to forego these crazy mortgages. Time to really enjoy the land and the family. Sue

Jeanie		20-Apr-2009 21:03
Awesome job! You guys are very inspiring...keep up the good work!

Karen		04-Mar-2009 12:59
I am so moved to see what you have done! Looking at the photos and reading your comments, I can feel the love and community that has created this home! Small is truly beautiful and nourishing! thank you for sharing so much on the web! Karen in Colorado

Maureen Boling		05-Nov-2008 03:24
It's beautiful! I took the class with you (summer 07). So glad to see you have given physical form to your dream! Maureen

Guest		25-Aug-2008 01:45
Thank you for sharing! We're also fascinated with the possibilities cob presents (although the trad'l UK cob style (along the lines of yours here on this page) hold much more appeal & cottage charm/livability factor, as opposed to the "whimsical" (?)/bazaar Oregon cob "style", heading off on its own wild tangent here in the US (what a shame really... cobs may never take off over here unless they can avoid the hippy/hemp crowd/shanty stigma its coming dangerously close to acquiring). Everything about cob construction is just positive... from the promise of extremely affordable, classy housing to the sustainability factor; this is based on everything we've heard so far anyway, which makes it sound more appealing with each passing day (pending more homework of course). Next year we may be building on too=) Thanks again so much for sharing all these shots!

Hap Mullenneaux		24-Jun-2008 21:11
Jim, Our cob is drying so fast we don't need to do any special techniques to help it dry as we did in Oregon. Hap

Jim O'Neil		24-Jun-2008 18:43
Wow! Congratulations on all of your progress Hap and Lin! I look forward to more pics and stories. What about spine/ribs between courses? Best wishes as you continue through the summer!

Cliff		24-Jun-2008 02:46
Awesome project..can't wait to visit the cob house. Will there be a whirlpool tub? Cliff

Nina		23-Jun-2008 11:12
It's fascinating to watch. And inspiring with the possibilities. Your family is amazing. Keep the photos and descriptions coming!

click on thumbnails for full image

Type your message and click Add Comment

It is best to login or register first but you may post as a guest. Enter an optional name and contact email address. Name
Name Email
help	private comment