Michael G. Smith

Anthony Dente

Massey Burke

Setting the standard for modern cob construction – from design, engineering, and building code compliance, to sculpting beautiful structures 

Cob – a mix of clay, sand, and straw – is one of the most popular and well-known natural building methods. Yet cob is often difficult to permit and can be used in inappropriate ways due to a lack of sound engineering and design information. Recent research and a newly developed building code promise to make cob building more accessible than ever.

Essential Cob Construction sets the new standard for cob construction. Incorporating rigorous, up-to-date engineering and building science and decades of practical lessons learned, coverage includes:

 • Appropriate use of cob in different climates and contexts

 • Thermal performance and moisture management

 • Structural and architectural design considerations, including fire and earthquake resistance data from extensive laboratory testing

 • Hands-on cob construction, including mix design, testing, manual and mechanical mixing, wall building, strong connections with foundations, roofs, and other structural elements, and finishing options

 • Building code development and the permitting process for cob

 • Planning, budgeting, and quality control

 • The complete Cob Construction Appendix of the International Residential Code.

Essential Cob Construction is required reading for engineers, architects, designers, contractors, and owner-builders working with this ancient, aesthetically pleasing, low-carbon building material.

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