experiments with cob floors

[paul wheaton]

There's a whole lotta people at my place. And all of us are keen on natural building. At the same time, we do lots and lots of experiments.

Here's a new video about some of our experiments with cob floors. For those that are not familiar with what cob is, it is a mix of sand, clay and sometimes straw. I am fortunate that my property happens to have several types of clay and several types of sand. So we just dig it up and make cob stuff.

So here's a short video featuring some progress on some floor experiments.

[Randy Maddocks]

I find it both interesting and ironic that the one earthly material that I find can be the most difficult to encounter (for example, when digging to pour footings, etc...) is used to make cob. I love the finish on the floor, has that natural "earth-tone" look (no pun intended). I picture it easy to work with, something like a parging cement that can easily be applied. You may indicate otherwise.

Very interesting clip Paul. Cheers.  

[paul wheaton]

We didn't add any coloring to any of this.   This is the color it is when we pull it out of the ground nearby.