Affordable Architecture: Cob Houses

If you want to build a home from scratch that is both affordable and unique, consider owning a cob house. Cob houses are made from straw, clay and sand.

They are built using the materials available directly onsite or the materials needed can be purchased at a very low cost. Essentially, these raw materials are mixed together to create a clay-like substance that can be morphed, shaped and arranged into a full home. It is extremely affordable. However, be sure to test the soil on your property before deciding to build a cob home to ensure it can withstand the structure.

Aside from the cost efficiency of cob houses, the curves, designs and shapes are unique and attractive. They have an organic look and natural feel to them. Additionally, the thick walls of cob houses are exceptional at retaining heat and keeping cool during hot seasons.

Cob houses can last a lifetime because a new layer of the mixture can be reapplied to “restore” the walls if they ever start to weather. Some cob house builders use wood paneling to provide extra protection for the roof from rain, hail and storms. One important fact to note, cob houses retain a lot of moisture because of what they are made from. This means it may take many months for your cob home to be a suitable environment to live in. It make take several years for the walls to properly cure. You can expedite the process by using dehumidifiers to draw out the moisture from the air.

Cob houses are especially convenient for areas prone to wildfires because they are primarily made of clay and sand.

One of the best features of building a cob home is the flexibility to create unique and one-of-a-kind designs embedded and embossed into the walls for an added touch of personal style.

Cob houses organic form, resilient elements and easy to acquire materials make them one of the most sustainable, versatile and affordable architecturally sound designs on the market.