Bigger Than a Pizza Oven — Building a Wall from Mud & Cob

A whole crew of guys, in a cypress swamp, intent on doing things the way our forefathers did — building a barn from trees. At first, blown away by the stark beauty of columns of cypress, we just wandered. Which should we cut? That one would make a killer corner post. Andy couldn’t make himself cut a tree. Hours later we realized how heavy and hard this work is. Work for men and mules stronger than we. A year later, lots of sweat, cussing and high tech redneck engineer in between, we’re ending up with a barn that’s organic, warm, and full of dreams. Garden clubs may meet here. Interns may live here. Garden designs and paintings may be born here.

The best part is that everyone no matter size, strength or skills can join in this type of construction. On cobbing day, we invited helpers and they came in ages from 2 to 80. Such a cool construction method — vats of dirt, mud, sand, straw to stomp around in, to throw on walls, to smooth and form and wipe on your friends face. This is the way I love architecture, construction, cooking, gardening….lots of dirt and connections between people of all ages.

Marc & Crystal Muddy Hands and a new wall made entirely of dirt!

Cob is an ancient construction method using mixes of local clay and sand (in our case, dug out of the bottom of the barn) mixed with straw or animal hairs. In proper proportions it becomes hard, beautiful and breathable wall.