[dljordan]

I've always been fascinated with COB and Rammed Earth homes. I think I like the Rammed Earth better. They mix the earth with cement and compacted it using air-powered tampers. The stuff is thick and strong, kind of like a bunker. I like that idea.

[adam_az]

"I've always been fascinated with COB and Rammed Earth homes. I think I like the Rammed Earth better. They mix the earth with cement and compacted it using air-powered tampers. The stuff is thick and strong, kind of like a bunker. I like that idea."

I live in a 75 year old adobe block and stucco house in Arizona... As long as the stucco (and oak floorboards) are maintained, this house will still be habitable in 500 years.

My opinion is that if you are going to build a house... build for your local climate, and use materials that will last.

[wingnutx]

There are quite a few adobe home here in Phoenix, from as late as the 30's. They are great in this climate. Great insulation, literally bulletproof, and will last at least as long as brick.

[Orbiting_Rosie's_Head]

I've always been fascinated with COB and Rammed Earth homes. I think I like the Rammed Earth better. They mix the earth with cement and compacted it using air-powered tampers. The stuff is thick and strong, kind of like a bunker. I like that idea.

Cob is a mixture of sand, clay, water, and straw. When it dries, it becomes extremely hard and compact (it "shrinks") if mixed properly. While rammed earth is stronger, Cob is pretty tough, and much easier to build with, requiring no tamping. It's much cheaper, too, requiring no cement.