Cob housing? (Durango: houses, buying, construction)

[srhfricke]

Hello. We're hoping to move to Colorado soon and buy some land. We are looking for green alternatives to housing and I've heard of this "cob house" I've looked it up online and it looks fine. I was wondering if there was anyone in Colorado building these houses? I know most people will build their own but we would rather have someone else who knows what they're doing do it. We're not necessarily looking for someone around pagosa. We don't even have land yet so I'm not sure where it will be but I was just needing to know if ANYONE in colorado will build cob houses?

[dgoboy204]

hi ` i am familiar with cob and other "earth-based techniques" through study. Im guessing that you are right that most will do you own, but the Pagosa and Durango areas have numerous alternative "green builders". Try searching the net around Durango. Here's one near Santa Fe/Taos/Tesuque, but they build in Colo, too as you will see. might be a place to start even if not completely cob -- quite similar. good luck!

EcoNest Portfolio of homes, clay/straw, timberframe, natural , nontoxic houses (http://econest.com/portfolio_images.php?rec_no=5 - broken link)

[coloradocobber]

I realize your post is two years old, but if you are still looking for someone to build you a cob home, I am ready and willing.

[jkearns2569]

Hello.

I am also interested in Cob houses. I'm seriously considering buying some property soon since the kids will be off to college soon and I want to build a Cob house as well. If you get any replies or if you even consider having a "work party" which a lot of people do when building Cob houses I would definitely be interested to join. I'm falling in love with these houses and will be purchasing the Hand Sculpted House soon on my Kindle. Good Luck and keep us informed with what you find.

[Lugnuts]

Choose your site carefully if building with cob. Clay is surprisingly scarce in large parts of Colorado. I was quoted $600 for a truck load of clay so the cost will add up quickly if you need a lot trucked in. Also check with the building department in the county where you are considering building. Some counties are more receptive to alternative or green building than others.

[brightdoglover]

I'd also check the zoning/building permit laws for any land I'd buy for non-traditional construction. You never know what they might have in store.

[oldtrader]

You will find in Colorado, such unconventional construction is not easy to get approved for building permits that are required. Foundations that go below the freeze level, etc. are required. High wind resistance, etc. You will need to get an architect plus engineer to design and approve the building, which will not be easy to do and can get expensive. It will in the end have to meet the uniform building code.

Cob houses do not have a good insulation factor, and are more using thermal qualities of absorbing heat or cold not keeping it out of the house. In Colorado you have to meet a certain insulation value in the roof and sides of the home to get a permit to build.

Also check any building restrictions that may be on the land, placed there when the land was broken up into smaller parcels.

You will also have to have the construction inspected as you go along, by city or county building inspectors.