Perhaps, when you first heard the terms "cob structure" and "cob building," you thought it had something to do with constructing buildings from corn cobs. Actually, cob building is a form of earth and straw construction that is quite ancient.
Cob building is a variation on the mud brick idea. Indigenous earth is mixed by hand (or more traditionally, by using the feet) into a mud, then long straw is added. The proportion of straw to mud is greater than that used for baked bricks. The gloppy mixture is then piled and sculpted into dwellings.
Handfuls of the cob mixture can be tossed from worker to worker, elminating the need for machinery such as cranes. It is a very durable kind of construction; centuries-old cob houses are still standing in parts of the British Isles.
Because earth is available everywhere, some variation of cob housing has occured in many parts of the world throughout history. A variation of this is a kind of cob structure where the mud used is quite thin, and just enough of this thin mud is used to stick long straw strands together. This mostly-straw mixture is tamped into a mold or frame, and when it hardens, the frame is removed. Such "light straw/clay" buildings are more insulating that traditional cob, but not as structurally sound. Walls that are mostly straw, even with mud mixed in, cannot bear much weight.
Traditional cob buildings are not suitable for areas of the world where there are temperature extremes. For temperate climates, however, cob structures can provide strong, dry, durable dwellings that lend themselves to creative shapes. Therein lies cob's charm: artistic builders can create sculptural buildings in creative, organic shapes. There are few limitations to the design of a cob structure.
Cob dwellings are labor-intensive, and they take quite a bit of time to build. The walls need to "cure," a process that can take up to a year. And not everyone likes a curvy, sculptural home.
Cob houses are eco-friendly. Their mud and straw construction does not use any non-renewable resources, nor does the building process require any fossil fuels (no machinery is necessary). It is also extremely economical; cob houses can be built for less than $1000. One famous proponent of cob housing built his cob home for around $500.
A great deal of professional skill is not required. The internet, libraries and bookstores carry all kinds of how-to information on cob buildings. It is definitely a building technique that is making a comeback.
Sunday, April 17, 2011
Antiques – A Great Way to Extend the Life of Furniture
Today, people are quite conscious of waste, and maintaining a sustainable lifestyle is a concern for many. Furniture, which is not only bulky but often made with synthetic materials, is a concern for the eco-conscious when it comes time to get rid of it.
Investing in antiques means re-using rather than consuming, and creative re-use of your worn-out furniture can also breathe new life into old items. Whether you are redecorating or just getting started furnishing your home, antiques are an excellent, educational way to extend the life of furniture.
Acquiring Antiques
Contrary to the opinions of some, antiques do not have to be expensive. In some Amish communities, antiques can be found for very little (simple chairs can be had for less than $10, and small shelves for less than $20). At yard sales and flea markets, even better deals can be had.
If you keep your eyes and ears open, you may be able to obtain antique furniture for free - people have been known to put antique furniture out on the curb for trash pick-up. With some creativity, obtaining antiques can be far cheaper than buying new furniture.
Caring for Your Antiques
Antique wooden furniture is subject to drying, and sunlight can fade and discolor wood or upholstered antiques. To minimize and prevent drying, use a good quality furniture oil on antique wood. You can make your own using olive oil or sweet almond oil and lemon essential oil. In fact, olive and almond oils can be used straight from the bottle to enrich and protect your furniture. Use oil soap to clean wooden antiques.
Draw the shades and curtains to protect furniture from sunlight during the day, or invest in ultraviolet tinting for your windows. Such tinting comes in sheets and is simply pressed against the inside of windows. You can also cover antiques with attractive slip covers. Use doilies, throw blankets, lace, tablecloths, and so forth to protect your antiques in a creative, attractive way.
Refinishing and Restoration
Some people are able to see the potential in even the most shoddy-looking piece of antique furniture. Collecting trash and turning it to treasure can be one of the most rewarding ways to furnish your home. Such refinished pieces combine the re-use of furniture with individual expression.
You can take a piece to a professional for refinishing and restoration, or attempt it yourself. There are tutorials on television and the internet, and copious books have been written on the subject.
Creative Re-Use
A step further than refinishing and restoring, creative re-use of antiques means using a piece of furniture or parts of it to make something else. An old kitchen hutch can be made into an entertainment center, for example, and old kitchen cabinets can be stacked and made into shelving. If you have bits of furniture lying about or a damaged piece that is beyond salvaging, break out the wood stain and paint, and let your imagination flow.
Investing in antiques means re-using rather than consuming, and creative re-use of your worn-out furniture can also breathe new life into old items. Whether you are redecorating or just getting started furnishing your home, antiques are an excellent, educational way to extend the life of furniture.
Acquiring Antiques
Contrary to the opinions of some, antiques do not have to be expensive. In some Amish communities, antiques can be found for very little (simple chairs can be had for less than $10, and small shelves for less than $20). At yard sales and flea markets, even better deals can be had.
If you keep your eyes and ears open, you may be able to obtain antique furniture for free - people have been known to put antique furniture out on the curb for trash pick-up. With some creativity, obtaining antiques can be far cheaper than buying new furniture.
Caring for Your Antiques
Antique wooden furniture is subject to drying, and sunlight can fade and discolor wood or upholstered antiques. To minimize and prevent drying, use a good quality furniture oil on antique wood. You can make your own using olive oil or sweet almond oil and lemon essential oil. In fact, olive and almond oils can be used straight from the bottle to enrich and protect your furniture. Use oil soap to clean wooden antiques.
Draw the shades and curtains to protect furniture from sunlight during the day, or invest in ultraviolet tinting for your windows. Such tinting comes in sheets and is simply pressed against the inside of windows. You can also cover antiques with attractive slip covers. Use doilies, throw blankets, lace, tablecloths, and so forth to protect your antiques in a creative, attractive way.
Refinishing and Restoration
Some people are able to see the potential in even the most shoddy-looking piece of antique furniture. Collecting trash and turning it to treasure can be one of the most rewarding ways to furnish your home. Such refinished pieces combine the re-use of furniture with individual expression.
You can take a piece to a professional for refinishing and restoration, or attempt it yourself. There are tutorials on television and the internet, and copious books have been written on the subject.
Creative Re-Use
A step further than refinishing and restoring, creative re-use of antiques means using a piece of furniture or parts of it to make something else. An old kitchen hutch can be made into an entertainment center, for example, and old kitchen cabinets can be stacked and made into shelving. If you have bits of furniture lying about or a damaged piece that is beyond salvaging, break out the wood stain and paint, and let your imagination flow.
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