Clayworks (naturally-coloured plaster and paint)

Clayworks is a company founded by a married couple who are experts in building cob homes and natural plasters. These plasters are made from clay and naturally coloured, so you can paint and plaster your cob home, at the same time!

The site has full information on how to use, and where to find decorators who are trained in using these plasters.

Benefits of Building Homes with Cob (adobe)

Adobe (a mix of sand, clay, water and sticks/straws) is a method of green building, that is popular in Spanish and Arabic regions. Cob is kind of the same, it’s just dried differently, and could be used more in England, to offer breathable, naturally insulated homes. Cob buildings use around 20% less energy than conventional homes, and are far cheaper to build.

Although traditionally used in warmer countries (the ‘mud bricks’ are left to dry in the sun), cob buildings have been popular in Cornwall, Devon and Eastern England for over 100 years. The thick walls absorb heat in the day to release at night, so they keep buildings warm in winter and cool in summer, and therefore drastically reduce energy and air conditioning bills.

Adobe buildings do need protection from rain, but lime plasters and over-hanging roofs prevent most water damage. The gentle curves and earthy colours, also mean these homes blend naturally into the surroundings. And any leftover mud or straw can be returned to the ground, so no waste or harm to the planet.

Build Something Beautiful is a cob building specialist and consultancy, with a gallery of buildings made from this eco-friendly building material. The founder’s own cob house project was featured on Grand Designs, though this is more a ‘castle that took 9 years to build’. You likely prefer something quicker on a smaller scale!

The Cob Specialist also can help with building and planning. The founder writes that years ago, homes would be built from the time of arrival to migration of swallows, who would build their nests with cob.

Essential Cob Construction is a guide that covers design and engineering to building code compliance. Drawn from decades of experience, it includes info on how to use cob in different climates, thermal performance and moisture management. Plus tips on fire and earthquake resistance.