Throughout history there have been several methods that have evolved for the use of mud in construction. Usually the mud cakes are fused with the mud below it to create a monolithic structure. This type of construction lends itself to people with little or no experience in new construction or the methods that are used in the older models. Still this type of construction has caught on in the world to the point that there are two modern innovations that are of note.
In Germany there has been a system that’s been developed for building with wet clay called Stranglehm. Whey is added in the clay mixture to make it more water resistant. This method produces bricks that are just over two feet long and much more durable than the bricks that are made with the clay only. Construction joints are placed vertically between ribbons using a special technique and then the ribbons are caulked with a mud mixture that allows these ribbons to dry so that the shrinkage can be controlled and the air infiltration can be blocked.
It is important to remember that this system is non-load bearing and as such it is used as an infill between wooden structural members. Still, it seems to be able to insulate in a manner that is similar to the available techniques that are calling for insulation nowadays. Still, insulation must be added to the exterior to make it suitable for colder climates.
This type of construction is catching on in North America and to that end there are more and more of these type of homes that are springing up. A stronger mix has found it’s way into the process and to that end there is a more controlled formulation process than anything that’s been seen before. This is called Cob construction and it has been undergoing several basic transformations lately.
These latest designs emphasize the use of space through innovations like built in benches and platforms that draw on the new strength of the walls while at the same time supplying a sense of comfort and beauty. This latest innovation uses moistened earth that contains the suitable mixture of clay and content that is mixed with straw into stiff loaves that can be transported to the building site. This process has an insulation value that is close to that of adobe and although this is still a relatively new process, it is making steady inroads that might have it compete for the traditional building contracts.
Cob is valuable as well, for adding thermal mass in the interior of buildings.
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