Cob Guest House in Seattle - Natural building with Clay - Tamacun

It took me 3 yrs to build this tiny retreat, but not full time. We finished so late in the season that
the cob had trouble drying and we actually had to watch for mold on the interior wood that first winter.The pics are pretty much in sequential order. The summer we started making mud, we got serious, and I'm sure I put in 400+ hrs, not including help from friends and my patient partner, Roy.
At least the materials were cheap, and mostly recycled. Visitors have crafted some of their own
special skills into making this humble little house unique. It has a composting toilet system and solar
panels, but you can pick up wifi!

Category:

Howto & Style

Tags:

• cob
• building
• Seattle
• Pacific
• NW
• clay
• straw
• earth
• earthen
• sod
• roof
• cord
• wood
• cordwood
• oven
• floor
• Bothell
• lime

[Dulanec]

I have to answer this in 3 comments, cause I'll run out of allowed space. It is 'under the radar' as per permits. But Snoho county has adopted UBC or Uniform Building Code, and it allows for studio or outbuilding structures up to 200 sq ft w/o permits. Mine is 120 sq. ft. That being w/o a plumbed bathroom or a kitchen, one or the other.

[WizzleThump]

Did you have to get any permits?

I'm in bellevue, and was wondering if I'd have to permit such a structure?

[Dulanec]

@WizzleThump There are people who are working on getting cob structures permitted. Not much work has been done on 'round masonary buildings' however, even tho round is stronger than rectangular. Unlike brick or adobe, cob breaks in large chunks if there is an earthquake. Flying bricks are definitely a problem with other earthen structures. EARTHBAG construction is also safer, and would be a wonderful resource to help people after traumatic events, such as floods or earthquakes.

[Dulanec]

@WizzleThump You can legally have an unattached bedroom. I consider this a 'pod' structure, that is dependant on our main house for utilities. It does have a compost toilet tho, and I have a greywater system for the sink, but I don't have that hooked up right now.

[PinkLederhosen]

Great info! I've been looking for inexpensive land in Thurston, Mason and other counties. Wasn't sure about cob houses in Puget Sound. Earthquake prone is a problem. Will probably go with a barn kit from Penny Pincher Barns. But would love to save that expense somehow.

Also, it's pretty cool how you dove in and just made this little house. Kudos! I've been wondering how to reclaim rainwater. Workin on that. Did you know it is illegal to do that in some states?

[12talkcrazy]

what can I say? Inspiring video, perfect sound track selection. I think one day concepts like building your own home, using what you have, and helping your neighbor may destroy the over taxed, interest incurring system that enslaves so many.

[chrisrugh17]

nice and great cob guest house you got there! guys you can try and check this site house-in-seattle,com you can find rents houses and other private residences in seattle, wa as vacation homes

[slowgirlwild]

@Dulanec I have dreamed of something like this for years. Thank you for sharing the information regarding the long time to dry the cop at the end of summer. An important factor to consider here in the Pacific NW. I really like your "thatched" roof, and large overhang to protect from the weather. Where would I find the information to build a roof like yours?

[vention4wh]

I'd love to do something like this but I live in a friggen condo. I doubt the home owners association would let me build one in the courtyard. Oh well, at least it's paid for and since it's a modest place it only took me 11 years.

[ChuynAmy]

we live in marysville, and we are going to build a earth bag dome home:) this was a fun video to watch:) We are in the research process of the building code, since earth bag homes have a simple code of their own on .. I read in a book I just bought, in most states you can have a structural engineer sign off on your prints, if the bulding code ppl won't give you a permit..:) thanks for sharing your beautiful guest home with us!!

[ceranko]

Awesome!