In addition to using much less lumber than a stick-framed home, Theim said, there are no siding costs, no exterior painting to worry about and less maintenance than a wooden structure would require. The brick home exceeds Oregon's seismic code requirements, and will be two to three times stronger than a regular brick home, Acord said. Homeowners also may find that a structural-brick residence offers additional energy efficiency and sound dampening, he said. Making mud pies Cob building is like making giant mud pies with your hands and feet. It involves mixing soil with sand and straw and building thick structural walls on a concrete or stone foundation.
Cob is an ancient construction method that was used in many parts of the world.
Examples still stand in England, Hauk said. The homes look much like thick stucco residences or small rounded cottages. In Oregon, however, building codes for homes do not include cob construction, so much of what is being built are small structures, such as benches, gazebos, art studios or greenhouses. Under Portland's building code, a building permit is not required for structures 120 square feet or less with a maximum height of 10 feet, said Lee Hiltenbrand, Portland Bureau of Buildings senior structural inspector. Such a structure may not be used for habitation but can be an outbuilding for storage, for example.