Cob as a natural building material, is grounded in history, though no one country can lay claim to discovering cob, as similar earthen structures can be found all over the world in Europe, Asia, Africa and North America. The cob construction method is probably the oldest building method in the world and is also used today in Africa, Asia and South America. It is estimated that possibly 1/3 to 1/2 of the world’s populations live in earthen dwellings made from cob or similar materials.

Especially popular in Southwestern England and Wales where the subsoil was a sandy clay and other resources like wood and stone were scarce. Cob homes became commonplace in the 15th century in Britain, with both peasants and wealthy classes building and living in these earthen dwellings, in which hundreds, if not thousands still survive in excellent condition today!

Unfortunately with the industrial revolution, fire brick and other materials became more readily available, so cob’s popularity diminished and with it, it’s traditional building experts and their knowledge and experience of cob. Cob’s popularity was lifeless until the 20th century when a resurgence happened. The picturesque and quaint cob homes of the past began being viewed with historical importance and fit in perfectly with growing desire for more environmentally friendly building methods.

Alongside the resurgence in England, there has been a parallel of interest in cob in the United States, with Oregon being the passionate leader. Without the traditional building experts and knowledge of the past, leaders relied on their own exploration and tight-knit connections to develop what is now known as “Oregon Cob”.

To read more about “Oregon Cob” click here:

Sources: http://www.inspirationgreen.com/historical-cob-buildings