Topic: Consent for Cob House

Consent for Cob House 

Hi Folks,

I'm looking for information on small owner built cob houses in NZ and any advice on the resource consent processes involved.

It seems most of the projects I come across are done without permits as the consent process is so costly and terribly complex.

Does anyone have experience building with cob and or getting a building consent for the structure? Does anyone have experience using the earth building standards?

We'd also like to install a compost toilet and grey water recycling system - both owner designed and built.

Has anyone achieved this and had a council approve?
Are there any councils that are more friendly towards such projects?

I'm feeling rather frustrated and discouraged with the seemingly endless rules and restrictions in the building codes and costly consent process.

Thanks!
Asha

Re: Consent for Cob House 

Asha, your best bet would be to get in touch with Graeme North, he has designed and got permits for cob/instu adobe buildings in the past and seems to know the ins and outs of the rediculous restrictions.
Also I would recommend joining EBANZ (earth building association of NZ), a good way of meeting like minded people and keeping up to date with local events, news and workshops.

Re: Consent for Cob House 

Thanks for the helpful info Just do it. I have been on Graeme's website and he seems like a good person to talk to.

Asha

Re: Consent for Cob House 

as above join ebanz check out 'solid earth' do the workshop & any other that you can. go to the ebanz labour weekend house tours etc if your design conforms to the earth building standards the council has no choice but to permit. the only tricky bit depending on your design & how much passive solar etc. it may not pass thermally at first glance &you may have to get someone to do do a different calculation to prove compliance. i would suggest adding some lightweight/air entrapping aggregate ie sawdust pumice hemp herds to the cob mix along with lotsa straw good luck go for it we need lots more earth homes to set an example

Re: Consent for Cob House 

ps what part of the country are you looking at building in?

Re: Consent for Cob House 

Hi wyllie,

Thanks for the reply.

We want to build in the Far North up near Kerikeri. The building will be north facing with an insulated timbre frame roof, thus taking advantage of passive solar heat. We're in the design stages now and are considering our insulation options.

Like much of the country, the Far North desperately needs affordable, healthy homes - so hopefully we can eventually help to popularize the technique up that way.

Re: Consent for Cob House 

awesome take youve gone with graeme for the design it'l be great physically & harmonically. i am just about to start a renovation on an old shed, & we are going to try light earth mix for ceiling insulation. get back if you want details of how it goes, also if you want an xtra pair of hands when you build

Re: Consent for Cob House 

We're doing the design ourselves, but will likely consult with someone once we're ready.

Your project sounds interesting. By "light earth mix" do you mean like a clay straw slip, wattle and daub?

Thanks for the offer of help, it's more than welcome! We may organize a cob workshop so others can join in and learn the process. Unfortunately, looks like we won't get building until 2014 though!