...Homemade Rainbows...


Saturday, October 10, 2009

of earth, sand and straw


I dug my feet into the clay earth, sand and straw today.
This is what I built....together with about 19 other *cob oveners* and family (wink) at a workshop run by this beautiful place.
We built it in the kitchen garden of a local state school.
Lucky children.
It just needs to dry for a bit now before the door is cut and the final render applied.

Hopefully now we'll see that dream of a smaller, perhaps artier version of the same pop up in my back garden very very soon....
what do you think?

15 comments:

Tricia said...

Just lovely! Looking forward to seeing your artier on real soon. Go on....its a must have.

Sabrina said...

Wow- I want one in my backyard! Not sure though if it could survive in our super damp climate. Yes, I agree, some lucky school children indeed!

I'm curious what the bottles in the bottom do...hmmm I'll go check that link.

Kelly said...

This is simply fantastic. I would love to take part in building something like this. You must really have enjoyed this activity.

Inoureyes said...

Thanks so much for the link Leanne.
I already have 3 classes that i am going to book for next week. Looks like a great place to thrive

mountainwildlife said...

I love it! Fantastic that it's in a school. But yes, you should do one- looks like great fun with a group too. We are planning on building one when we eventually move, hadn't got to the practical planning yet though, just the dreaming!
I'd love to see final pics and how it all works.
:)

Madeline said...

Oh, cool! You should totally build that in your backyard. My dad built a brick oven in his yard, and we use it often. If I ever move away from right next door to my parents, I think I'll need my own.

Pip said...

It looks as if a lot of fun was had by all. Certainly looks as if it takes less time and is easier than making a brick oven. Looking forward to seeing your version.

Patricia said...

Hey Leanne

Looks like you had fun!
You will built one in your garden very soon!!!

Enjoy,
Patricia

Sherrin said...

wow! I'd love one of those... I'd love my son's school to have one of those! I too am interested to know what the bottles are for.

Leanne said...

Ah yes the bottles...aside form making pretty pictures... when packed in with cob (clay, sand and wood shavings) they form the bottom insulation layer of the oven base. The idea is that the air pockets created in the bottles and by the wood shavings increase the insulation and help contain the heat in the oven which makes it more efiicient. This layer actually lays below another thermal layer which is made from just the clay and sand mix....then comes the bedding sand for the firebricks which makes the actual oven floor inside.

Kate Moore said...

Too bloody right you'd want one in your own backyard. The process looks fascinating. Did the mob doing the building drink all that, er, hmmm, ginger beer? :)
Tee hee, not Sydney either. Closer though.

Barbara said...

that is very cool. it sure makes me want one in my back yard!

Molly Betsy @ Star Cottage said...

This is awesome Leanne! We would like to make a brick oven in our back yard as well. All we have are drawings so far. One of the pastors @ our church said he'd help us build one this spring. I can't wait. I hope you get yours soon what fun!

gardenmama said...

What a wonderful project!!
There are a few cob structures at our local organic teaching farm we visit frequently! What an exciting way to build! YES!! I think you should make one in your own garden too : )

Melanie said...

now this is something I could sink me feet and hands into too. I must get more info on it. I want want want. I went to the link and did a sad face when I saw it was an 07 phone number... I am from Vic. I hope we have cool workshops like that, I must do one.Cheers and thanks for inspiring me