I don’t know what it is, but over the last couple of months, I have really become aware of clouds - the different types, formations, colours, spread etc. When I look at them, there is also a clarity of vision that I rarely get - it really feels like a fog has been lifted from in front of my eyes.
I especially love clouds around sunset (normally when we are walking Albert the dog in the park) when you get brilliant white or orange edges - wow.
I hope to write a lot more about building with Cob and Strawbale in future blogs, but I thought I’d start with this one.
Cae Mabon is a place in North Wales owned by a guy called Eric Maddern. Eric uses the land as a retreat and learning centre. Many of the dwellings at Cae Mabon have been built using ‘alternative’ construction methods. In March 2004 they began the groundwork for the Cob Cottage. Then in April, 30 people arrived for a “cob workshop” and, under the expert guidance of Ianto Evans and Linda Smiley (co-authors of “The Hand-Sculpted House”), they began raising the walls of the beautiful Cob Cottage.
Early 2005 saw volunteers completing the limewash inside. For me, this is such a beautiful building - so natural and organic, and made from the earth, literally. I’d love to visit this place at some time in the future - until then, I can only imagine the warmth and feeling of solidity and naturality you’d get from being inside..
See also Def: Natural Building
