A New Dawn for Sustainable Living
Arielle Crawford and Simon Gonzalez, a couple dedicated to sustainability and natural living, have embarked on a transformative journey by building their own cob house in Kingsbury, Texas. This venture sprouted in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, which prompted Crawford to reflect on the toxicity of conventional construction materials in her urban apartment. This realization led her to leave New York for Texas, where she met Gonzalez, a former conventional builder who turned to natural construction after learning about the harmful effects of typical building materials like Tyvek and spray foam.
The Heart of Natural Building
With their venture, Texas Cob, the couple has constructed ten houses using natural materials, such as adobe, lime plaster, and, notably, cob. This mixture of clay, sand, straw, and water forms the basis of construction, reflecting their commitment to sustainable and non-toxic building practices. Through their work, they aim to dispel common misconceptions that natural homes lack modern amenities or resemble 'hobbit houses.' Crawford asserts, "The interior can be anything the homeowner needs it to be— the only difference is that the exterior is earthen."
Cob Construction: A Commitment to Community
Building their 500-square-foot home took an entire year, emphasizing the labor-intensive nature of cob construction. The couple dedicates their weekends to this project alongside their full-time work, illustrating their passion for creative living structures. With walls two feet thick, their home boasts exceptional energy efficiency. Remarkably, it keeps its internal temperature stable even without extensive air conditioning or heating.
Breaking Barriers with Natural Architecture
One of the unique advantages of their building site was the absence of restrictive regulations due to its unincorporated land status, allowing for a more straightforward construction process. They faced the challenge of clearing the land of rubbish, but through their hard work and commitment ($60,000 spent to clear the area), they now enjoy their serene and sustainable sanctuary.
A Vision for the Future
As advocates of eco-friendly living, Crawford and Gonzalez represent a growing movement in sustainable architecture. Their journey serves as an inspiring reminder that natural living is not just a trend but a heartfelt call for rejuvenation — for both individuals and our planet's future.
Curious about how you can dive into sustainable living? Start exploring creative dwelling ideas for your future home today!
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