Cob walls, Ferro Cement and mud making in Kaitaia

Did you know that tin cans, plastic and glass bottles make fantastic insulation in a cob wall? We learnt all about this and much more at the recent Sustainability Workshop run by Jen Gay at her inspiring property in Ahipara. Wednesday 2nd April marked a much-needed break in the recent drought conditions and despite the welcome rain, we got our hands dirty and made a mud wall, aka cob wall.

Two attendees to the workshop helped prepare the cement and applied it to the wall using tin cans as insulation. The cement was also used to finish off the couch in her outdoor area. The recipe called for 1/3 each of sand, fine clay, shredded paper and fine stone. Jen mixed it together with an impressive drill, specific for mixing cement. Josh, one of the participants, is building a house out of recycled materials on his family land so he was excited to take his newly learned skills back to his family, share his knowledge and build his own cob wall! Both were also interested in learning about Timebank and will be joining in the near future.

Jen is an inspiration how she uses recycled materials to build her home and living spaces. She emphasises the importance and ease of utilising already exciting materials. Whether its neighbour's concrete, wood, recyclable materials collected from the local Waste Centre - it's all cost effective and saves the environment!

Ferro cement was used to construct a base for a water feature, and we got a tour of the property, including a visit to her underground cellar which Jen made using ferro cement. The cellar is well insulated and keeps produce, preserving and other dry goods nice and cool.

If you missed this Workshop and are interested in attending another one, contact Te Hiku Local Coordinator, Caryl for more information caryldw.tttimebank@gmail.com or 021 048 6394