Kevin McCabe Cob Building Specialist

Kevin McCabe Cob Building Specialist is a small, prestigious company established in East Devon with over 35 years of experience. They specialise in the high-quality repair of historic buildings, with a particular focus on those containing cob. Increasingly over the last 30 years, they have also undertaken the construction of new cob buildings.

Cob is highlighted as a material with excellent thermal and humidity-storing properties, offering comfort and energy efficiency. The company emphasizes the importance of correct repair techniques, advocating for lime-based renders and plasters over cement, which can trap moisture and damage cob walls. They have extensive experience in stripping off inappropriate cement renders and carrying out necessary repairs using compatible materials like cob blocks and earth/lime mortar.

While cob construction has a longer drying and shrinkage period compared to modern methods, the company notes that projects are typically completed within a reasonable timeframe for bespoke builds. They also address the potential disadvantage of thicker walls required for modern insulation standards, which can increase the building's footprint, but consider it a worthwhile trade-off for the benefits of cob. The company's expertise extends to understanding the nuances of cob, including its durability when kept dry and the specific considerations for new builds, such as wider footings, stone plinths, and the shrinkage of both cob and timber elements.

They aim to provide comfortable, healthy, and energy-efficient buildings that blend aesthetically with their environment.