Mudbrick at COSME
Mudbrick dwelling at COSME
At COSME (New Buildings, NSW), we were most fortunate to inherit mudbrick dwellings on the property.
The previous owners were very aware of the importance of living in harmony with nature; providing not only protection from the elements, but also creating calmness and tranquility within that space.
Being of the Buddhist faith they built a small cottage for the resident lama and a meditation hut overlooking the valley and the Towamba River. The main residence is also mudbrick with an excellent open plan design for coolness in the summer, and easy to keep warm during the cold winters here.
Living as we do, enclosed by bushland and National Parks forest, we are happier knowing that earth-walled buildings have shown outstandingly good performance in bushfires.
The tragic Victorian fires a few years ago were a reminder that we all need to be aware of the materials we use when building our homes.
For those of you interested in finding out more about building in earth in bushfire area, go to the following websites:
RAMTEC Rammed Earth Specialists http://www.ramtec.com.au
The Earth Building Association of Australia (EBAA) http://www.ebaa.asn.au/publications.html
The Earth Building Association of Australia (EBAA) is hosting the AGM with weekend workshops, demonstrations and guest speakers giving talks thoughout the weekend. The venue is the mudbrick constructed ‘Bamarang Bush Retreat’, 10 minutes west of Nowra, 12th—14th October 2012. Check further details at http://www.ebaa.asn.au/news.html