Austin coder builds timeless cob home using precise patterns
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Published 2014-08-04
He fell in love with medieval straw-clay cottages and cob buildings from around the world. After just a day learning the technique on another build, he was ready to build his own home.
Besides advice from an architect friend to use a scissor-truss system for roof support, and some help with framing, stonework, and plumbing, Zuker worked alone (no building permits were required in Travis County at that time). The build ended up taking him 3 years (nights and weekends while working full-time) and cost about $40,000 ($25,000 to build the house and $15,000 for the well and septic system).
Zuker was heavily influenced by the classic design handbook A Pattern Language (written mainly by architect Christopher Alexander) so rather than designing the home ahead of time, he waited to decide on details until after the home was under construction.
Original story on *faircompanies: faircompanies.com/videos/view/austin-coder-builds-…
All Comments (21)
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I've returned to this video more times than I can count over the years. Yesterday, the county finally approved our design. We begin building our straw bale house next week! Thank you for posting this inspirational video.
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This guy is the literal definition of "fine, I'll do it myself"
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"you just keep scratching your head until you find a way that works" 8:25 love this philosophy
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This guy personifies the If you want something nice but can't afford it but you build it yourself. Coming up with the woodland style on his own in the '80's is excellent. Well done.
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Gary, I write this in all sincerity: this is not just a house and a home, it is a work of Art, truly. well done, Sir.
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Really loved what Gary says about software/coding being so short lived.. that he wanted to build something real and timeless. What an incredible work of art!!
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That isn't a house... it is a piece of art!
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"...offensive to my eye...!" (a normal fridge)...what a smart and artistic man - what a dreamhouse he built before it was even cool! Salute!!
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I didn't realize how slick the designs are until we got into the kitchen appliances and the copper encased microwave and fridge... but seriously (and i watch a lot of these DIY home building projects) this is one of the most lovable and homey self built houses I have seen.
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finally a cob house in america that doesn't look like it was made by the grateful dead. absolutely beautiful.
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What's more impressive than the gorgeous final results is this man's attitude. He has a gentle, joyful approach where I've often seen over-planning. I was delighted to hear him say the basics of cob building could be learned in a couple hours (though I need more time than that!) gives me some hope I don't need to spend a decade learning and planning... there's something to be said in the simple "doing" 😊
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This house was super unique, warm , and inviting. The fact he had zero experience in home building when he started his build had a lot to do with its remarkable nature. In essence his blindfold were also his glasses. His lack of knowledge played a great deal into the paths taken to discover building technique and what was and was not possible. No constraints because he wasn’t burdened with convention building doctrine. AMAZING
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I hope you sent the stain glass maker a picture and showed him what you created. He said, you can't do that! Well, yes you did! Love this house! Congrats!
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I could have watched another 20 minutes of this guy. Nice video KD.
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Mr. Zuker is a consumate artist, and has created not a house, but a home full of magic. The tips about improving the worst spot on the property, and siting the door first, this is pure gold. Absolutely inspiring man and video. Thank you!
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Oh my goodness ! This house is right out of fairy tales & my dreams ! I adore this home. I'd rather have this house than any 1,000.000 dollar house. It's perfect ! Everything about it is special ! I would love to live there....very lucky people who own this home. Mr. Zuker did an awesome job !!!!
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So beautiful. I am always amazed at people who have the ability to just take on projects like this. In the fast paced world we live it, not many doers left!
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The roof is absolutely beautiful, loving the roof tiles! And making the kitchen so steampunk with all the copper casings and soapstone - genius and very esthetically pleasing
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Gary is a living testament to being bale to build without formal training. Its in our human blood to be builders since the dawn of time. Totally agree with build and design as you.
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OMG, he built one of the most amazing looking DIY houses without any skills! He must be gifted
