The Cob Specialist is a Cornwall-based practice dedicated to the conservation, repair and construction of cob and earth buildings. Established in 1997, the business works principally across Cornwall and West Devon and provides specialist services for historic houses, listed buildings, traditional walls and new earth-building projects.
Cob repair and conservation
The practice undertakes sympathetic repairs to historic cob walls using traditional and compatible materials. Work ranges from localised repairs and stabilisation to substantial reconstruction where sections of walling have failed or require rebuilding.
Cob rebuilding and new construction
The Cob Specialist reconstructs cob walls in traditional buildings and also undertakes new-build earth construction. Work may include cottages, barns, garden walls and other structures, with an emphasis on appropriate materials, structural integrity and compatibility with existing fabric.
Cob surveys and reports
Specialist cob surveys and reports are available for homeowners, purchasers, architects, developers and local authorities. Surveys can investigate structural condition, moisture-related deterioration, inappropriate previous repairs and maintenance requirements.
Lime and breathable finishes
Complementary services include lime plastering, lime rendering and lime pointing to cob, stone, brick and lath backgrounds. The practice also advises on sympathetic and reversible approaches to damp and moisture in historic buildings.
Experience and conservation expertise
Founder Leslie Cornell Senior has worked with cob since 1997 and has contributed to professional education and conservation initiatives relating to earth construction. His experience includes involvement with Earth Building UK, the Cornish Cob Society, the Institute of Historic Building Conservation and the Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings.
Contact The Cob Specialist for advice on the condition, repair, reconstruction or maintenance of a traditional cob or earth-built property.
| Services & Expertise | |
|---|---|
| Principal Areas of Work: | Cob conservation and repair, cob wall rebuilding, earth construction, cob surveys and reports, lime plastering, lime rendering, lime pointing, historic building conservation |
| Capabilities and Specialisms: | Traditional cob construction, structural cob repairs, cob condition surveys, breathable lime finishes, damp assessment, compressed earth blocks, conservation advice, listed building repairs |
| Accreditations, Certifications & Memberships : | SPAB (Member and Advisor), Earth Building UK (Founding Member), Guild of Master Craftsmen (Member), IHBC (Membership / accreditation relating to cob), Site Management Safety Training Scheme (SMSTS), STBA — Retrofit Energy Efficiency for Pre-1914 Buildings |
| Accreditation & Membership Details: | Leslie Cornell Senior is a founding member of Earth Building UK and founder of the Cornish Cob Society. He has been a member of the Guild of Master Craftsmen and records IHBC membership/accreditation relating to cob, Site Management Safety Training Scheme accreditation and Level 2 training in Retrofit Energy Efficiency for Pre-1914 Buildings. Since 2021 he has served as a member and advisor to the Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings (SPAB). |
| Geographical Areas Covered: | Cornwall and West Devon, with specialist advice and selected projects further afield. |
| Contact & Online Presence | |
| Mobile: | +44 (0) 7849 659507 |
| Email: | info@thecobspecialist.co.uk |
| Business Details & Insurance. | |
| Company Trading Name: | The Cob Specialist |
