Cob building

[Rob Tucker]

One practical alternative is to use an ICF system for the concrete work. There is an excellent ICF (insulated concrete form) block called Apex which is carried by Lowe's. Apex will reduce your concrete volume to 26% and still give you the full strength of a full wall. Best part is it is insulated at R-30, is six hour fire rated and does not require a mason's skills or much skill at all. You can face it with a thin veneer of lava if you want to.

My own home is built with this method.